Chapter 49

§ 4901 Power of county government; area subject to regulation. (a) The county government may, in accordance with the conditions and procedure specified in this subchapter, regulate the location, height, bulk and size of buildings, parking areas, and other structures, the percentage of lot which may be occupied, the size of yards, courts, and other open spaces, the density and distribution of population, the location and uses of buildings, parking areas, and structures for trade, industry, residence, recreation, public activities or other purposes, and the uses of land for trade, industry, residence, parking, recreation, public activities, water supply conservation, soil conservation, or other similar purposes, in any portion or portions of Kent County which lie outside of incorporated municipalities, or incorporated municipalities without zoning provisions, notwithstanding any provisions of other titles or chapters of this Code to the contrary. Any real property proposed to be used for an agritourism activity as defined in this title shall be given an expedited review before the Levy Court. (b) Notwithstanding subsection (a) of this section, no such regulation or regulations shall apply to any land, building, greenhouse or other structure proposed to be devoted to any agricultural use, or which is devoted at the time of such proposal to agricultural use, or to any land, building, greenhouse or other structure owned by a cooperative agricultural associations or a corporation which is or is proposed to be devoted to agricultural use. For the purposes of this subsection, any land, building, greenhouse or structure shall be deemed to be devoted to agricultural use if: (1) The land, building, greenhouse or structure is assessed pursuant to § 8335 of this title; (2) The land, building, greenhouse or structure is within an Agricultural Preservation District pursuant to Chapter 9 of Title 3; (3) The person who owns, leases or otherwise controls the land, building, greenhouse or structure is required to implement a nutrient management plan or agricultural waste management plan for the same and the land, building, greenhouse or structure itself is devoted to or used in the production for sale of plants and animals useful to man, including but not limited to: a. Forages and sod crops; b. Grains and feed crops; c. Dairy animals and dairy products; d. Poultry and poultry products; e. Livestock, including beef cattle, sheep, swine, horses, ponies, mules or goats, including the breeding and grazing of any or all of such animals; f. Bees and apiary products; g. Fish, hydroponic and aquacultural products; h. Fur animals; and i. Trees and forest products; (4) The land, building, greenhouse or structure is devoted to and meets the requirements and qualifications for payments or other compensation pursuant to a soil conservation program under an agreement with an agency of the federal government; and (5) The land, building or structure is a farm market or roadside stand provided: a. The products offered for sale are grown or produced on the subject farm or lands in agriculture production associated with such farm operation; or b. The products are grown or produced on a local regional farm, and such farm market or roadside stand shall comply with the following provisions: 1. All buildings, structures and associated canopies shall comply with the building height setback requirements established by the local jurisdiction within its zoning ordinances. All construction shall conform to applicable building codes and building permit requirements as enacted by the local jurisdiction; 2. Off street customer parking shall be provided in accordance with the provisions of the zoning ordinance of the local jurisdiction provided that at least 1 parking space shall be provided for each 100 square feet of floor area of the establishment. The area of 1 parking space shall be equivalent to a standard parking stall of 9′ x 18′; 3. If a new vehicular entrance is proposed to support a farm market or roadside stand, an entrance permit shall be obtained from the Delaware Department of Transportation prior to the start of construction; and 4. Signage shall comply with signage provisions and permitting requirements established by the local jurisdiction within its zoning ordinances. (c) Notwithstanding subsection (a) of this section, no such regulation or regulations shall apply to the agricultural uses of conducting hayrides, horseback riding, guided tours, barn parties and petting zoos. 9 Del. C. 1953, §  4901; 56 Del. Laws, c. 103, §  16 ; 66 Del. Laws, c. 207, §  1 ; 74 Del. Laws, c. 144, §  2 ; 75 Del. Laws, c. 244, §§  3, 4 ; 76 Del. Laws, c. 409, §  3 ; 78 Del. Laws, c. 143, §§  1-3 ; 80 Del. Laws, c. 141, §  2 ; § 4902 Zoning plan and regulations. (a) For any or all of the purposes specified in § 4901 of this title the county government may divide the territory of Kent County into districts or zones of such number, shape, or area as it may determine, and within such districts, or any of them, may regulate the erection, construction, reconstruction, alterations, and uses of buildings and structures and the uses of land. (b) All such regulations shall be uniform for each class or kind of buildings throughout any district, but the regulations in 1 district may differ from those in other districts. (c) The county government shall provide for the manner in which regulations shall be enforced and shall designate the administrator of the regulations. The administrator so designated shall have authority to act as such throughout the County. 9 Del. C. 1953, §  4902; 56 Del. Laws, c. 103, §  16 ; § 4903 Purposes of regulations. (a) Regulations adopted by the county government, pursuant to the provisions of this subchapter, shall be designated and adopted for the purpose of promoting the health, safety, morale, convenience, order, prosperity or welfare of the present and future inhabitants of this State, including, amongst other things, the lessening of congestion in the streets or roads or reducing the waste of excessive amounts of roads, securing safety from fire and other dangers, providing adequate light and air, preventing on the 1 hand excessive concentration of population and on the other hand excessive and wasteful scattering of population or settlement, promoting such distribution of population and such classification of land uses and distribution of land development and utilization as will tend to facilitate and provide adequate provisions for public requirements, transportation, water flowage, water supply, drainage, sanitation, educational opportunities, recreation, soil fertility, food supply, protection of the tax base, securing economy in governmental expenditures, fostering the State’s agricultural and other industries, and the protection of both urban and nonurban development. (b) The regulations shall be made with reasonable consideration, among other things, of the character of the particular district involved, its peculiar suitability for particular uses, the conservation of property values and natural resources and the general and appropriate trend and character of land, building and population development. 