Wilmington's STR ordinance under Ch. 48 Section 48-104.6 distinguishes owner-occupied registrations from non-primary-residence rentals, with non-primary STRs typically restricted to specific zoning districts and subject to closer review.
Wilmington Zoning Code Ch. 48 Section 48-104.6 treats short-term rentals differently based on whether the host occupies the property. Owner-occupied or homestead STRs face lighter review and can register in most residential zones, while whole-home, non-owner-occupied STRs are restricted to designated mixed-use, commercial, or specific residential districts. Applicants must submit deed records or a Delaware homestead exemption to verify primary residence status. Homestead status under the Delaware Code helps establish the residency claim, and falsified attestations are grounds for revocation and possible code-enforcement penalties under the Wilmington City Code.
Falsely claiming primary-residence status to bypass zoning limits can result in registration revocation, fines, and potential prosecution for false statements on a city application.
Wilmington, DE
Wilmington's STR framework under Ch. 48 Section 48-104.6 differentiates hosted stays, where the operator remains on-site, from unhosted whole-home rentals, w...
Wilmington, DE
Wilmington requires a residential property rental license and STR operator permit. Most residential zones (R1–R5) do not permit STRs; a citywide cap of 150 S...
See how Wilmington's primary-residence-only rule rules stack up against other locations.
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