New Castle County, DE Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- General stationary-source limit
- 10 dBA above ambient at property line
- Pure-tone/impulsive-sound limit
- 5 dBA above ambient
- Construction equipment hours
- Barred 9 p.m.-7 a.m. weekdays
- First-offense fine
- $250 to $1,000
- Enforcement
- New Castle County Police Department
Summary
New Castle County caps noise from stationary sources like industrial and commercial equipment at 10 dBA above ambient levels, with a tighter 5 dBA limit for pure tones or repetitive impulsive sounds, measured at the complaining property line.
A noise which exceeds the ambient noise level by ten (10) dBA, at the point of complaint origination within the receiving property, except as otherwise regulated in this Section... Any stationary source of sound which emits a pure tone, cyclically varying sound or repetitive impulsive sound shall be considered a noise disturbance if the sound exceeds the ambient noise level by five (5) dBA.
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
Sec. 22.02.008 bars any noise disturbance in the county, defining one as a stationary source, including industrial and commercial equipment, that exceeds the ambient noise level by 10 dBA generally, or by just 5 dBA for a pure tone, cyclically varying, or repetitive impulsive sound, measured at the complaining property line. The same section limits commercial construction, repair, alteration, and demolition equipment to daytime hours (before 9 p.m./after 7 a.m. weekdays, tighter on weekends and holidays) and bans equipment with tampered sound-control devices. New Castle County Police enforce it in the county's unincorporated area; Wilmington and Newark, whose territory is not covered by this Code, enforce their own separate noise ordinances. Fines start at $250-$1,000 and rise to $1,000-$5,000 per repeat offense, with each day a separate violation.
Violations & Fines
First offense: $250-$1,000 fine. Second offense: $500-$2,500. Third and later offenses: $1,000-$5,000 each, classified a misdemeanor. Each day a violation continues counts as a separate offense, prosecuted by County Police.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this noise standard apply inside Wilmington or Newark?
What noise level triggers a violation for a factory or warehouse?
When can commercial construction equipment run?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in New Castle County
Compare New Castle County to another location·View the Delaware noise ordinances overview
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