9 Del. C. 1953, §  4903; 56 Del. Laws, c. 103, §  16 ; 66 Del. Laws, c. 207, §  1 ; § 4904 Kent County Zoning Commission; consolidation with Regional Planning Commission. (a) In order to avail itself of the powers conferred by this subchapter, the county government shall appoint a commission of 5 members which shall be known as the Kent County Zoning Commission. Each member shall be appointed for a term of 6 years except that a member appointed to fill a vacancy occurring for any reason other than expiration of term, shall be appointed for the unexpired term. (b) Each member shall be a freeholder and resident of Kent County, 4 of whom shall live outside any incorporated city or town. No more than 3 of the members of the Commission shall be of the same political party. Originally 3 members shall be appointed for 3 years, and the remaining 2 for 6 years so that at any biennial election, no more than 3 members shall be up for appointment. Members of the Regional Planning Commission otherwise qualified, shall be eligible for appointment to the Kent County Zoning Commission. (c) Upon adoption of permanent zoning regulations by the county government, the Zoning Commission shall cease to exist and the members of the Zoning Commission shall become voting members of and shall serve out their terms on the Kent County Regional Planning Commission. Upon expiration of the said original terms, reappointment or appointment of new members shall be in accordance with the terms established for members of the Regional Planning Commission. Following consolidation with the Zoning Commission, the Kent County Regional Planning Commission shall henceforth exercise all of the powers and duties herein set forth for the Zoning Commission. 9 Del. C. 1953, §  4904; 56 Del. Laws, c. 103, §  16 ; 56 Del. Laws, c. 241, §  13 ; 58 Del. Laws, c. 340, §  1 ; 66 Del. Laws, c. 207, §  1 ; § 4905 Assistance from and cooperation with other agencies. The Zoning Commission shall make use of the expert advice and information which may be furnished by appropriate state, federal, or other officials, departments and agencies. All officials, departments, and agencies within the State having information, maps and data pertinent to county zoning shall make the same available for the use of the Zoning Commission, as well as furnish such other technical assistance and advice as they may have available for such purpose. 9 Del. C. 1953, §  4905; 56 Del. Laws, c. 103, §  16 ; § 4906 Personnel and office facilities of Zoning Commission. The Zoning Commission may employ such experts, trained personnel, and staff as the funds provided therefor may permit. The county government shall furnish the Zoning Commission with appropriate office space and other facilities. The county government may pay to the Regional Planning Commission of Kent County for salaries and other expenses of the Zoning Commission an amount based upon a proportionate use of personnel and facilities of the Regional Planning Commission by the Zoning Commission. 9 Del. C. 1953, §  4906; 56 Del. Laws, c. 103, §  16 ; § 4907 Tentative zoning plan; preparation of by Commission. The Zoning Commission shall make, as promptly as possible, for certification to the county government, a zoning plan or plans, including both the full text of the zoning regulation or regulations and the maps, and representing the recommendations of the Zoning Commission for the regulation by districts or zones of the location, height, bulk, and size of buildings and other structures, percentage of lot which may be occupied, the size of lots, courts, and other open spaces, the density and distribution of population, for the location and use of buildings and structures for trade, industry, residence, recreation, public activities or other purposes, and for the uses of land for trade, industry, recreation, public activities, soil conservation, water supply conservation or other similar purposes. 9 Del. C. 1953, §  4907; 56 Del. Laws, c. 103, §  16 ; § 4908 Public hearing and notice. When the efforts of the Commission shall have reached the stage of a tentative plan, the Commission shall hold at least 1 public hearing on each tentative plan to be separately submitted, notice of which hearing shall be published at least 15 days before the date of the hearing in a newspaper of general circulation in the County. The notice shall contain the time and place of hearing, and shall specify the place and times at which the tentative text and maps of the zoning regulations may be examined. 9 Del. C. 1953, §  4908; 56 Del. Laws, c. 103, §  16 ; § 4909 Commission’s powers in conduct of public hearing. For the purpose of any public hearing under this subchapter, the Commission shall have the power to summon witnesses, administer oaths, and compel the giving of testimony. 9 Del. C. 1953, §  4909; 56 Del. Laws, c. 103, §  16 ; 66 Del. Laws, c. 207, §  1 ; § 4910 Adoption by county government of zoning plan and regulations; public hearing and notice; consultative hearings; resubmission to Commission. (a) After receiving the certification of a zoning plan from the Zoning Commission and before the adoption of any zoning regulations, the county government shall hold a public hearing thereon, the time and place of which at least 30 days notice shall be given by 1 publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the County. Such notice shall state the place at which the text and maps as certified by the Zoning Commission may be examined. (b) The county government may conduct consultative hearings to aid it in determining the desirability of contemplated or recommended regulations. (c) No change in or departure from text or maps, as certified by the Zoning Commission, shall be made unless such change or departure shall first be submitted to the Zoning Commission for its approval or disapproval or suggestions. The Zoning Commission shall have 45 days from and after such submission within which to send its report to the county government, but the county government shall not be bound by the report. 9 Del. C. 1953, §  4910; 56 Del. Laws, c. 103, §  16 ; 66 Del. Laws, Sp. Sess., c. 201,, §  2 ; § 4911 Changes in zoning district; plan or regulations; procedure. (a) The county government may, from time to time, make amendments, supplements, changes or modifications (herein called “changes”) with respect to the number, shape, boundary or area of any district or districts, or any regulation of, or within, such district or districts, or any other provision of any zoning regulation or regulations, but no such changes shall be made or become effective until the same shall have been proposed by or be first submitted to the Zoning Commission. (b) With respect to any proposed changes, the Zoning Commission shall hold at least 1 public hearing, notice of which hearing shall be published at least 15 days before the date of the hearing in a newspaper of general circulation in the County. The notice shall contain the time and place of hearing, and shall specify the nature of the proposed change in a general way and shall specify the place and times at which the text and map relating to the proposed change may be examined. (c) Unless the Zoning Commission shall have transmitted its report upon the proposed changes within 45 days after acceptance of a completed application including all supporting documentation, by the Commission, the county government shall be free to proceed to the adoption of the changes without further awaiting the receipt of the report of the Zoning Commission. In any event, the county government shall not be bound by the report of the Zoning Commission. Before finally adopting any such changes, the county government shall hold a public hearing thereon, at least 15 days notice of the time and place of which shall be given at least 1 publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the County. 