Hockessin, 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:
- 14,475
- 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:
- New Castle County Department of Land Use
- Municipal code:
- View code online
- Zoning map:
- View local zoning map
Before you apply
- Call the New Castle County Department of Land Use: (302) 395-5400
- 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.
- Check your HOA CC&Rs and recorded deed restrictions — they are common in Hockessin and frequently restrict ADUs, fences, and exterior changes beyond what zoning allows.
Key Zoning Facts
Hockessin is a Census Designated Place (CDP) — an unincorporated community in New Castle County, Delaware, with an estimated population of approximately 14,500. Known as an affluent suburban community, Hockessin has no independent municipal government. All zoning, land use regulation, and building permits for Hockessin are administered by New Castle County Department of Land Use.
Important: Hockessin does not have its own planning department, municipal code, or zoning ordinance. All land use and development approvals are handled by New Castle County. Contact the county's Department of Land Use for all zoning questions.
- New Castle County Land Use: newcastlede.gov/directory.aspx?did=49
- Phone: (302) 395-5400
- Address: 87 Reads Way, New Castle, DE 19720
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
- County Zoning Map: NCC Zoning Map Viewer (ArcGIS)
- County Code: New Castle County Laws & Code
Design Review Advisory Committee — Hockessin Village
New Castle County has established a Design Review Advisory Committee specifically for Hockessin Village (DID: 37). This committee reviews design aspects of certain development projects in the Hockessin Village area. Contact NCC Land Use at (302) 395-5400 to determine if Design Review applies to your project.
Zoning in Hockessin
Hockessin falls under the New Castle County Unified Development Code (UDC), Chapter 40.
Verify with New Castle County Department of Land Use before relying on this standard. Specific zoning district designations and setback requirements for individual properties in Hockessin require verification through the NCC Zoning Map Viewer or by contacting Land Use at (302) 395-5400.
Development Process
- Zoning Verification — NCC Zoning Map Viewer or call (302) 395-5400
- Design Review — Check if Hockessin Village Design Review Advisory Committee (DID: 37) approval is required
- Permit Application — Submit to NCC Department of Land Use
- Inspections and Certificate of Occupancy — Through the county
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about zoning in Hockessin, Delaware and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Always verify current regulations with New Castle County Department of Land Use before making development decisions.
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Hockessin
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 — New Castle County
- Role: Hockessin is an unincorporated community (Census Designated Place). All zoning and building permits are governed by New Castle County Department of Land Use. Note: NCC has a dedicated Design Review Advisory Committee for Hockessin Village (DID: 37).
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 HOA CC&Rs and deed restrictions for additional requirements. Hockessin Village has a dedicated Design Review Advisory Committee.
Primary Zoning Districts
Statewide Context (Delaware)
Local data for Hockessin 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 Hockessin permit information →Official Sources
City-specific