Sussex County, DE Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)

Section 71-11 of the County Housing Code, "Condition of premises," lists the maintenance duties every owner or occupant of a Sussex County property must meet, and Subsection G targets vegetation directly, requiring premises to be kept free of noxious growth and trimmed to no more than 12 inches. The duty runs with the property regardless of whether it's occupied: Subsection B separately requires vacant structures and vacant land to be kept in a "clean, safe, secure and sanitary condition" so they don't cause blight, and Subsection A makes the owner responsible for compliance whether the owner occupies the property or lets it to a tenant.

Enforcement follows the same Article III procedure as every other Chapter 71 standard: the Code Official can inspect the premises under § 71-25, issue a written notice and correction order under § 71-27 giving the owner reasonable time to cut the growth back to 12 inches or less, and refer the matter for prosecution if the order isn't obeyed.