Property Maintenance in Sussex County, DE (2026)

2 rules for unincorporated Sussex County, Delaware.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Sussex County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Property Blight

Sussex County's Code Official condemns any structure found unsafe or unfit for human occupancy under Chapter 71 of the county's Housing Standards, posting a placard reading "Condemned as Unfit for Human Occupancy or Use" and barring reoccupancy until repairs are approved. An unsafe structure is one so damaged, decayed, dilapidated or structurally unstable that partial or complete collapse is likely.

Sussex County Dangerous Building Condemnation

Significant Restrictions

Sussex County Code § 71-26

§ 71-26. Condemnation. A. General. When a structure is found by the Code Official to be unsafe or when a structure or part thereof is found unfit for human occupancy or use, it may be condemned pursuant to the provisions of this chapter and may be placarded and vacated. Such condemned structure shall not be reoccupied without approval of the Code Official, but such approval may not be withheld ...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Vacant Lot Maintenance

Sussex County caps grass and weeds at 12 inches on improved and unimproved land under § 80-1 of its Property Maintenance Code, reaching vacant lots as well as occupied yards outside agricultural use. The Constable's Office tickets owners who don't cut within 10 days of notice, adding a $100 civil penalty that doubles if unpaid after 30 days.

Sussex County Vacant Lot Weed Limit

Some Restrictions

Sussex County Code § 80-1

A. No person or entity being the owner, occupant or party responsible for the owner or possessor of improved or unimproved lands or premises that are not used for bona fide agricultural purposes shall permit grasses or weeds to grow more than 12 inches high upon such lands or premises. B. No person or entity being the owner, occupant or party responsible for improved or unimproved lands or prem...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

All Sussex County ordinances

See every category we cover for Sussex County: parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.

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