Tiny houses are sustainable, affordable, and fulfilling—but before you build (or buy) one, you need to understand Delaware tiny house laws. From zoning restrictions to city guidelines, there’s a lot to learn before you pick up a hammer.

While Delaware is not one of the friendliest states when it comes to tiny houses, it also doesn’t have any laws prohibiting tiny houses. Huh? Compliance and construction can be tricky! We’re here to help you make a plan so you don’t make any costly mistakes.

Car and home insurance

expert

Jerry

has created this guide to tiny house laws in Delaware. In this article, we’ll answer your questions about how to build a tiny house in Delaware. Jerry can help you figure out insurance, too, when you’re ready. We can’t wait to see what you create!

RECOMMENDED

Compare auto insurance policies

No spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms

ZIP Code

Find insurance savings

Are tiny houses legal in Delaware?

There is not currently a statewide law on tiny houses in Delaware. You’ll need to check your city’s guidelines to find out whether a tiny house is legal in your area. New Castle County and

Kent County

follow the International Residence Code (IRC) guidelines with regard to tiny homes. Sussex County has made no official proclamation about tiny homes.

For your tiny house to be legal, you may need to conform to certain guidelines regarding the construction of the house. Zoning laws may also apply depending on whether the tiny home is a full-time residence. Before you start browsing tiny houses for sale in Delaware, research your local ordinances.

Delaware cities that allow tiny houses

There are some cities in Delaware that are considered “friendly” to tiny houses. This list may change as more cities adopt the IRC guidelines. As of 2022, these are the Delaware cities that allow tiny houses:

Delaware City

Newark

Wilmington

New Castle

Dover

Harrington

Will the evolving economy and next generation of homeowners demand a change to tiny home laws in Delaware? This remains to be seen.

MORE: Delaware electric vehicle incentives

What kinds of tiny houses are permitted in Delaware?

First, you need to understand that there are different kinds of tiny houses. Delaware does not have a singular definition of what constitutes a tiny house, but the following structures may be considered tiny houses if they are between 120 and 400 square feet:

Manufactured homes

Factory-built homes

Park trailers

Custom built homes on trailers

And more

If the tiny house is built on a foundation, it’s considered a permanent dwelling. If the home has wheels, it’s considered a THOW (tiny houses on wheels (THOWs)—which comes with additional requirements.

What does a tiny house need to be up to Delaware building code?

In Kent County and New Castle County, structures under 400 square feet must conform to the

IRC guidelines for tiny houses

. To meet the standards set by the IRC, a tiny house must have:

Minimum of 320 square feet of land, if built on a foundation

Minimum of 120 square feet, with at least 70 square feet for non-sleeping areas

Minimum ceiling height of 6 feet 8 inches

Have at least one habitable room with a closet and openable window

You’ll also need to meet the IRC’s requirements for light, ventilation, plumbing, emergency exits, and smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

In addition, tiny houses in Delaware must adhere to the local county or municipal building code, such as the

New Castle County Building Code

or the

Sussex Building Code

What about tiny houses on wheels?

There is one key difference between immovable tiny houses and tiny houses on wheels. While all tiny houses must conform to local construction guidelines and permit requirements, THOWs must be road-safe under Delaware law.

No wider than 8’ 6”

No taller than 13’ 6”

No heavier than 10,000 pounds.

If your tiny house is wider than 8 feet, longer than 40 feet, and contains more than 400 square feet, it is considered a mobile home by the Delaware DMV—and this designation comes with additional requirements. Titling a mobile home will cost $35 plus a document fee of 3.75 percent of its value.

If your tiny house is smaller but still road-safe, it is considered a trailer according to Delaware law. The titling fee for trailers is $35 plus a document fee of 4.25% of its value.

Tiny homes on wheels must be inspected and approved before they can be titled at the

Delaware DMV

Key Takeaway You can build a tiny house on wheels (THOW) or a tiny house on a foundation, but different regulations apply.

MORE: Home insurance terms you need to know

Where can I park my tiny house in Delaware?

One of the first questions you need to answer regarding your tiny house is where you will put it. Will you buy property, park it in a friend’s yard, or travel with your new tiny house?

In Delaware, there are no specific laws about where to park a tiny house. You should follow the rules for recreational vehicles. However, bear in mind that different rules apply if you plan to live permanently in your tiny house rather than travel temporarily.

City zoning laws are the best place to start when researching where you can put your tiny house. Bear in mind that the

housing situation

in Delaware is rapidly evolving.

At the moment, most counties do not allow for ADUs (accessory dwelling units) in yards. The counties that do allow ADUs have strict limitations. In Sussex County, ADUs may not be full-time dwellings with kitchens. In Kent County, there is a special exception for elderly parents—but the unit must be removed once the parent leaves the property.

How to build a tiny house in Delaware

Ready to build your tiny house? Here are the steps you should follow to stay in compliance with the law and plan the perfect build:

Decide which type of house you want. Will it be a tiny structure in your parents’ backyard, or do you plan to build a THOW for adventuring?

Learn about your local building codes and zoning laws. The best way to find this information is to visit your local library or town hall.

Determine whether you’ll hire a company or DIY.

Civic Works

in nearby Baltimore could build your house, or try

Armigers

if you need a trailer.

Choose a location for your tiny house. You may decide to relocate to a different city with better zoning—or you may find a friend with a backyard.

Look into insurance for your tiny home. It’s not required by Delaware law, but insurance can help protect the thing you’ve just spent a ton of money building.

If you hire a company to build your tiny house, make sure they are

NOAH

RVIA

-certified. This can help you get the right kind of insurance for your new home.

Be aware that some building projects require preapproval in Delaware. To get preapproval, you may need to pay a fee and submit blueprints drawn by a skilled engineer or architect to the appropriate county office. However, tiny houses are a bit of a gray area.

Remember: You’re not done until your tiny house has been inspected and approved!

MORE: How to choose the right kind of home insurance for you

How to save money on car and homeowners insurance

From a tiny dream to a big adventure,

Jerry

can help you save money on car and home insurance—especially if you bundle your policies.

Jerry is the easiest and most effective way to find a home or renters insurance policy that is customized for you. You can even bundle your policy with your car insurance for the most savings. The average Jerry user saves nearly $900 per year!

After providing you with a comprehensive cross-analysis of the best policies across providers, Jerry will handle the phone calls, paperwork, and renewals for your top pick so that you don’t have to. They even help cancel your old policy!

RECOMMENDED

Thousands of customers saved on average $887/year on their car insurance with Jerry

This app is great, but the customer service is even better! Not to mention convenient! My husband and I got the lowest rate (much lower than the rates I was finding online through my own searches), quickly, and pretty much all through text message! Thank you so much for a hassle free experience👍

Gabriella R.

Find insurance savings

4.7/5 Rating on App Store

FAQs

Do you need a permit for a tiny house in Delaware?

It depends on the type of house you want. A tiny house on a foundation may require permits. For a tiny house on wheels, you’ll need to have the home inspected and registered with the Delaware DMV. To find out more, check your county’s guidelines.

What’s the minimum square footage for a house in Delaware?

The minimum permitted size of a tiny house in Delaware varies from city to city. You’ll need to check your county ordinances for an exact figure. Generally speaking, your tiny home is required to have a minimum of 120 square feet of interior space.

Save an average of 18% by bundling your home and auto insurance

Bundle your home and auto insurance with Jerry and save!

Try Jerry