9 Del. C. 1953, §  4911; 56 Del. Laws, c. 103, §  16 ; 66 Del. Laws, Sp. Sess., c. 201,, §  3 ; 67 Del. Laws, c. 166, §  1 ; § 4912 Zoning coordination and integration. The Zoning Commission may cooperate with other planning and zoning commissions within Kent County, and within other counties and states, and with the planning, zoning, legislative and administrative authorities of incorporated or unincorporated municipalities, either within or without such County, with a view to coordinating and integrating the zoning of the County with the planning and zoning of other counties or of municipalities. The Zoning Commission shall also have power to appoint such committee or committees, and adopt such rules for the conduct of its business, as it may deem proper to effect such cooperation or to more expeditiously and effectively perform its functions. 9 Del. C. 1953, §  4912; 56 Del. Laws, c. 103, §  16 ; § 4913 Board of Adjustment. The county government shall, by ordinance, establish a Board of Adjustment and determine the membership, terms, qualifications and compensation of said Board. 9 Del. C. 1953, §  4913; 56 Del. Laws, c. 103, §  16 ; 56 Del. Laws, c. 241, §  14 ; 66 Del. Laws, c. 321, §  1 ; § 4914 Board of Adjustment — Office and personnel. The county government shall furnish the Board of Adjustment with necessary office space and other facilities. Subject to the approval of the county government, the Board may employ such secretarial and technical assistants as may be required to perform its functions properly. 9 Del. C. 1953, §  4914; 56 Del. Laws, c. 103, §  16 ; § 4915 Board of Adjustment — Rules governing organization, procedure and jurisdiction. The county government shall provide and specify in its zoning or other regulations, general rules to govern the organization, procedure and jurisdiction of the Board of Adjustment, which rules shall not be inconsistent with this subchapter, and the Board of Adjustment may adopt supplemental rules of procedure not inconsistent with this subchapter or such general rules. 9 Del. C. 1953, §  4915; 56 Del. Laws, c. 103, §  16 ; 66 Del. Laws, c. 207, §  1 ; § 4916 Appeals to the Board of Adjustment — Procedure. (a) Appeals to the Board of Adjustment may be taken by any person refused a building permit, or from the decision of any administrative officer or agency based upon or made in the course of the administration or enforcement of the provisions of the zoning regulations. Appeals to the Board of Adjustment may be taken by any officer, department, board or bureau of the County affected by the grant or refusal of a building permit or by other decision of an administrative officer or agency based on or made in the course of the administration or enforcement of the provisions of the zoning regulations. (b) The time within which such appeal must be made, and the effect, form, or other procedure relating thereto, shall be specified in the general rules provided by the county government to govern the procedure of the Board of Adjustment or in the supplemental rules of procedure adopted by the Board. 9 Del. C. 1953, §  4916; 56 Del. Laws, c. 103, §  16 ; § 4917 Appeals to the Board of Adjustment — Powers. Upon appeals the Board of Adjustment shall have the following powers: (1) To hear and decide appeals where it is alleged by the appellant that there is error in any order, requirement, decision or refusal made by an administrative official or agency based on or made in the enforcement of the zoning regulations; (2) To hear and decide, in accordance with the provisions of any zoning regulations, requests for special exceptions or for interpretation of the map or for decisions upon other special questions upon which the Board is authorized by any zoning regulation to pass; (3) Where by reason of exceptional narrowness, shallowness or shape of a specific piece of property at the time of the enactment of the regulations, or by reason of exceptional topographic conditions or other extraordinary and exceptional situation or condition of such piece of property, the strict application of any regulation adopted under this subchapter would result in peculiar and exceptional practical difficulties to, or exceptional and undue hardship upon, the owner of such property, to authorize, upon an appeal relating to such property, a variance from such strict application so as to relieve such difficulties or hardship; provided such relief may be granted without substantial detriment to the public good and without substantially impairing the intent and purpose of the zoning plan and zoning regulations. 9 Del. C. 1953, §  4917; 56 Del. Laws, c. 103, §  16 ; 66 Del. Laws, c. 207, §  1 ; § 4918 Court review of decision of Board of Adjustment; proceedings. (a) Any persons jointly or severally aggrieved by any decision of the Board of Adjustment or any taxpayer or any officer, department, board or bureau of the County may present to the Superior Court in and for Kent County, a petition duly verified, setting forth that such decision is illegal in whole or in part, specifying the grounds of the illegality. The petition shall be presented to the Court within 30 days after the filing of the decision in the office of the Board. (b) Upon the presentation of the petition, the Court may allow a writ of certiorari, directed to the Board of Adjustment, to review the decision of the Board of Adjustment, and shall prescribe therein the time within which a return thereto must be made and served upon the petitioner’s attorney, which shall not be less than 10 days and may be extended by the Court. (c) The allowance of the writ shall not stay proceeding upon the decision appealed from, but the Court may, on application, on notice to the Board and on due cause shown, grant a restraining order. (d) The Board of Adjustment shall not be required to return the original papers acted upon by it, but it shall be sufficient to return certified or sworn copies thereof, or of such portions thereof as may be called for by the writ. The return shall concisely set forth such other facts as may be pertinent and material to show the grounds of the decision appealed from and shall be verified. (e) If, upon the hearing, it shall appear to the Court that testimony is necessary for the proper disposition of the matter, it may take evidence, or appoint a referee to take such evidence as it may direct and report the same to the Court with the referee’s findings of fact and conclusions of law, which shall constitute a part of the proceedings upon which the determination of the Court shall be made. (f) The Court may reverse or affirm, wholly or partly, or may modify the decision brought up for review. (g) Costs shall not be allowed against the Board, unless it shall appear to the Court that it acted with gross negligence or in bad faith or with malice in making the decision appealed from. 9 Del. C. 1953, §  4918; 56 Del. Laws, c. 103, §  16 ; 70 Del. Laws, c. 186, §  1 ; § 4919 Enforcement; remedies. (a) The enforcement of any code or regulation adopted