Georgetown, Delaware Zoning & Land Use Guide
Official references and local checks
Use the official references below to identify the rules that apply to your address, then confirm parcel-specific requirements with the local authority before filing an application.
Official references
- Population:
- 7,193
- State building code:
- Delaware State Fire Prevention Code (references IBC)(statewide default)
- State ADU law:
- No statewide override; local rules apply
- FEMA flood map:
- Search flood zones
- Planning department:
- Town of Georgetown Planning & Community Development Department
- Municipal code:
- View code online
- Zoning map:
- View local zoning map
Before you apply
- Call the Town of Georgetown Planning & Community Development Department: (302) 856-7391
- Search the municipal code for the chapter that covers your zoning district and proposed use.
- Use the local zoning map to look up your parcel's zoning designation before applying for a permit.
- Check FEMA flood zone for your parcel — flood-zone status changes setbacks, foundation requirements, and insurance.
Key Zoning Facts
Georgetown is an incorporated town and the county seat of Sussex County, with a population of approximately 7,200 (2020 Census). Located in the heart of Delaware's agricultural and coastal south, Georgetown serves as the governmental and commercial hub of Sussex County. Zoning within town limits is administered by the Town of Georgetown Planning & Community Development Department.
Important: Georgetown is an incorporated town with its own planning jurisdiction. The Sussex County Planning & Zoning office (302) 855-7878 governs only unincorporated areas of Sussex County — it does not govern properties within Georgetown's town limits.
- Planning & Community Development: georgetowndel.com/planning-department.htm
- Phone: (302) 856-7391
- Fax: (302) 856-6348
- Address: 37 The Circle, Georgetown, DE 19947
- Zoning Map: Official Georgetown Zoning Map
- Municipal Code: eCode360 — Georgetown Code of Ordinances (Zoning Chapter 230)
Zoning Districts
Georgetown's zoning districts are established in Chapter 230 of the town code, available on eCode360 at ecode360.com/GE1544.
Verify with the local planning department before relying on this dimensional standard. Specific district codes, setback dimensions, and lot size requirements were subject to direct confirmation in this guide. Consult the town code or contact Planning at (302) 856-7391.
ADU Rules
Delaware has no statewide ADU law. ADU permissibility in Georgetown is governed by the town's local zoning ordinance (Chapter 230). Contact Planning at (302) 856-7391.
Development Process
- Zoning Verification — Confirm whether your property is within Georgetown town limits; if so, contact the town planning department at (302) 856-7391
- Site Plan Review — Required for commercial and multi-family projects
- Building Permit — Apply through the town's planning department
- Inspections — Schedule required inspections
- Certificate of Occupancy — Obtain before occupancy
Key Considerations
- Confirm whether your property is within Georgetown town limits or in unincorporated Sussex County — these have different zoning authorities
- Check for flood zones using FEMA's flood map service
- Georgetown's position as the county seat means some state and county offices are located in town but do not regulate Georgetown's own land use
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about zoning in Georgetown, Delaware and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Always verify current regulations with the Town of Georgetown before making development decisions.
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Georgetown
Your property is subject to ALL of these regulatory layers. Each one can impose additional requirements beyond the others.
Federal
- FEMA flood mapping: check parcel-specific flood-zone status
- View FEMA Flood Map
State — Delaware
- Building Code: Delaware State Fire Prevention Code (references IBC/IRC)
County — Sussex County
- Role: Sussex County governs unincorporated areas of the county. Georgetown is an incorporated town with its own zoning jurisdiction. Sussex County Planning & Zoning (for unincorporated areas): https://sussexcountyde.gov/planning-zoning, (302) 855-7878.
City / Municipal
The municipality's zoning ordinance, building-code enforcement, and local permits form the primary local layer of land-use regulation for your property.
Overlay Districts
No overlay districts identified.
Private Restrictions
- Private covenants, deed restrictions, condominium rules, or association rules can impose requirements beyond zoning.
- Check deed restrictions for additional requirements.
Primary Zoning Districts
Statewide Context (Delaware)
Local data for Georgetown is limited. The following state-level facts apply across Delaware and are inherited by this page until city-specific details are verified.
- State Building Code
- Delaware State Fire Prevention Code (references IBC)
- State ADU Preemption
- No statewide override
- Coastal Zone
- Yes
- Wildfire Zones
- No
Permit Costs & Timelines
Check Current Permit Fees & Timelines
Permit fees and review times can vary by project type, scope, valuation, and required approvals. Check the current schedule with the local permitting authority before filing.
Check current Georgetown permit information →Official Sources
City-specific