SUSSEX COUNTY, Del. - The Sussex County Land Use Reform Working Group is continuing its work to develop a set of formal recommendations aimed at improving land use policies.
The 10-member group made up of housing advocates, builders, citizens' organizations, and agricultural representatives—met Thursday morning to discuss key ideas under consideration.
Among the proposals is increasing maximum building heights in strategic areas to allow more housing units, such as apartments and condominiums. This strategy aims to create more affordable options by enabling higher-density residential construction where appropriate.
The group also supports aligning road improvements with major new developments. This would ensure that transportation infrastructure keeps pace with the rate of construction and population growth, particularly in high-demand areas.
Another recommendation is to re-focus subdivision design around conservation goals. Members expressed interest in preserving more open space within new residential developments, prioritizing environmental sustainability and quality of life for future residents.
Adjustments to AR-1 zoning, which currently permits two units per acre in most single-family developments, are also being considered. The working group recommends restricting this zoning type to areas specifically designated for growth in order to better manage density and infrastructure planning across the county.
Additional proposals include reducing minimum lot sizes, allowing a broader range of housing types by-right, streamlining the permitting process for affordable housing, and creating a more predictable zoning framework. The group has also discussed removing public hearing requirements for certain developments that have already received state and federal approvals, to accelerate timelines.
Currently, 22 draft recommendations have been developed. These remain in the draft stage and are subject to change. At the group’s next meeting, scheduled for Thursday, July 24, members plan to review and discuss each recommendation in greater detail.
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