Land Use Services

About Land Use

Learn about the Dept. of Land Use and its Divisions, mission and general information.

Administrative Hearings

New Castle County Government has the responsibility of investigating complaints and ensuring compliance with the adopted codes and standards. Learn about the Administrative Hearing process and associated FAQs, forms and other resources.

Agenda Center

View current agendas and minutes for all boards and commissions.

Code Enforcement

Find out more about how code is enforced in the county.

1. Property Maintenance Violations

   Find out more about code violations.

2. Extensions

   Learn how you can get an extension for a deadline.

3. Paying Tickets

   Paying Tickets

4. Ticket Appeal Process

   Learn about how you can appeal a ticket.

5. Zoning Violations

   Browse details on what constitutes a zoning violation.

6. Vacant Property Registration

7. Rental Property Registration

8. Tenants & Rental Code

   Take a closer look at tenant and rental code enforcement.

9. County Laws & Code

10. Report a Concern

County Laws & Code

Learn about the various laws and ordinances that make up New Castle County Code.

Contractor & Builder Services

If you're a contractor, get information you need before starting a project.

1. Contractor Licensing

   Get the latest on licensing procedures.

2. Property Owner Services

   Resources and information for property owners.

3. Inspection Checklists

   Get documents to help you prepare for inspections.

4. License Verification Forms

   Find information on self-certification.

5. Permits Requirements

6. Code Opinions

7. Building Safety Month

   Building Safety Month (BSM) is a public awareness campaign celebrated by jurisdictions worldwide during the month of May for the past 38 years to help individuals, families and businesses understand what it takes to create safe and sustainable structures. The campaign reinforces the need for the adoption of modern, regularly-updated building codes, a strong and efficient system of code enforcement and a well-trained, professional workforce to maintain the system.

Development & Planning

Gather more information about the Development and Planning Division.

1. New Plans

   View recent plans and what they entail.

2. Active Plans

   View plans currently in progress.

3. Area and Special Studies

   New Castle County is conducting and partnering with other agencies on a number of studies. Read about what is currently underway and what has happened recently.

4. Comprehensive Plan

   The comprehensive plan provides the blueprint for future development and redevelopment in New Castle County. Changes to the Unified Development Code, re-zonings, and capital programs must all be reviewed within the context of conformity with the Comprehensive Development Plan.

5. Hometown Overlays

   Learn more about hometown overlays.

6. Planning

   Get an inside view on the planning process.

7. Project Search

   Search for projects.

8. Zoning & Rezoning

9. Legislation and Initiatives

   Learn about the Department of Land Uses's latest legislation and initiatives, such as ordinances under consideration for changes to the Unified Development Code, as well as area and special studies.

10. County Council

11. County Laws & Code

12. Agenda Center

Engineering

1. Plan Review

   Get a closer look at the engineering review process.

2. Site Inspections

   Browse information on managing your job site.

3. RPATAC

   RPATAC is responsible for providing technical support and recommendations to the Land Use Department concerning the technical definition and criteria of any resource protection area; advising the Department when the RPATAC determines that performance standards should be amended; providing technical support and recommendations to the Board of Adjustment concerning any application made to that Board; and advising the Department when the RPATAC determines that this division, or any regulations promulgated pursuant to this division, should be amended.

GreeNCC - Land Use Initiatives

GreeNCC is a countywide program established to improve the environment and enhance the quality of life for county residents by enacting policies, practices and legislation to enhance water and air quality, encourage healthy and eco-friendly lifestyles, conserve and protect local habitats, promote smart growth, and reduce harmful emissions by promoting renewables and improving energy efficiency.

Inspections

Browse information on the Office of Inspections.

1. Inspection Scheduling

2. Meet Your Inspector (NEW!)

3. Inspections Checklists

4. Self-Certification

   Download forms for self-certification.

5. Code Opinions

6. Contractor & Builder Services

7. Virtual Inspections

Jobs Now

Jobs Now is a new review process designed for job-rich projects that are ready to build and establishes submission and review deadlines necessary to get projects under construction and built as soon as possible while maintaining a quality review.

Legislation and Initiatives

Learn about the Department of Land Uses's latest legislation and initiatives, such as ordinances under consideration for changes to the Unified Development Code, as well as area and special studies.

Maps & Interactive Viewers

Geographical Information Systems (GIS) maps of New Castle County and additional interactive viewers.

Permits

Learn about various types of building and use permits, such as for certain home improvements, new construction, and other activities requiring a permit.

1. Home Improvements

   A Quick Guide to Applying for a Building Permit for your Home Improvement Project

2. Guide to Home Improvement Contracts

3. Non-Residential Permits

   Find permits and requirements for licensed contractors.

4. Other Permits

   Information on specialized permits and certificates of use

5. Residential Permits

   Learn about getting residential permits.

6. Utility Permits

   Learn more about utility permits.

7. ePlans

8. Elevator Compliance & Operation

9. Performance Measures & Reports

Property Owner Services

1. Assessment & Tax Exemptions

   Learn more about the assessment process.

2. Home Improvements

   View rules on making home improvements, and the the permits you need to take on such projects.

3. Non-Residential Permits

   Download non-residential permit applications.

4. Parcel Search

   Search for parcels in New Castle County.

5. Permit Search

   Search for building and use permits issued in New Castle County (does not include incorporated towns/cities).

6. Residential Use Information

   Peruse the rules and regulations of residential use.

Performance Measurements & Reports

View various monthly and annual reports that are issued in order to provide County officials, State and local agencies, and members of the public with periodic assessments of various work and accomplishments of the Department.

Vacant Spaces

New Castle County's Vacant Property Initiative

Zoning

Learn about current zoning standards, maps and districts, as well as information on the re-zoning process and how to obtain a certification of zoning.