New Castle County, DE Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Approved materials
- wood, brick, masonry, stone, wrought iron, vinyl, aluminum, PVC
- Banned materials
- sheet/corrugated metal, plywood, CMU block
- Barbed/razor wire
- prohibited on residential lots
- Applies to
- unincorporated New Castle County only
Summary
New Castle County allows wood, brick, masonry, stone, wrought iron, vinyl, aluminum and PVC fencing but bans sheet or corrugated metal, plywood, CMU block, and barbed or razor wire on residential lots.
Approved fencing material. Fences must be constructed of approved materials, including: wood, brick, decorative masonry, stone, wrought iron, manufactured vinyl, aluminum, and PVC fence material. Prohibited fencing material. No fence shall be constructed of sheet or corrugated metal, plywood, concrete masonry unit block (with the exception of use for a retaining wall), or other materials not manufactured or designed for the primary purpose of fence construction. ... Barbed or razor wire is prohibited for fence construction.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 5).
Full Breakdown
County Code Section 40.03.410.E lists the fencing materials allowed on residential lots: wood, brick, decorative masonry, stone, wrought iron, manufactured vinyl, aluminum, and PVC fence material. It then bars sheet or corrugated metal, plywood, and concrete masonry unit block (except when used for a retaining wall), plus any material not manufactured or designed for fence construction. Metal prongs or spikes not built into a fence section, and barbed or razor wire, are prohibited outright for residential fence construction. This governs unincorporated New Castle County; Wilmington and Newark set their own fencing rules under their separate municipal codes.
Violations & Fines
Nonconforming fencing is a Chapter 40 zoning code violation; the Department of Land Use can order removal or replacement and pursue code enforcement penalties for noncompliant material.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chain-link with barbed wire on top in New Castle County?
Does this rule apply inside Wilmington or Newark?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in New Castle County
Compare New Castle County to another location·View the Delaware fence regulations overview
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