Sussex County, DE Code Violation Reporting: How to Report (2026)

Under the Property Maintenance Code, the Constable's Office fields citizen complaints about violations such as grass or weeds over 12 inches high, prohibited accumulations, and vehicles or trailers improperly parked or stored. Once a complaint comes in, the Constable inspects the property to confirm whether a violation exists. If one is found, written notice goes to the owner (and, where applicable, the person responsible for the property), and that party has 10 calendar days to correct the condition. Miss the deadline and the Constable can issue a ticket carrying a $100 civil penalty, which doubles if not paid within 30 days of the ticket date; penalties can be added directly to the county property tax bill.

Because violations are treated as continuing, a new ticket and a new $100 penalty can be issued for each day the condition persists, though the Constable is not required to re-notice the same owner for the same violation within a 12-month window. Property owners who receive a ticket can appeal to the Board of Adjustments and Appeals under §80-4F. Note that this chapter does not reach properties inside an incorporated town unless that town has transferred code enforcement to the County, nor does it apply to land actively used for agriculture, horticulture or forestry.