by the county government under the authority of this subchapter shall be as prescribed by the county government by ordinance. (b) In case any building or structure is or is proposed to be erected, constructed, reconstructed, altered, maintained or used, or any land is or is proposed to be used, in violation of this subchapter or of any regulation or provision of any regulation or change thereof, enacted or adopted by the county government, the attorney thereof, or any owner of real estate within the district in which such building, structure or land is situated, may, in addition to other remedies provided by law, institute injunction, mandamus, abatement or any other appropriate action or actions, proceeding or proceedings to prevent, enjoin, abate or remove such unlawful erection, construction, reconstruction, alteration, maintenance or use. 9 Del. C. 1953, §  4919; 56 Del. Laws, c. 103, §  16 ; 65 Del. Laws, c. 304, §  2 ; 66 Del. Laws, c. 207, §  1 ; § 4920 Nonconforming uses of land or buildings. (a) The lawful use of a building or structure, or the lawful use of any land, as existing and lawful at the time of the enactment of a zoning regulation, or in the case of a change of regulations, then at the time of such change, may, except as hereinafter provided, be continued although such use does not conform with the provisions of such regulations or change, and such use may be extended throughout the same building, provided no structural alteration of such building is proposed or made for the purpose of such extension. The county government in any zoning regulations may permit the restoration, reconstruction, extension or substitution of nonconforming uses upon such terms and conditions as may be set forth in the zoning regulations. (b) If the County acquires title to any property by reason of tax delinquency and such properties are not redeemed as provided by law, the future use of such property shall be in conformity with the then existing provisions of the zoning regulations of the County, or with any change of such regulations, equally applicable to other like properties within the district in which the property acquired by the County is located. 9 Del. C. 1953, §  4920; 56 Del. Laws, c. 103, §  16 ; § 4921 Appropriations. The county government may appropriate out of the general county fund such moneys, otherwise unappropriated, as it may deem fit to finance the work of the Zoning Commission and of the Board of Adjustment, and may enforce the zoning regulations and restrictions which are adopted, and may accept grants of money and service for these purposes, and other purposes, in accordance with this chapter, from either private or public sources, state or federal. 9 Del. C. 1953, §  4921; 56 Del. Laws, c. 103, §  16 ; 58 Del. Laws, c. 340, §  2 ; 66 Del. Laws, c. 207, §  1 ; § 4922 Conflict between zoning regulations and other laws. (a) Whenever any regulations made under authority of this subchapter require a greater width or size of yards, courts or other open spaces, or require a lower height of buildings or smaller number of stories, or require a greater percentage of lot to be left unoccupied, or impose other higher standards than are required in or under any other statute or local regulations, the provisions of the regulations made under authority of this subchapter shall govern. Whenever the provisions of any other statute or local regulation require a greater width or size of yards, courts or other open spaces, or require a lower height of buildings or a lesser number of stories, or require a greater percentage of lot to be left unoccupied, or impose other higher standards than are required by any regulations made under authority of this subchapter, the provisions of such statute shall govern. (b) Whenever any other statute shall derogate from this subchapter, unless it be a statute granting powers to the State Planning Office, this subchapter shall govern. 9 Del. C. 1953, §  4922; 56 Del. Laws, c. 103, §  16 ; 58 Del. Laws, c. 340, §  2 ; 66 Del. Laws, c. 207, §  1 ; § 4923 Residential facilities for persons with disabilities. (a) For purposes of all county zoning ordinances a residential facility licensed or approved by a state agency serving 10 or fewer persons with disabilities on a 24-hour-per-day basis shall be construed to be a permitted single family residential use of such property. (b) For the purposes of this section, the term “persons with disabilities” includes any persons with a handicap or disability as those terms are defined in the Delaware Fair Housing Act (Chapter 46 of Title 6). 62 Del. Laws, c. 390, §  2 ; 74 Del. Laws, c. 149, §§  4-6 ; § 4924 Notice to local school districts of residential zoning changes. With respect to any proposed residential zoning change, the county government shall notify the local school district for the area at least 7 days prior to the initial hearing upon such residential zoning change. 66 Del. Laws, Sp. Sess., c. 195,, §  1 ; § 4925 Changes in zoning. In the case of a rezoning application the county government shall determine its voting requirement necessary to take action thereon, which shall not be less than a majority of all members elected to Levy Court. 68 Del. Laws, c. 272, §  2 ; § 4926 Notice to property owners of zoning changes. With respect to any proposed zoning change, unless the owner applies for the change or consents to the change, the county government shall notify the owner of the property and all adjacent property owners to the extent and in the manner the county by ordinance so provides as of June 28, 2000, mailed at least 7 days prior to the initial hearing upon such zoning change. This act shall become effective for zoning changes initiated after July 13, 2000. 72 Del. Laws, c. 415, §  2 ; § 4927 Emergency Communication Systems [Effective until Feb. 1, 2027]. The zoning ordinance and regulations adopted pursuant to this chapter shall provide that newly constructed buildings of 25,000 square feet of gross floor area or more, shall be designed, constructed and/or equipped in accordance with the provisions set forth in § 2616 of this title. 76 Del. Laws, c. 181, §  2 ; § 4927 Emergency Communication Systems [Effective Feb. 1, 2027]. The zoning ordinance and regulations adopted pursuant to this chapter shall provide that newly constructed, modified, or renovated buildings of 25,000 square feet of gross floor area or more, shall be designed, constructed and/or equipped in accordance with the provisions set forth in § 2616 of this title. 