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Kent County introduces new zoning code and map for public hearing; village density and solar rules updated
Summary
The county introduced Code Home Rule Bill 4-2025 to adopt a revised zoning code and zoning map, including a village-district density increase and text changes that align solar standards with newly enacted state law. A public hearing will be scheduled.
Kent County commissioners voted to introduce Code Home Rule Bill 4-2025 on Wednesday and to schedule a public hearing on a revised land-use ordinance and updated zoning map.
County planning staff said the draft ordinance incorporates changes requested by the Critical Area Commission and several zoning text amendments adopted or identified over the past year. The revision includes a proposed change in the village zoning district that would reduce minimum lot area from 9,500 square feet to 5,000 square feet and raise allowable density from four units per acre to five units per acre in targeted village locations.
Staff also told the board the county updated local standards for utility-scale solar to match state legislation enacted earlier this year. The staff explanation said the statewide bill establishes standards that would preempt any conflicting local regulation, so the county’s text was adjusted to remain consistent and enforceable under state law.
Commissioners moved the draft to public hearing so residents and stakeholders can comment. Staff said the draft had been returned to the Critical Area Commission for review of changes required by that agency; staff expect any minor, non-substantive edits identified by the state agency could be addressed before third reading.
The introduction means the zoning rewrite will proceed through the county’s ordinary public-review process, including the scheduled hearing and subsequent readings before final adoption.
