New Castle County, DE Sign Regulations: Political Signs (2026)
Key Facts
- Max size
- 32 square feet
- Districts allowed
- All zoning districts
- Election signs
- No permit required
- Applies to
- Unincorporated county only
- Enforcement
- Dept. of Land Use, 30-day notice
Summary
New Castle County caps noncommercial ideological, religious, and political signs at 32 square feet and allows them in every zoning district without site limitations, under the Unified Development Code's sign article.
Noncommercial signs relating to ideological, religious or political thought, provided they do not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in area. ... Permits shall be required for all signs except the following types: a. Real estate sign, lot-premises type. b. Nameplate. c. Instructional. d. Temporary election sign.
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
Under Section 40.06.040.A.12 of the Unified Development Code, noncommercial signs expressing ideological, religious, or political thought may not exceed 32 square feet in area, but are otherwise permitted in every zoning district in unincorporated New Castle County without further placement restrictions. Temporary election signs are separately exempted from the Department of Land Use's sign permit requirement under Section 40.06.050.D.4.d. Wilmington and Newark, the county's two largest incorporated cities, enforce their own separate sign codes, not this chapter, for signs inside their limits.
Violations & Fines
No permit or size violation exists below 32 square feet; an oversized ideological/political sign is subject to Department of Land Use inspection, a repair-or-remove notice, and removal by the County if not corrected within 30 days under Section 40.06.050.A.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big can a political yard sign be in New Castle County?
Do I need a permit for a temporary election sign?
Does this rule apply inside Wilmington or Newark?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in New Castle County
Compare New Castle County to another location·View the Delaware sign regulations overview
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