76 Del. Laws, c. 181, §  2 ; 85 Del. Laws, c. 296, § 2 ; Delaware General Assembly Judicial Executive Contact Twitter Help function submitSearch() { if (!window.location.origin) { window.location.origin = window.location.protocol + "//" + window.location.hostname + (window.location.port ? ':' + window.location.port : ''); } keyword = document.getElementById('srch-term').value; window.location.href = "/Search?query=" + keyword; } document.getElementById('srch-term').onkeyup = function (e) { if (e.keyCode == 13) { submitSearch(); } } § 4951 Short title; intent and purpose. (a) This subchapter shall be known and may be cited as the “Quality of Life Act of 1988.” It is the purpose of this subchapter to utilize and strengthen the existing role, processes and powers of county governments in the establishment and implementation of comprehensive planning programs to guide and control future development. It is the intent of this subchapter to encourage the most appropriate use of land, water and resources consistent with the public interest and to deal effectively with future problems that may result from the use and development of land within their jurisdictions. Through the process of comprehensive planning, it is intended that units of county government can preserve, promote and improve the public health, safety, comfort, good order, appearance, convenience, law enforcement and fire prevention and general welfare; facilitate the adequate and efficient provision of transportation, water, sewage, schools, parks, recreational facilities, housing and other requirements and services; and conserve, develop, utilize and protect natural resources within their jurisdictions. (b) It is also the intent of this subchapter to encourage and assure cooperation between and among municipalities, counties and the State and to encourage and assure coordination of planning and development activities of units of county government, municipalities, regional agencies and state government in accord with applicable provisions of law. A growth management plan or policy plan that meets the standards and requirements of this subchapter shall be an acceptable comprehensive plan. The land use map or map series forming part of the comprehensive plan as required by this subchapter shall have the force of law, and no development, as defined in this subchapter, shall be permitted except in conformity with the land use map or map series and with county land development regulations enacted to implement the other elements of the adopted comprehensive plan. 66 Del. Laws, c. 207, §  1 ; § 4952 Definitions. For the purposes of this subchapter: (1) “Area” or “area of jurisdiction” means the total area qualifying under the provisions of this subchapter, being all unincorporated lands within a county. (2) “Comprehensive plan” or “comprehensive development plan” shall mean, from and after the respective dates by which the counties must be in compliance with this subchapter, a plan that meets the requirements of this subchapter and that is reviewed and certified in accordance with § 9103 of Title 29. Wherever in this subchapter land use regulations are required to be in accordance with the comprehensive plan, such requirements shall mean only that such regulations must be in conformity with the applicable maps or map series of the comprehensive plan. Whenever in this subchapter land use orders, permits or zoning district changes are required to be in accordance with the comprehensive plan, such requirements shall mean only that such orders, permits and changes must be in conformity with the map or map series of the comprehensive plan and county land use regulations enacted to implement the other elements of the adopted comprehensive plan. (3) “Coordination” as used in this chapter means, in general terms, to act jointly, concurrently, and/or harmoniously toward a common end or purpose. (4) “County” means Kent County. (5) “Developer” means any person, including a governmental agency, undertaking any development as defined in this subchapter. (6) “Development” means any construction or reconstruction of any new or existing commercial or residential building(s) or structure(s) upon lands which are not owned by the State or its agencies or its political subdivisions, or are not within the jurisdictional control of the State or its agencies or its political subdivisions. (7) “Development order” means any order granting, denying or granting with conditions an application for a development permit. (8) “Development permit” includes any building permit, zoning permit, subdivision approval, rezoning, certificate of occupancy, special exception, variance or any other official action of local government having the effect of permitting the development of land. (9) “Governing body” means the chief governing body of county government, however designated, or the combination of such bodies where joint utilization of the provision of this subchapter is accomplished as provided herein. (10) “Governmental agency” means: a. The United States or any department, commission, agency or other instrumentality thereof. b. This State or any department, commission, agency or other instrumentality thereof. c. Any local government, as defined in this section, or any department, commission, agency or other instrumentality thereof. d. Any school board or other special district, authority or governmental entity. (11) “Land” means the earth, water and air, above, below or on the surface, and includes any improvements or structures customarily regarded as land. (12) “Land development regulation commission” means a commission designated by a county government to develop and recommend, to the local governing body, land development regulations which implement the adopted comprehensive plan and to review land development regulations, or amendments thereto, for consistency with the adopted plan and to report to the governing body regarding its findings. The responsibilities of the land development regulation commission may be performed by the local planning agency. (13) “Land development regulations” means ordinances enacted by governing bodies for the regulation of any aspect of development and includes any county government zoning, rezoning, subdivision, building construction or sign regulations or any other regulations controlling the development of land. (14) “Land use” means the development that has occurred on the land, the development that is proposed by a developer on the land or the use that is permitted or permissible on the land under an adopted comprehensive plan. (15) “Local government” means any municipality. (16) “Local planning agency” means the agency designated to prepare the comprehensive plan required by this subchapter. (17) A “newspaper of general circulation” means a newspaper published at least on a weekly basis and printed in the language most commonly spoken in the area within which it circulates, but does not include a newspaper intended primarily for members of a particular professional or occupational group, a newspaper whose primary function is to carry legal notices or a newspaper that is given away primarily to distribute advertising. (18) “Parcel of land” means any quantity of land capable of being described with such definiteness that its locations and boundaries may be established, which is designated by its owner or developer as land to be used or developed as a unit or which has been used or developed as a unit. (19) “Person” means an individual, corporation, governmental agency, statutory trust, business trust, estate/trust, partnership, association, 2 or more persons having a joint or common interest or any other legal entity. (20) “Public facilities” means major capital improvements over which the County has jurisdiction. (21) “Public notice” or “due public notice” as used in connection with the phrase “public hearing,” “hearing to be held after due public notice” or “public meeting” means publication of notice of the time, place and purpose of such hearing at least twice in a newspaper of general circulation in the area. 66 Del. Laws, c. 207, §  1 ; 70 Del. Laws, c. 270, §§  22, 23 ; 73 Del. Laws, c. 329, §  49 ; 85 Del. Laws, c. 343, § 2 ; § 4953 Scope of