How early can I run noisy lawn equipment in Delaware? Here's what local ordinances allow
Perhaps you've lucked out and their mower is electric, but they kick on their unnaturally loud leaf blower to clean up the clippings and wake you from precious (and sometimes hard to come by) slumber.
Depending on what time they − or maybe you! − begin lawn work, noisy tools may actually violate local ordinances. So what are the rules in Delaware about loud noise, early or late in the day?
Both Kent and New Castle counties place restrictions on when power equipment, including "garden equipment," can be used.
In New Castle County, loud equipment cannot be used between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m.
Kent gives you a little more time. Tools that "create a noise disturbance" may not be used between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m.
Sussex County doesn't have a countywide noise ordinance.
Just because Sussex County doesn't have a countywide ordinance doesn't mean that just anything goes.
Lewes, for example, sets specific rules for "any noise that would annoy or disturb a reasonable person of normal sensitivities."
Thus, annoying noises can't be made between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m.
Lewes officials also apparently find "gasoline-powered landscaping equipment" so annoying, no matter the time of day, that they've banned them completely beginning Jan. 1, 2026. This includes gas leaf blowers, weed eaters or trimmers and chain saws.
Gas-powered lawnmowers are exempt from the ban.
In New Castle County, some cities have ordinances that are stricter than county requirements. In those cases, city ordinance supersedes the county rules.
In Wilmington, for example, power saws, sanders, drills, grinders, garden equipment or "other construction tools of a similar nature" that "create a noise disturbance" are prohibited between 8 p.m. and 7 a.m.
It's best to check your city or town's code for exact regulations. Those in unincorporated areas should defer to county code.
Penalties and fines also vary by county and municipality.
In New Castle County, a first offense violation between the hours of 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. will result in a minimum fine of $100 and a maximum of $500. Technically, you may also be thrown in jail for no more than six months.
Each subsequent offense ranges from $250 to $1,000 or imprisonment for no more than a year − or you could be both fined and imprisoned.
Lewes, on the other hand, imposes fines of $25 to $200 "and/or imprisonment for a term of not less than 10 days nor more than 30 days" for a first offense. Subsequent fines range from $50 to $500, with possible prison time between 20 and 60 days.
Got a story tip or idea? Send to Isabel Hughes at ihughes@delawareonline.com. For all things breaking news, follow her on X at @izzihughes_
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: When can I run lawn equipment in Delaware?
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