Sussex County Council approves application for state technical assistance on zoning and land‑use reform

Sussex County Council voted Oct. 21 to authorize an application to the Delaware State Housing Authority for a technical‑assistance pilot created under Senate Joint Resolution 8.

The request, presented by Randy Noemann, asks DSHA to assign a consultant to help the county evaluate and draft potential land‑use and zoning reforms. Noemann told the council the program provides planning and consultant support, not a requirement to adopt particular ordinances, and that there is no direct cost to the county for participation.

The county—s application will allow local staff and council to select which reforms to explore, Noemann said, citing options that include permitting some "missing‑middle" housing types in residential zones, pre‑review design plans, and adjustments to density and height limits. Selected jurisdictions are expected to be notified in November; DSHA will run an RFP for an external consultant and engagement with selected counties would begin in early 2026.

Council members asked about timeline and obligations. Noemann said the county will dictate the scope of work and that the DSHA program "commits us to a process, not a specific outcome," meaning there are no penalties if the county ultimately chooses not to adopt proposed ordinances.

A resolution authorizing the application was moved by Mister Riley and seconded by Miss Grunerbough. The council took a recorded vote and the motion carried with the votes recorded on the transcript as: Mister McCarron: Yes; Mister Lloyd: Yes; Miss Hornbaum: Yes; Mister Riley: Yes. The council—s approval allows staff to submit the county—s application by the DSHA deadline at the end of the month.

What happens next: DSHA will notify selected jurisdictions in November and begin consultant engagement in early 2026 if Sussex County is chosen. Any ordinance changes that result would still require county review, public hearings and council votes prior to adoption.