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A broad array of services are available to residents of Delaware City. Public services are provided within the municipal limits by several levels of government, including the town, New Castle County, and the State of Delaware. Certain services are provided by the private sector under contract with the government or are the responsibility of private companies or property owners. Some services are provided as part of taxes, others are supported by user fees. Click here for frequently used phone numbers [pdf] .
Animal control (stray dogs and cats and wild animals) is currently provided by DNREC under a statewide contract with the Kent County SPCA. If you have a dog or cat control problem, call toll-free 1 (888) 352-7722. In an emergency situation with a dangerous dog or wild animal, call 911. Section 24-21 of the Delaware City Code requires that dogs be under their owner's control at all times and that waste be picked up.
Building permit applications must begin a Town Hall. Note that the City delegates building plan review and inspection to New Castle County, so a county permit is also required. County permit applications must first be approved at Town Hall. Special restrictions apply in the Historic District and in the 100-year Flood Zone.
Cable television services are provided by Atlantic Broadband (302) 378-7723 and Verizon (800) 275-2355 under franchises granted by the City.
Delaware City has delegated enforcement of the property maintenance code to New Castle County. If you see a problem property, such as high weeds, junk, or an unsafe structure, contact the County Complaints Office at (302) 395-5555.
If you see rubbish or junk in the street right-of-way except on trash pick-up day, contact Town Hall at (302) 834-4573. Trash carts and large items may only be placed at the curb 12 hours before scheduled pickup. Carts or large items left in the right-of-way at any other time is a violation and will be picked up at the property owner's expense.
The Delaware City Community Center is located in the former elementary school at 250 Fifth Street (5th & Bayard). The Center houses the Delaware City Library, the Senior Center, and Youth Center. For information about programs for seniors, contact Town Hall at (302) 834-4573. The Youth Center number is (302) 836-9935.
Delaware City maintains floating docks for public use without charge in season (May - October). There are no services available and no overnight docking is permitted. The privately owned Delaware City Marina (302) 834-4172 offers fuel and overnight docking facilities. The State of Delaware operates a public boat ramp across the Branch Canal from Delaware City. The launch is accessible through the Fort DuPont State Park entrance on Route 9.
Delaware City is responsible for drainage in street rights-of-way. The drainage system consists of curbs and gutters, catch basins and pipes, and open swales and ditches. Property owners are responsible for ensuring that drainage is not obstructed by landscaping, adding gravel, or other alterations. Property owners are also responsible for routine maintenance of surface drainage in the rights-of-way adjacent to their property. This includes mowing and litter removal. A permit is required prior to any alteration in the right-of-way. The City holds a NPDES permit from the U.S. EPA under which the City is obligated to ensure that stormwater runoff is not polluted. It is against the law to introduce any pollutant into the city drainage system. See also Environmental Protection.
Electric service is provided primarily by Delmarva Power (302) 454-0300. To report a power outage, call (800) 898-8042. Under deregulation, electricity may be purchased from other suppliers. Visit the Delaware Public Service Commission website for additional information on electric choice.
If you see a fuel or chemical spill or other environmental hazard, contact DNREC Emergency Spill Response toll-free at (800) 662-8802 or at (302) 739-9401.
Delaware City hosts several special events each year. Each July, the city sponsors Delaware City Day, which features a home town parade, family activities, and great fireworks. Main Street Delaware City, Inc. holds its annual CanalFest in the fall. In addition, the towns plays host to an Antique Truck Show, the Escape from Fort Delaware Triathlon, the Brandywine Valley Duathlon, and holiday parades at Halloween and Christmas. For more information about community events vist Main Street Delaware City's website.
Fire, emergency medical, and ambulance services are provided by the Delaware City Fire Company. In addition, New Castle County has paramedic services that are dispatched when needed for advanced emergency care. To report any fire or medical emergency call 911.
Delaware City has a floodplain regulation ordinance and participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)[pdf]. The enables property owners in Delaware City to get flood insurance at affordable rates.
Natural gas service for home and business is available in most of Delaware City. Service is provided by Delmarva Power. To report a gas leak or gas emergency, call (302) 454-0317
Delaware City has a large Historic District. Restrictions apply to alterations and new construction within the District. Financial assistance for the rehabilitation of historic properties is available through the state historic tax credit program and a loan and small grant program administered by the Delaware Preservation Fund. In 2007 Delaware City is establishing a window restoration shop in cooperation with the Challeng Program at the old public works building located at the corner of 4th and Washington. The shop will offer sash repair services at reasonable prices to historic property owners.
Financial assistance may be available to qualified low and moderate income families for home repairs. Contact the New Castle County Department of Community Services for more information.
High speed internet services are available through Atlantic Broadband (cable) and Verizon Fios (fiber optic).
The Delaware City Library is located in the Community Center at 5th & Bayard. Hours: Mon.-Wed. 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM; Thurs. 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM; Fri. and Sat. 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.; Sun. 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Phone: (302) 834-4148.
