A nuisance is a condition or use of property that interferes with adjoining landowners’ (neighbors) use and enjoyment of their properties; or endangers the life, health, enjoyment, or safety of others; or is offensive to others. Loud noises, foul odors, unsightly conditions, and illegal or immoral activities (such as prostitution or illegal drug activity) on a property are common examples of nuisances.

Trash, litter, uncut grass or vegetation, untrimmed trees, graffiti, and abandoned motor vehicles and tires are also common subjects of nuisance abatement efforts—often undertaken by a city or town’s code compliance or code enforcement department or division.

Abatement is generally the act of stopping, eliminating, or nullifying some condition or activity. Nuisance abatement or abatement of a nuisance generally includes stopping or eliminating a noise, odor, unsightly condition, or other nuisance—or repairing or demolishing a home, apartment complex, or other building the owner has failed to maintain and that endangers the life, health, safety, or life enjoyment of persons in the neighborhood.

State laws (statutes) often provide local governments with certain nuisance abatement powers to compel the owner of a property to fix or remedy the conditions creating a nuisance—and if the owner fails to do so, the local government may do so, such as by demolishing or razing a building.

Under some circumstances the local government may choose to repair or rehabilitate the nuisance condition—or remove, remediate, transport, and dispose of materials or property on the premises that are creating the nuisance.

Local governments may also have the right to prohibit access to the premises by some or all persons, and to control access to the premises.

In Delaware, nuisance laws are designed to address conditions or activities on a property that negatively affect neighboring properties or the community. These nuisances can include loud noises, foul odors, unsightly conditions, and illegal activities such as prostitution or drug dealing. Common issues like trash accumulation, overgrown vegetation, graffiti, and abandoned vehicles are also targeted by nuisance abatement efforts, which are typically managed by local code compliance or enforcement departments. Abatement involves actions taken to stop or eliminate the nuisance, which may include repairs, demolition, or removal of problematic materials. Delaware state statutes empower local governments to enforce nuisance abatement, requiring property owners to address the issues. If the owner fails to comply, the local government may intervene directly, potentially by demolishing unsafe structures or rehabilitating the property. Local authorities may also restrict access to the premises to prevent further nuisance activities. These regulations are in place to protect the health, safety, and enjoyment of residents in the community.