New Castle County, DE Parking Rules: Driveway Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Rule
- Hardened surface required for parked vehicles
- Applies to
- Residential zoning districts countywide
- Acreage exemption
- Lots over 5 acres exempt
- First citation penalty
- $50, rising to $100
- Code section
- PMC § 302.8.7
Summary
New Castle County requires every parked or stored vehicle, RV, or off-highway vehicle in a residential zoning district to sit on a hardened surface, brick, block, pavers, stone, concrete, asphalt, or crushed decorative rock, covering the vehicle's full footprint.
Parking of vehicles. In any residential zoning district, the parking or storage of any vehicle, recreational vehicle, or off-highway vehicle is prohibited, unless it is parked or stored on a hardened surface constructed of material treated or covered with brick, block, pavers, stone, concrete, asphalt or crushed decorative rock. The surface must completely extend the entire length and width of the vehicle.
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
The Property Maintenance Code bans parking or storing any vehicle, recreational vehicle, or off-highway vehicle in a residential zoning district unless it sits on a hardened surface, brick, block, pavers, stone, concrete, asphalt, or crushed decorative rock, that extends the vehicle's full length and width; bare dirt or grass doesn't qualify. Exceptions cover lots over 5 acres, construction vehicles actively working the site, and disaster-emergency RVs. This chapter applies in unincorporated New Castle County and in any incorporated municipality that opts to have the County handle property maintenance enforcement, Wilmington and Newark run their own codes and are not covered here.
Violations & Fines
Code enforcement issues a citation carrying a civil penalty starting at $50, rising to $100 for repeat citations within a year, and doubling if unpaid after 30 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I park my car on the grass or dirt in New Castle County?
Does this rule apply inside Wilmington or Newark?
Is there an exemption for large properties?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in New Castle County
Compare New Castle County to another location·View the Delaware parking rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.