DNREC's Division of Fish & Wildlife conducts mosquito control activities statewide and Delaware City is a participating community. Wetland areas are aerially sprayed to reduce breeding. Upon request of the City, DNREC will also spray for adult mosquitos within the town using a truck mounted atomizer. For more information about the mosquito control program, policies and chemicals used, visit the Fish & Wildlife website.
Delaware City maintains several parks for active and passive recreation. These include Battery Park downtown, the Seventh Street Park and playground, the Community Center grounds, skateboarding facility, and play area, and the Bubby Sadler ballfields on Route 9. In addition, the Delaware City Park District maintains a playground, ball field, and community building at Dragon Run Park. The Park District is independent of the city government with its own elected board and officers.
Delaware City has authority over planning, zoning, and subdivision activities within the town. Contact Town Hall with any questions at (302) 834-4573.
Call 911 for police assistance. The County 911 Center will dispatch the nearest available officer, be it the Delaware City Police or a County officer. For non-emergency police assistance call DCPD at (302) 836-6344.
Delaware City has one of the most comprehensive curbside recycling programs in Delaware. The City provides free curbside service on the same day as trash collection (Mondays) and provides free recycling containers. The program picks up co-mingled aluminum and steel cans, narrow-neck plastic bottles, and glass, plus corrugated cardboard, and newspapers. Yard waste recycling collection is also on Mondays. Please do not put yard waste in the trash cart. The City will collect for free grass clippings, leaves, shrub and tree trimmings. A fee will be charged for quantities measuring more than 4'x3'x8'. Sign up for recycling at Town Hall T-Th between 9am and 5pm.
The City provides several benefits for its senior citizens, including city property tax and water bill discounts for qualified senior and disabled property owners. Notice is posted and applications are available at Town Hall in January of each year. The exemtion must be applied for each year by the middle of April. New Castle County also has a tax reduction program for seniors [pdf]. Delaware City offers programs for seniors at the Community Center. Art classes, museum visits, and lunch outings are among the recent offerings. Contact Town Hall (302) 836-4683 for hours and details. For your safety and peace of mind, New Castle County also offers a phone check-in program for seniors. Named Senior Roll Call, the program includes daily phone calls to seniors and home-bound individuals to make sure they are OK. Call the New Castle County Police Community Services Unit at (302) 395-8159 for more information.
The sanitary sewer system and treatment plant are operated by New Castle County. For a sewer emergency call (302) 395-5700. The County maintains sewer mains and laterals to the property line or edge of road. The lateral on private property and into the house is the property owner's responsibility.
By Code, property owners are responsible for the maintenance and repair of sidewalks adjacent to their property. This includes snow removal, which must be completed within 24 hours of the end of a storm. The City has an inspection program designed to promote the safety and accessibility of the city's pedestrian facilities. Property owners will be notified and instructed to correct tripping and other hazardous conditions, however, property owners should be aware that they may face legal liability for injuries caused by the condition of their sidewalk, with or without notice by the City.
Delaware City is responsible for maintaining all streets in the city, except for Route 9 (Fifth Street) and Clinton Street west of the stoplight, which are maintained by DelDOT. Dragon Run Road (Madison Street Extended), is a private road from the rear of the Fire Company property to Dragon Run Park. The City has undertaken a significant street rehabilitation program in recent years, however, funding for major repairs or reconstruction are currently limited. Contact Town Hall about pot holes.
Phone service is provided primarily by Verizon. Cavalier Telephone also provides land line service. Newer phone service options include internet-based voice communication, known as VoIP (voice over internet protocol). There are several national providers and Atlantic Broadband cable offers VoIP phone service.
Trash collection is once per week on Mondays. Delaware City contracts for trash collection with a private company, currently Independent Disposal Services, Inc. (IDS). Each property is issued a 96-gallon cart. All garbage must be bagged and must fit in (or on) the cart. Large quantities that don't fit in the cart or large items such as furniture and appliances are subject to a large item pick-up fee [pdf] . Contact IDS directly at (302) 378-5400 to arrange for a large item pick-up. Special fees and restrictions apply to appliances with refrigerant gas and used tires. The City does not provide collection services for large commercial users. Businesses requiring a dumpster contract privately.
Delaware City is a Tree City USA community and protects its tree resources. The City has a tree management program for street trees, including trimming and removal. It is against the law to prune or otherwise damage a street tree. Call Town Hall at (302) 834-4573 if you have a question or concern about a street tree. The City also has an on-going tree planting program to replace and augment the city's tree inventory. Contact Town Hall if you would like a street tree planted.
The water supply and distribution system is owned by the City of Delaware City and is currently operated under contract by Artesian Water Co. Artesian provides meter reading, billing, treatment plant operation, and repair services. Water bill payments may be made directly to Artesian (including credit card payments) or at Town Hall. Note that Town Hall only accepts payments during regular business hours and cannot accept credit cards. Water rates are set annually by Mayor & Council. Delaware City's water supply comes from deep (700') wells in the Potomac Aquifer. See the most recent Consumer Confidence Reports (CCR) for details on the city's water quality.
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