Coastal Development: Newark vs Wilmington
How do coastal development rules compare between Newark, DE and Wilmington, DE?
Newark and Wilmington have similar restriction levels.
Newark, DE
New Castle County
New Castle County contains Delaware Coastal Zone Act (CZA) regulated areas along the Delaware River and Bay (7 Del.C. Chapter 70). Heavy industry is banned in the coastal zone; most other development requires DNREC approval. Wetlands are protected under 7 Del.C. Chapter 66 (Wetlands Act). Port of Wilmington operates under special CZA provisions. Subaqueous Lands Act (7 Del.C. Chapter 72) regulates tidal and river bottoms.
View full Newark rules →Wilmington, DE
New Castle County
New Castle County contains Delaware Coastal Zone Act (CZA) regulated areas along the Delaware River and Bay (7 Del.C. Chapter 70). Heavy industry is banned in the coastal zone; most other development requires DNREC approval. Wetlands are protected under 7 Del.C. Chapter 66 (Wetlands Act). Port of Wilmington operates under special CZA provisions. Subaqueous Lands Act (7 Del.C. Chapter 72) regulates tidal and river bottoms.
View full Wilmington rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Newark | Wilmington |
|---|---|---|
| CZA | 7 Del.C. Ch. 70 | 7 Del.C. Ch. 70 |
| Wetlands Act | 7 Del.C. Ch. 66 | 7 Del.C. Ch. 66 |
| Subaqueous Lands | 7 Del.C. Ch. 72 | 7 Del.C. Ch. 72 |
| Heavy Industry | Banned in coastal zone | Banned in coastal zone |
| Authority | DNREC Division of Water | DNREC Division of Water |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Newark FAQ
Can I build a dock on the Delaware River behind my house?
Only with permits from DNREC Division of Water (Subaqueous Lands and Wetlands), the US Army Corps of Engineers, and possibly the Coast Guard. Docks on tidal water require multiple approvals and typically a submerged lands lease with Delaware.
Why can't a refinery be built on the Delaware River in NCC?
The 1971 Delaware Coastal Zone Act bans new heavy industry in the coastal zone, one of the strongest state-level coastal protection laws in the country. Existing pre-1971 facilities may continue but cannot expand into prohibited categories.
Wilmington FAQ
Can I build a dock on the Delaware River behind my house?
Only with permits from DNREC Division of Water (Subaqueous Lands and Wetlands), the US Army Corps of Engineers, and possibly the Coast Guard. Docks on tidal water require multiple approvals and typically a submerged lands lease with Delaware.
Why can't a refinery be built on the Delaware River in NCC?
The 1971 Delaware Coastal Zone Act bans new heavy industry in the coastal zone, one of the strongest state-level coastal protection laws in the country. Existing pre-1971 facilities may continue but cannot expand into prohibited categories.
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