Sussex County adopts new rules to protect, enhance residential buffer zones

GEORGETOWN, DEL. – Sussex County is giving Mother Nature a little extra space and breathing room when it comes to new development.

County Council, at its Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2024, meeting, approved a measure known as the ‘perimeter buffer’ ordinance that updates County code to strengthen requirements for buffering and forest retention along the boundaries of residential development. The new rules take effect six months from adoption, in February 2025.

The ordinance promotes the use of natural woodlands as buffers, when possible, as opposed to allowing developers to clear cut existing trees and plant saplings in their place; sets rules for when any new trees must be planted; establishes better coordination of the timing of home building versus buffer construction; and steps up County inspections to buffer areas to ensure compliance.

“Ultimately, I think this comes down to a better design. We’re building a better widget,” County Administrator Todd F. Lawson said. “This is going to improve the way developments look and feel in Sussex County moving forward.”

County officials said the ordinance came about after constituents voiced concerns in recent years about development and its effects on Sussex County’s natural resources, wanting to ensure the County had the appropriate protections in place to preserve the qualities that make southern Delaware special.

“That effectively flips the sequence, so buffers are being preserved or installed first, before any housing is constructed,” Mr. Lawson said. “That’s a pretty big step forward in our land use policy and thinking, one that we believe addresses a frequent concern we’ve heard over the years from residents.”