subchapter. (a) The County shall have power and responsibility: (1) To plan for their future development and growth. (2) To adopt and amend comprehensive plans, or elements or portions thereof, to guide their future development and growth. (3) To implement adopted or amended comprehensive plans by the adoption of appropriate land development regulations or elements thereof. In furtherance of the authority to adopt, amend and implement comprehensive plans or elements or portions thereof to guide and control future growth, counties are expressly granted the authority to develop and adopt regulations governing the transfer of development rights from identified districts, zones or parcels of land to districts, zones or areas designated to receive such development rights. Such regulations may provide for the establishment of development right banking. Whenever a county exercises its authority to provide for the transfer of development rights it shall: a. Comply with all requirements of this subchapter pertaining to the amendment of a comprehensive plan; b. Provide for the transfer of development rights as an option to the use and development of the subject property according to the otherwise applicable zoning ordinance; c. Limit designation of receiving areas to locations where the county has determined that growth should be encouraged and where a transfer of development rights would not result in the inability of either the existing or planned public facilities which serve the area to accommodate such growth; d. Demonstrate that the creation and regulation of both sending and receiving districts are otherwise consistent with promotion of the policies expressed by the comprehensive plan and statewide planning goals and objectives established pursuant to Chapter 91 of Title 29; and e. Consider appropriate incentives for the transfer of development rights, including bonuses for the use of transferred development rights and intergovernmental agreements with other counties or municipalities which would permit the transfer and use of development rights between counties and municipalities. (4) To establish, support and maintain administrative instruments and procedures to carry out the provisions and purposes of this subchapter. (b) Each county government shall prepare a comprehensive plan of the type and in the manner set out in this subchapter or amend its existing comprehensive plan to conform to the requirements of this subchapter. 66 Del. Laws, c. 207, §  1 ; 70 Del. Laws, c. 270, §  24 ; 72 Del. Laws, c. 122, §  3 ; § 4954 Areas under this subchapter. A county shall exercise authority under this subchapter for the total unincorporated area under its jurisdiction. 66 Del. Laws, c. 207, §  1 ; § 4955 Local planning agency. (a) The governing body of each county government shall designate and by ordinance establish a “local planning agency.” The governing body may designate itself as the local planning agency pursuant to this subsection. The local planning agency shall prepare the comprehensive plan after meetings to be held after due public notice and shall make recommendations regarding the adoption of such plan or element or portion thereof. The agency may be a local planning commission, the planning department of the county government or other instrumentality, including a countywide planning entity established by special act or council of local government officials, provided the composition of the council is fairly representative of all the governing bodies in the county. (b) The governing body or bodies shall appropriate funds for salaries, fees and expenses necessary in the conduct of the work of the local planning agency and shall also establish a schedule of fees to be charged by the agency. To accomplish the purpose and activities authorized by this subchapter, the local planning agency, with the approval of the governing body or bodies and in accord with the fiscal practices thereof, may expend all sums so appropriated and other sums made available for use from fees, gifts, state or federal grants, state or federal loans and other sources; however, acceptance of loans must be approved by the governing bodies involved. (c) The local planning agency shall have the general responsibility for the conduct of the comprehensive planning program. Specifically, the local planning agency shall: (1) Be the agency responsible for the preparation of the comprehensive plan and shall make recommendations regarding the adoption of such plan or element or portion thereof consistent with existing county laws or regulations. During the preparation of the plan, and prior to any recommendation for adoption, the local planning agency shall hold at least 1 public hearing or public meeting on the proposed plan or element or portion thereof. The local planning agency may designate any agency, committee, department or person to prepare, revise, monitor and oversee the effectiveness and status of the comprehensive plan or any element thereof. Prior to adoption of the proposed comprehensive plan, the governing body shall hold at least 1 public hearing, with due public notice, on the proposed plan or element thereof. Final recommendation of the adoption of such plan to the governing body shall be in accordance with existing county procedures, or absent such procedures, shall be the responsibility of the local planning agency. (2) Review proposed land development regulations, land development codes or amendments thereto, and make recommendations to the governing body as to the consistency of the proposal with the adopted comprehensive plan. (3) Perform any other functions, duties and responsibilities assigned to it by the governing body or special law. 66 Del. Laws, c. 207, §  1 ; § 4956 Required and optional elements of comprehensive plan; studies and surveys [Effective until Nov. 15, 2026]. (a) The comprehensive plan shall consist of materials in such descriptive form, either written or graphic, as may be appropriate to the prescription of principles, guidelines and standards for the orderly and balanced future economic, social, physical, environmental and fiscal development of the area. (b) Coordination of the several elements of the local comprehensive plan shall be a major objective of the planning process. (c) A capital improvements plan covering at least a 5-year period shall be developed in accordance with the adoption of, and be consistent with, the comprehensive plan. The capital improvements plan shall be designed to consider the need for and the location of public facilities in order to encourage the efficient utilization of such facilities and set forth: (1) Principles for construction, extension or increase in capacity of public facilities, as well as principles for correcting existing public facility deficiencies, which are necessary to implement the comprehensive plan. (2) Estimated public facility costs, including a delineation of when facilities will be needed, the general location of the facilities and projected revenue sources to fund the facilities. (3) Standards to ensure the availability of public facilities and the adequacy of those facilities. (4) To the extent provisions of the capital improvements plan anticipate State financial assistance, involvement or cooperation, such provisions shall be developed in conjunction with the state capital improvement plan and annual