Quick Info

Agenda Center

View current agendas and minutes for all boards and commissions.

Boards & Committees-Land Use

1. Agenda Center

   View current agendas and minutes for all boards and commissions.

2. Virtual Meetings-Land Use

   Information on "virtual" board hearings and public meetings for Land Use as part of New Castle County's COVID-19 Response.

3. Board of Adjustment

   The Board of Adjustment considers requests from property owners for variances from a variety of county laws and regulations.

4. Board of License, Inspection & Review

   The board hears appeals regarding the issuance, transfer, renewal, refusal, suspension, revocation, or cancellation of a county license or with respect to the effect of any county inspection.

5. Historic Review Board

   The Historic Review Board makes recommendations and delineations for historic district boundaries, maintains a survey of historic properties, and reviews permits relative to historic properties.

6. Planning Board

   The Planning Board is responsible for reviewing proposed changes to zoning, subdivision regulations, deed restrictions, and the Comprehensive Development Plan. The Board is also tasked with rendering a final decision on subdivision variances and appeals of Land Use Department interpretations of subdivision regulations.

7. PMTAC

   The PMTAC shall advise the Department of Land Use with the application of the provisions of the adopted International Plumbing, Mechanical, Fuel Gas Code, Energy Conservation Code and associated Codes and Standards.

8. 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.

9. DRACs

   A Design Review Advisory Committee (DRAC) is responsible for reviewing land development applications to ensure compliance with the community redevelopment plan and/or design guidelines manual and making recommendations to the county Department of Land Use. In addition, the committees review and make recommendations regarding revisions and updates to the community redevelopment plan and/or design guidelines manual based on community standards.

FOIA

Information on submitting a Freedom of Information Act request, application form, and policy.

Home Improvements

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

Land Use Index A-Z

Listing of subjects and locations

Licensed Contractor Search

Online Services - Land Use

Explore the many online services available with the Department of Land Use such as applications and payments.

1. eServices

2. Property Maintenance Complaints

3. Property Search

4. Land Development Project Search

5. Permit Search

6. Contractor & Builder Services

7. Permit & Inspection Services

8. Interactive Maps

Permits

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 Maintenance Violations

Find out more about violations related to the property maintenance code.

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.

Live Here

Learn about properties, building and development projects, Land Use laws and codes, property maintenance concerns and information regarding the future of your community.

1. Civic Association Manual

   The Civic Association Manual addresses issues commonly encountered by members of civic associations and focuses on three major areas: deed restrictions, organization of meetings, and finances. You will also find an FAQ section and a helpful appendix with additional resources.

2. Code Enforcement & Property Maintenance

   Learn about how we enforce the laws regarding violations of county zoning, property maintenance, and building codes.

3. Comprehensive Plan

   Find out about the process and planning related to the County's vision for the future.

4. Development & Planning

   Learn about the process for new land development projects, area studies, hometown overlays, and search for active projects.

5. Interactive Maps

   Access interactive mapping tools and viewers for County land, properties, new development, zoning, environmental features and more.

6. Land Use Laws and County Code

   View and search the many laws and codes related to New Castle County and the Department of Land Use.

7. Maintenance Corporations

   New Castle County has developed a Maintenance Corporation Manual to assist homeowners in managing certain aspects of their communities.

8. Parcel Search

   Search for property information by parcel number or address and view details such as district and zoning information, owner and assessment data, and much more.

9. Permits

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

10. Property Owner Services

    Explore various topics of interest to property owners in New Castle County, such as assessment information.

11. Zoning

    Find information about zoning districts and maps related to areas within unincorporated New Castle County.

12. Boards & Commissions

    View a complete list of New Castle County Boards and Commissions such as the Board of Adjustment, Historic Review Board, and Planning Board.

Build Here

Find out about the Land Development application process, requirements for building permits and licensing, and county code regulations.

1. Jobs Now

   Learn about New Castle County's Jobs Now development program for job-rich, non-residential projects that are ready to build and are committed to bringing employment opportunities to New Castle County.

2. Building & Use Permits

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

3. Development & Planning

   Learn about the process for new land development projects in New Castle County.

4. Engineering Services

   Find information related to stormwater management, sediment & erosion control, plan review, site inspections, and other engineering responsibilities and services.

5. Online Services

   Explore the many online services available with the Department of Land Use such as applications and payments, plan submission and review, virtual inspections, and much more.

6. Zoning

   Find information about zoning districts, zoning maps, and other items related to zoning for areas within unincorporated New Castle County.

Do Business Here

Learn about New Castle County regulations and how Land Use resources relate to your business and provide economic competitiveness in the region.

1. Jobs Now

   Learn about New Castle County's Jobs Now development program for job-rich, non-residential projects that are ready to build and are committed to bringing employment opportunities to New Castle County.

2. Building and Use Permits

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

3. Contractor & Builder Services

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

4. Code Enforcement

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

5. 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.

6. County Laws & Code

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

7. Land Development & Planning

   Gather more information about the Development and Planning Division.

8. 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.

9. 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.