ADU rules in Delaware County, PA — also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances — cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.
Delaware County does not regulate accessory dwelling units. Under Pennsylvania's Municipalities Planning Code, zoning (including whether an ADU or in-law suite is allowed) is set by your borough, township, or city. Check your local zoning ordinance.
Pennsylvania counties do not adopt land-use zoning. The Municipalities Planning Code (Act 247 of 1968, 53 P.S. §10101 et seq.) delegates zoning to each of Delaware County's 49 municipalities. Section 603(b) authorizes a municipality's zoning ordinance to regulate the size, height, location, and use of structures and the areas of land they occupy. Whether an accessory dwelling unit, in-law suite, or second unit is permitted, and any owner-occupancy, size, or parking conditions, are defined in your municipal zoning code. Media, Radnor, Upper Darby, and Chester each set their own rules; there is no countywide ADU standard.
Zoning violations are enforced by the municipality through its zoning officer and district magistrate, typically as summary offenses with daily fines set by local ordinance.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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Delaware County sets no rule on artificial turf. Whether synthetic grass is allowed, and any impervious-coverage or stormwater conditions, is decided by your...
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Delaware County has no rule against native-plant or meadow landscaping. Native gardens are encouraged for stormwater and pollinator benefits, but you must st...
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There is no Delaware County weed ordinance. Each municipality bans noxious weeds and overgrown vegetation through its own property-maintenance code. Lower Ch...
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