5 rules for unincorporated New Castle County, Delaware.
Verified from official government sources
New Castle County requires trash and recycling containers to be screened from street view between collection days per UDC 40.04.110. Bins may be at curb 12 hours before pickup and must be returned within 12 hours after. Wilmington has similar rules.
New Castle County enforces the International Property Maintenance Code through UDC Article 40. Peeling paint, broken windows, accumulated debris, and overgrown vegetation are violations. Wilmington's vacant property registration program adds escalating fees.
New Castle County UDC 40.04.110 requires vacant lot owners to maintain grass under 10 inches, remove trash and debris, and secure structures. Municipal abatement with lien available for non-compliance.
New Castle County does not impose a countywide snow clearance mandate on property owners for public sidewalks. The City of Wilmington requires sidewalk clearing within a set period (typically 24 hours after snowfall ends) under Wilmington City Code. Newark and other incorporated places have their own rules. NCC Code property maintenance provisions address general accumulation but do not specify sidewalk deadlines countywide.
New Castle County property maintenance rules apply to yard sale conduct: merchandise must be displayed neatly, cleaned up same-day after sale hours, and signs removed within 24 hours. Unsold items left visible between sale days can trigger blight citations under NCC Code Chapter 9. Signs on utility poles or public right-of-way violate UDC sign rules and 17 Del.C. right-of-way provisions.
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