How could the new state land use laws affect the Delaware League of Local Governments?
State law could reduce local government control over land use and permitting The signing of Senate Bill 23, the Housing for Every Delawarean Act, allows certain residential developments to be approved 'by-right' if they meet local zoning standards. This change streamlines permitting processes and updates land use approval in Delaware. Local governments, represented by the Delaware League of Local Governments, have expressed concerns that this law raises 'serious, fundamental concerns' over local authority, leading some counties to pause reviews of residential plans.
- Effect
- Strong negative
- How direct
- 2 steps, 1 inferred by Brind
- When
- Right away
- The story
- Still developing
How it reaches Delaware League of Local Governments
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Governor Matt Meyer announced that the state accepted six projects into the JobsFirst Permitting Accelerator, representing about $165 million in proposed private investment. These projects include mixed-use developments, such as Belle Meade, and four community solar facilities developed by King Energy. Additionally, laws were signed to streamline permitting processes and promote affordable housing in Delaware.
The full event6independent outlets -
Senate Bill 23 allows certain residential developments to be approved 'by-right' if they meet local zoning standards. This measure, which also streamlines permitting, affects how counties handle applications, such as major subdivisions, which were subject to review in Sussex County.
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county in Delaware, United States
Everything about Sussex County -
Local governments, represented by the Delaware League of Local Governments, voiced concerns that the new law raised 'serious, fundamental concerns' over local authority in the state. This led to officials in Sussex County pausing reviews of residential plans until they better understood the implications of the bill.
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The facts so far
As reported. Each one links to where it comes from.
- Senate Bill 23 aims to increase the supply of affordable housing by updating land use processes.whyy.org
- The bill allows certain residential developments to be approved 'by-right' if they meet local zoning standards.whyy.org
- The Delaware League of Local Governments opposed the bill (SB 23/HB 450).wgmd.com
- Sussex County Council President Doug Hudson said the new law raised 'serious, fundamental concerns' over local authority.whyy.org
Why it matters
For the Delaware League of Local Governments, the core function is to represent the interests and operational capacity of local jurisdictions. The passage of SB 23 fundamentally shifts power by allowing 'by-right' approval for certain developments, thereby limiting the ability of local governments to control the pace and nature of development within their boundaries.
This shift is significant because local governments traditionally govern land use through their comprehensive plans. The League's opposition reflects a broader concern that state legislation is overriding local decision-making, potentially leading to a loss of control over zoning and permitting processes across the state.
What we don't know yet
- Will the state provide formal guidance on the timing and implementation of SB 23?
- Can local governments develop new standards for public meetings to review 'by-right' applications?
Is this still moving?
- Reports
- 12
- Developments
- 11
- Repetition
- 42%
What would change this answer
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