Home Business in Wilmington, DE (2026)
4 verified home business rules for Wilmington, Delaware, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Zoning & Home Occupation Permits
Wilmington allows home businesses by right if low-intensity, but caps customers, signage, and staff: anything busier needs a zoning board special exception under City Code § 48-131.
Wilmington Home Occupation Zoning Rules
Some RestrictionsWilmington City Code § 48-131(c)(8)
Low-intensity home occupation, limited to one per dwelling unit and provided that it is conducted without: a. The sale or storage of any stock-in-trade on the premises; b. The presence of more than two customers or clients on the premises per hour; c. Any external evidence or effect of such occupation, except that either a nonilluminated interior window sign not exceeding 144 square inches in a...
Signage Rules
Wilmington's zoning code caps home-based business signage at 144 square inches: either a non-illuminated interior window sign or a small brass or bronze facade plaque, with no other exterior evidence of the business allowed.
Wilmington Home Business Sign Limits
Some RestrictionsWilmington City Code § 48-131(c)(8)c
(8)Low-intensity home occupation, limited to one per dwelling unit and provided that it is conducted without: ... c. Any external evidence or effect of such occupation, except that either a nonilluminated interior window sign not exceeding 144 square inches in area, or a brass or bronze plaque not exceeding 144 square inches in area mounted on the facade of the building, shall be permitted;
Customer Traffic Restrictions
Wilmington's zoning code caps home-based businesses at two customers or clients on the premises per hour for a by-right, owner-only home occupation in any residential district.
Wilmington Home Occupation Customer Limit
Some RestrictionsWilmington City Code § 48-131(c)(8)
Low-intensity home occupation, limited to one per dwelling unit and provided that it is conducted without:a.The sale or storage of any stock-in-trade on the premises;b.The presence of more than two customers or clients on the premises per hour;c.Any external evidence or effect of such occupation, except that either a nonilluminated interior window sign not exceeding 144 square inches in area...
Home Daycare
Wilmington waives its business license fee for family day care homes that are state-approved and supervised, capping enrollment at six preschool children including the provider's own kids.
Wilmington Home Daycare License Fee Waived
Light RestrictionsWilmington City Code § 5-104
Day care homes which care for children aged one week to six years during a portion of a 24-hour day that shall be approved and supervised by the division of social services of the department of health and social services are exempt from licensing fees. The number of children in the home shall not exceed six preschool children including the approved parents' own preschool children.(b)Nursing, co...
Looking for New Castle County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Wilmington city rules.
Home Business in New Castle County →