New Castle County, Delaware
"The First County in the First State"
County Home > Land Use > Property Code Enforcement > Property Maintenance Violations
Address:
NCC Government Center
87 Read's Way
New Castle, DE 19720

General Information & Property Complaints:
(302) 395-5555
Land Use Questions:
(302) 395-5400

Fax: (302) 395-5587

Hours:
Monday through Friday
8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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Property Maintenance Violations

Inspecting for Code Violations

New Castle County's Code Inspectors respond to complaints regarding potential code violations by inspecting the property.  Violations that constitute a significant safety hazard - such as an old refrigerator without the doors removed that is sitting out of doors - are followed by a directive to correct immediately.

A Violation Could Mean a Ticket!

Property maintenance violations could mean a $50 ticket.  Upon receiving a complaint, Code Enforcement will send a courtesy letter to the property owner giving them several days to correct the problem before an inspection.  If the violation still exists when the property is inspected, a ticket will be issued.  If the violation is still not corrected, additional tickets may be issued until it is fixed.  Once an owner receives a ticket, future complaints may be inspected without a courtesy letter being sent.

Most Common Violations in Residential Areas

Overgrown Grass & Weeds. Grass must be maintained at a height or 8 inches or less.
Structures in Disrepair.  Doors, windows, roofing, as well as accessory structures such as sheds and fences, must be maintained in good repair.
Vehicles.  Motor vehicles and trailers on your property must be operable and have up-to-date registration.  Vehicles, including boats & boat trailers, must be on a hardened surface.
Debris and Junk.  The yard should be free of debris, miscellaneous junk, branches, etc.  Appliances and bulk items such as stoves, refrigerators, furniture and tires, are considered debris and must not be left out on the property. 
Trash.  Trash and garbage awaiting pick up should be stored in lidded containers at all times.
Animal Feces.  Should not be allowed to accumulate.  Droppings should be cleaned up daily.  Enforced through the Police, pet owners are responsible for cleaning up feces deposited by their pets on others' properties within 1 hour.
Swimming Pools.  All pools capable of holding more than 2 feet of water (including above-ground pools) require a building permit.  All pools must meet strict requirements including fencing, self-latching gate and, if applicable, electrical standards.
Encroachment on Sidewalk.  Bushes, hedges, fences, or tree limbs must not encroach on the sidewalk.  No branch should be lower than 7 feet over the sidewalk.
Vacant Homes.  Any home that is vacant must be maintained as if it were occupied.  The grass and shrubs must be trimmed, the exterior in good repair and doors & windows secured.
Home Based Businesses. There are many restrictions on home-based businesses to protect the residential nature of the community.  Before beginning a home-based business, check with Land Use regarding the regulations and restrictions.  Also be certain to check your community's deed restrictions.