6 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in New Castle County, Delaware.
Verified from official government sources
Home occupations in unincorporated New Castle County are permitted as accessory uses in residential zoning districts under UDC Chapter 40, subject to conditions including resident-owner occupancy and no exterior change in character.
Home businesses in New Castle County residential zones may use only a small nameplate sign. Commercial signage is not permitted in residential zoning districts under UDC Chapter 40.
Home businesses in New Castle County must not generate customer traffic that creates parking, noise, or character impacts on residential neighborhoods.
Delaware's Cottage Food Law (16 Del. C. §134) allows home-baked goods, jams, and shelf-stable foods to be sold up to $40,000 annually. Registration with Delaware Department of Health required. Labeling with home kitchen disclaimer mandatory.
Delaware licenses family home daycares through the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL). New Castle County UDC permits licensed family daycare as a home occupation in residential zones. Capacity limits: 6 to 12 children depending on license type.
Unincorporated New Castle County permits home occupations under UDC §40.03.420 (Accessory uses, residential home uses) without a discretionary permit for the basic, no-employee operation, but a Conditional Home Occupation Agreement is required if the operator wants to bring on non-resident employees or independent contractors. The home occupation may not exceed 25% of the dwelling's gross floor area, must remain inside the dwelling, may have up to two full-time (or four part-time, max two on-site) non-resident employees with the agreement, and must use only the principal driveway for parking.
1 cities in New Castle County have their own home business rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
See every category we cover for New Castle County — parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
New Castle County Ordinance Hub →