| Zoning / CUP | Varies by zone — confirm with New Castle County Planning Dept or local planning office — fee: Contact required |
| Health permit authority | Delaware DHSS — Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) — fee: Contact required |
| Fire inspection | Pre-opening: Yes — required before opening; annual re-inspection required |
| Business license | Verify — may be city or county depending on location — fee: $75 (state) + $100–$300 (city of Wilmington, varies by type) |
| Last verified | 2025-2026 |
Explore by license type
Zoning requirements in New Castle County
Local zoning rules determine where you can operate a childcare program in New Castle County and whether a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) or special use permit is required before opening. Zoning approval is typically required alongside your state licensing application.
| Zoning authority | New Castle County Planning Dept — Land Use / City of Wilmington Planning (within city) |
| CUP required? | Varies by zone — confirm with New Castle County Planning Dept or local planning office |
| CUP / permit fee | Contact required |
| State preemption | No statewide preemption — local zoning applies |
Health permit requirements in New Castle County
In addition to your state childcare license, many counties require a separate local health or environmental permit before operating a childcare program. Requirements and fees vary by county.
| Health / licensing authority | Delaware DHSS — Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) |
| Permit required? | Yes — OCCL license required before operating |
| Application | Apply here |
| Annual permit fee | Contact required |
| Inspection frequency | Pre-opening and annual inspections by OCCL |
| Key requirements | Physical plant, staff ratios, health and safety per Title 14 Del. C. §3001A et seq. |
State-level licensing only; local fire marshal and building departments also inspect
Fire safety requirements in New Castle County
Fire marshal approval is typically required before your state childcare license is issued in New Castle County. A pre-opening fire inspection is required, and annual re-inspections are generally required for license renewal.
| Fire authority | New Castle County Fire Marshal; Wilmington Fire Dept (city) |
| Pre-opening inspection | Yes — required before opening |
| Annual re-inspection | Yes — annual fire safety inspection |
| Key requirements | Exits, emergency lighting, smoke detectors, fire extinguisher certification, fire alarm system (where required) |
Business license requirements in New Castle County
A local business license is required to legally operate a childcare program in New Castle County. This is typically required before your state childcare license application can be completed.
| Licensing authority | New Castle County no separate county business license; City of Wilmington Revenue Div (within city) |
| Required? | Verify — may be city or county depending on location |
| Application | Apply here |
| Annual fee | $75 (state) + $100–$300 (city of Wilmington, varies by type) |
Verify whether New Castle County or the relevant incorporated city is the issuing authority for your specific address.
Frequently asked questions: New Castle County childcare compliance
Stay compliant in New Castle County with brightwheel
Brightwheel helps childcare providers in Delaware manage the documentation requirements that come with operating a licensed program — from CCDBG attendance tracking to staff records.