capital budget. (d) The capital improvements plan shall be reviewed on an annual basis and modified as necessary. Corrections, updates and modifications concerning costs, revenue sources, acceptance of facilities pursuant to dedications which are consistent with the plan, or the date of construction of any facility enumerated in the capital improvements plan may be accomplished by ordinance and shall not be deemed to be amendments to the local comprehensive plan. All proposed improvements to public facilities shall be consistent with the capital improvements plan. (e) Coordination of the comprehensive plan with the comprehensive plans of municipalities within the County, adjacent counties and applicable state regulations and policy shall be an objective of the comprehensive planning process. To that end, in the preparation of a comprehensive plan or element thereof, and in the comprehensive plan or element as adopted, the planning agency shall include a specific policy statement or coordinated mapping element indicating the relationship of the proposed development of the area to the comprehensive plans of municipalities within the County, adjacent counties and applicable state regulations and policy as the case may require. Such policy statement or coordinated mapping element shall specifically identify the coordination process undertaken and the official action taken by affected municipalities regarding the county comprehensive plan. Such statement or element shall also set forth the procedures to be followed to ensure continuing coordination with municipalities, regional agencies and the State. In addition, the comprehensive plan shall provide for coordination with state agencies regarding land use and development policies and shall provide for review and consideration by the Cabinet Committee on State Planning Issues at such times as required by this subchapter. (f) The comprehensive plan and its elements shall contain policy recommendations and a timeline for the implementation of the plan and its elements. (g) The comprehensive plan shall include: (1) A future land use plan element designating proposed future general distribution, location and extent of the uses of land for such activities as residential uses, commercial uses, industry, agriculture, recreation, conservation, education, public buildings and grounds, other public facilities and other categories of the public and private uses of land. The plan shall include standards to be followed in the control and distribution of population densities and building and structure intensities. The proposed distribution, location and extent of the various categories of land use shall be shown on a land use map or map series which shall be supplemented by goals, policies and measurable objectives. Each land use category shall be defined in terms of the types of uses included and standards for the density or intensity of use. The future land use plan shall be based upon surveys, studies and data regarding the area, including the amount of land required to accommodate anticipated growth, the projected population of the area, the character of undeveloped land, and the availability of public services. The future land use plan may designate areas for future planned development use involving combinations of types of uses for which special regulations may be necessary to ensure development in accord with the principles and standards of the comprehensive plan and this subchapter. The land use maps or map series shall generally identify and depict historic district boundaries and shall designate historically significant properties meriting protection. Population, demographic, environment, oil economic data and projections used to determine present conditions, future land use, and public facility requirements shall be developed in conjunction with the State and municipalities, and shall, as a minimum, be consistent with projections officially adopted by the Delaware Population Consortium. The sources and assumptions used to develop such projections shall be clearly identified. (2) A mobility element which is consistent with the approved area-wide transportation plan and has been developed in conjunction with the Department of Transportation. The mobility element shall provide a balanced transportation system addressing the movement of people and goods while showing existing and proposed rights-of-way, sidewalks, bikeways, rail facilities, terminals and related facilities. The mobility element shall include recommendations for land use regulations that promote a range of sustainable transportation choices for future transportation needs. The mobility element shall be consistent with the State Implementation Plan (SIP) for air quality attainment. (3) A water and sewer element correlated to principles and guidelines for future land use, indicating ways to provide for future potable water, and wastewater disposal for the area. County government, in conjunction with the State, shall assess their current, as well as projected, water needs and sources. The element shall describe the problems and needs and the general facilities that will be required for solution of the problems and needs. The water and sewer element shall be developed in consultation with and reviewed by the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control. The water and sewer element shall include an assessment of fiscal considerations and shall be consistent with approved area-wide wastewater treatment plans. (4) A conservation element for the conservation, use and protection of natural resources in the area and which results in the identification of these resources. At a minimum, the element shall consist of such natural area classifications as wetlands, wood uplands, habitat areas, geological areas, hydrological areas, floodplains, aquifer recharge areas, ocean beaches, soils and slopes. The land use map or map series contained in the future land use element shall generally identify and depict natural areas classifications, such as those enumerated in this section. The land uses identified on said maps shall be consistent with applicable state laws and regulations. Identification and depiction of the above shall be based on the best topographic maps and other information available from state and federal agencies or other sources that the County deems appropriate. The conservation element shall also consider areas most suited for agricultural uses, silvacultural uses and watershed protection. The conservation element shall be developed in consultation with and reviewed by the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control. (5) A recreation and open space element indicating a comprehensive system of public and private sites for recreation including, but not limited to, nature preserves, parks and playgrounds, parkways, water bodies including beaches and public access to beaches, open spaces and other recreational facilities. A county recreation and open space plan is acceptable in lieu of a recreation and open space element. The recreation and open space element shall be consistent with the Comprehensive Land Use Plan. The element shall be developed in consultation with and reviewed by the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control and shall reflect the State’s open space preservation and outdoor recreation planning