Sussex County Land Use Battle

Sussex County and the Sate of Delaware are lock in a battle over future growth and land use planning. The State has rejected the County's Plan. Key criticism from the State is the County's land use tied to the base zoning of agricultural-residential (AR-1) land at two homes per acre with central sewer and water. The AR-1 zoning comprises more than 75% of the county.

The State wants to the County to develop different zoning for growth zones. That way the State can plan for infrastructure investments, ie roads. The State defines low growth areas as on unit per 5 acres or one unit to 10 acres, not two units per acre. The AR-1 makes the whole county a growth zone.

The County contends that is was always the type of zoning the County used. They feel that if changed, the property owners should be compensated. HOW?

Both sides have merit. The State wants to plan for the future and it can't with the haphazard zoning in the county. The property rights culture is strong in the rural areas of the county. Economics will dictate which farms will be developed and which will not. However, some developers and farmers are pushing for development of very large scale projects in areas that have little infrastructure. This trend cannot continue, the County and the State must find a compromise and find a workable solution, for the good of All. For more info check The Laurel Star 1/17/08 (www.laurelstar.com)
Uncle Fred