New Castle County UDC 40.04.110 requires vacant lot owners to maintain grass under 10 inches, remove trash and debris, and secure structures. Municipal abatement with lien available for non-compliance.
New Castle County UDC 40.04.110 requires all property owners, including owners of vacant lots, to maintain their land free of nuisance. Grass and weeds must be kept under 10 inches; taller areas must be designated natural areas or agricultural use with appropriate UDC classification. Trash, debris, and illegal dumping must be removed. Any abandoned structures on the lot must be secured against trespass with boarded openings and fencing if needed. Mosquito-breeding standing water (tires, containers) is prohibited and also enforceable by DNREC mosquito control. Vacant lots adjacent to occupied properties receive priority enforcement for fire hazard conditions. Wilmington's parallel program uses Land Bank acquisition for long-term vacant problem lots. Non-compliant lots receive Notice of Violation; if ignored, the county mows and cleans up at owner expense.
Grass over 10 inches: 10-day Notice of Violation, then municipal mowing at $200 to $500+ per occurrence plus 15% admin charged to owner. Debris accumulation: cleanup lien. Unsecured structures: emergency securing at owner expense. Repeat violations: monthly tracking with escalating fees.
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