Building permits are required for any additions, improvements (such as siding and replacement windows), decks, storage barns, fences and swimming pools.

Residential permits are $25 for up to $5,000 in valuation and $50 for valuations over $5,000.

Permits (excluding siding and windows) require a footprint sketch showing the proposed placement of the structure on the property. Setback distances from property lines, as well as dimensions for lot coverage, are to be denoted so as to determine whether a variance would be required by the Board of Zoning Appeals.

Commercial building permits are $125, with an additional $10 for every $10,000 over $10,000 in valuation, not to exceed $500 total.

Advertising sign permits are $50. A sketch must accompany the fee. The City has a new ordinance that prohibits pole signs and billboards. Ground signs and wall signs are preferred.

Swimming pools require a permit costing $50.00.

Those wishing to install a pool, either above or below ground, must show a sketch indicating that pool is at least 10 feet from the rear property line, 10 feet from the house and 7 feet from the nearest side lot line.

The pool cannot be located under any overhead lines.

The pool counts toward lot coverage as an accessory building/use.

The pool must be adequately enclosed with minimum 4-foot height fence with lock and gate. If the pool is above ground and of rigid-sided design of minimum 4 foot height, the fencing requirement may be waived.

Fences require a permit fee of $25, unless the cost of the fence is under $500, in which case the fee is $15.

The applicant must show a footprint sketch indicating where the fence will be located on the property.

The entirety of the property may be fenced.

The fence may be located on the property line, but it is incumbent on the homeowner to locate the property pins or have the property surveyed.

It is always recommended that fences between adjoining properties be placed a lawnmower's width off of the property line so as to be able to maintain both sides of the fence while staying on one’s own property.

Fences are not to exceed 6 feet in height in a rear yard and 3 feet in height in a front yard area.

Fences on corner lots may have more restrictive fence heights due to visibility issues and conformity measures with regard to contiguous line of structures.

Trash must be placed out for pick-up no earlier than 24 hours prior to pick-up, and containers must be removed within 24 hours after pick-up.

The City of Dover has a high grass and weeds ordinance. If grass exceeds 6 inches in height, it will be ordered mowed by the Service Director, and in the case of noncompliance, an agent of the City will then mow the grass with costs assessed against the property as a lien.

Junk vehicles are not tolerated within the city limits. If a vehicle is unlicensed and/or inoperable it will be towed to an impound lot by the Police Department.

There is a prohibition of parking commercial vehicles, RVs, trailers and boats in residential districts. Such parking may be permitted off-street only, and in such case only in a required rear yard with adequate paving. No vehicle shall infringe upon the residential character of a residential district.

There is a prohibition of allowing junk to be stored on properties, and the city actively pursues the enforcement of that nuisance.