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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in New Castle County, DE

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

New Castle County UDC defines commercial lodging (hotels, motels, boarding/rooming houses) as commercial uses and does not permit them in many residential zoning districts; bed-and-breakfasts are separately defined and permitted with standards (owner must reside in the dwelling as principal residence; minimum floor area and lot/parking/open-space/sign rules apply; B&B parking must be off-street and screened). No county-wide short-term-rental license/registration for transient whole-house STRs is codified in the UDC; transient lodging is controlled by zoning use classifications and zoning permits.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Confirm parcel zoning via New Castle County zoning/parcel lookup and consult the UDC to determine whether the desired lodging use (e.g., bed & breakfast versus commercial lodging) is permitted in that zoning district. 2) Apply for the required zoning permit from the Department of Land Use (UDC Sec. 40.31.240 requires a zoning permit prior to building permit). 3) If the property is a residential rental, complete the County’s Rental Property Registration form online; registration is free of charge.

Official Resources

Official New Castle County STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in New Castle County, DE?
New Castle County UDC defines commercial lodging (hotels, motels, boarding/rooming houses) as commercial uses and does not permit them in many residential zoning districts; bed-and-breakfasts are separately defined and permitted with standards (owner must reside in the dwelling as principal residence; minimum floor area and lot/parking/open-space/sign rules apply; B&B parking must be off-street and screened). No county-wide short-term-rental license/registration for transient whole-house STRs is codified in the UDC; transient lodging is controlled by zoning use classifications and zoning permits.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in New Castle County?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in New Castle County. 1) Confirm parcel zoning via New Castle County zoning/parcel lookup and consult the UDC to determine whether the desired lodging use (e.g., bed & breakfast versus commercial lodging) is permitted in that zoning district. 2) Apply for the required zoning permit from the Department of Land Use (UDC Sec. 40.31.240 requires a zoning permit prior to building permit). 3) If the property is a residential rental, complete the County’s Rental Property Registration form online; registration is free of charge.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in New Castle County?
1) Confirm parcel zoning via New Castle County zoning/parcel lookup and consult the UDC to determine whether the desired lodging use (e.g., bed & breakfast versus commercial lodging) is permitted in that zoning district. 2) Apply for the required zoning permit from the Department of Land Use (UDC Sec. 40.31.240 requires a zoning permit prior to building permit). 3) If the property is a residential rental, complete the County’s Rental Property Registration form online; registration is free of charge.

Disclaimer

This information is for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. STR regulations change frequently. Always verify requirements with official local government sources before operating a short-term rental.

Last verified: March 2026 · Suggest a correction