activities. (6) A housing element that is consistent with county housing plans, standards and principles. Such housing plans shall be in accordance with state and federal rules and regulations and the housing plan or housing element of the comprehensive plan shall include the following: a. The provision of housing for existing residents and the anticipated growth of the area. b. The elimination of substandard dwelling conditions. c. The structural and aesthetic improvement of existing housing. d. The provision of adequate sites for future housing, including housing for low-income and moderate-income families, group home facilities and foster care facilities, with supporting infrastructure and public facilities. e. Provision for relocation housing and identification of historically significant and other housing for purposes of conservation, rehabilitation or replacement. f. The formulation of housing implementation programs. g. Demonstrated coordination with the State Housing Authority including but not limited to guidelines to insure that sites for publicly assisted housing are located where adequate transportation opportunities, health and social services and other community services are available. h. An affordable housing plan that complies with subchapter III of Chapter 92 of Title 29. (7) An intergovernmental coordination element of the comprehensive plan shall demonstrate consideration of the particular effects of the plan, when adopted, upon the development of municipalities within the County, adjacent counties or on the applicable state regulations. (8) A recommended community design element to assist in the achievement of the objectives of the comprehensive plan which may consist of design recommendations for land subdivision, neighborhood development, neighborhood redevelopment, design of open space locations and similar matters. To that end, such recommendations may be made available as aids and guides to developers in the future planning and development of land in the area. (9) An historical preservation element which sets out plans and programs for those structures or lands in the area having historical, archaeological, architectural or similar significance. The historical preservation element shall be developed in consultation with and reviewed by the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs of the Department of State. (10) An economic development element setting forth principles and guidelines for the commercial and industrial development, if any, and the employment and personnel utilization within the area. The element may detail the type of commercial and industrial development sought while correlating the present and projected employment needs of the area to other elements of the plan and may set forth methods by which a balanced and stable economic base will be pursued. The economic development element shall include a general area redevelopment component consisting of plans, criteria and programs for community redevelopment, including reuse of housing sites, business sites, industrial sites, central business districts, public building sites, recreational facilities and other locations. The economic development element shall be developed in consultation with and reviewed by the Division of Small Business. (11) An educational element consistent with the plans of the local school districts which guide the construction and allocation of school facilities within the districts, if such plans exist. This element will be developed with input from the local school districts, the Department of Education, and the Office of State Planning and Coordination. The educational element shall include recommendations for promoting coordination between residential development and adequate school capacity and must take into account any adequate public facilities ordinance or other county code provisions related to school capacity. (h) The comprehensive plan may include such other elements as may be peculiar to and/or necessary for the area concerned and as are added by the governing body upon the recommendation of the local planning agency. (i) [Transferred to § 4957(a) of this title.] 66 Del. Laws, c. 207, §  1 ; 70 Del. Laws, c. 186, §  1 ; 70 Del. Laws, c. 270, §§  25-35 ; 74 Del. Laws, c. 186, §  8 ; 78 Del. Laws, c. 92, §  9 ; 81 Del. Laws, c. 49, § 12 ; 81 Del. Laws, c. 374, § 41 ; 83 Del. Laws, c. 434, § 2 ; 85 Del. Laws, c. 343, § 2 ; § 4956 Required and optional elements of comprehensive plan; studies and surveys [Effective Nov. 15, 2026]. (a) The comprehensive plan shall consist of materials in such descriptive form, either written or graphic, as may be appropriate to the prescription of principles, guidelines and standards for the orderly and balanced future economic, social, physical, environmental and fiscal development of the area. (b) Coordination of the several elements of the local comprehensive plan shall be a major objective of the planning process. (c) A capital improvements plan covering at least a 5-year period shall be developed in accordance with the adoption of, and be consistent with, the comprehensive plan. The capital improvements plan shall be designed to consider the need for and the location of public facilities in order to encourage the efficient utilization of such facilities and set forth: (1) Principles for construction, extension or increase in capacity of public facilities, as well as principles for correcting existing public facility deficiencies, which are necessary to implement the comprehensive plan. (2) Estimated public facility costs, including a delineation of when facilities will be needed, the general location of the facilities and projected revenue sources to fund the facilities. (3) Standards to ensure the availability of public facilities and the adequacy of those facilities. (4) To the extent provisions of the capital improvements plan anticipate State financial assistance, involvement or cooperation, such provisions shall be developed in conjunction with the state capital improvement plan and annual capital budget. (d) The capital improvements plan shall be reviewed on an annual basis and modified as necessary. Corrections, updates and modifications concerning costs, revenue sources, acceptance of facilities pursuant to dedications which are consistent with the plan, or the date of construction of any facility enumerated in the capital improvements plan may be accomplished by ordinance and shall not be deemed to be amendments to the local comprehensive plan. All proposed improvements to public facilities shall be consistent with the capital improvements plan. (e) Coordination of the comprehensive plan with the comprehensive plans of municipalities within the County, adjacent counties and applicable state regulations and policy shall be an objective of the comprehensive planning process. To that end, in the preparation of a comprehensive plan or element thereof, and in the comprehensive plan or element as adopted, the planning agency shall include a specific policy statement or coordinated mapping element indicating the relationship of the proposed development of the area to the comprehensive plans of municipalities within the County, adjacent counties and applicable state regulations and policy as the case may require. Such policy statement or coordinated mapping element shall specifically identify the coordinat