Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in Wilmington

Wilmington, DE Public Conduct: Loud Party Ordinance (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Enforced by
Wilmington Police Department
First violation fine
$250 to $1,000
Second violation fine
$500 to $2,500
Third+ violation fine
$1,000 to $5,000
Test used
Plainly audible 50 feet away

Summary

Wilmington bans loud, raucous parties and noise from homes that carry across property lines or through shared walls at any hour, under the city's dwelling noise disturbance rule.

Noise disturbances within dwellings. Making or generating any noise disturbance by yelling, shouting, hooting or whistling, or otherwise making or generating any loud and raucous sound within a dwelling or structure at any time during any 24-hour day so as to be plainly audible across real property boundaries or through partitions common to two parties within a building, or plainly audible at a distance of 50 feet or more from the property boundary, and said noise disturbance unreasonably annoys and/or disturbs persons of normal sensitivities living or located on adjacent parcels or in adjacent dwelling units.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 72).

Full Breakdown

City Code Sec. 11-60(c)(12) makes it unlawful to generate loud and raucous sound, yelling, or shouting inside a dwelling at any time in a 24-hour day if it's plainly audible across the property line, through a shared partition, or 50 feet out, and unreasonably disturbs a neighbor of normal sensitivity. Whoever is making or allowing the noise -- typically the host or occupant -- is the person cited. Police enforce it under Sec. 11-58; no decibel meter is required, just the plainly-audible test.

Violations & Fines

Misdemeanor citation; fine of $250-$1,000 for a first violation, $500-$2,500 for a second, and $1,000-$5,000 for a third or later violation, with each day a separate offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Wilmington need to measure decibels to cite a loud party?
No. Sec. 11-60(c)(12) uses a plainly-audible test -- if loud, raucous sound from the dwelling carries across the property line, through shared walls, or 50 feet out and disturbs a neighbor, it's a violation.
Who gets cited for a loud house party in Wilmington?
The person making or allowing the noise disturbance within the dwelling, which in practice is the host or occupant of the party, is subject to citation and the escalating fine schedule.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Wilmington

Parking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSignificant RestrictionsLoitering RulesSome RestrictionsSkateboarding RulesSignificant RestrictionsPublic Alcohol UseSome RestrictionsJaywalkingSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesHeavy RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome Restrictions

All Wilmington rules

Compare Wilmington to another location·View the Delaware public conduct overview

Get notified when Loud Party Ordinance in Wilmington, DE changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.