Until 2002
In AR-1 zone, 3/4 acre lots with sewer and 20,000 sqft without sewer were the only subdivision options.
2003
Sussex County Comprehensive Plan established Environmentally Sensitive Development District Overlay Zone (ESDDOZ) and also established clustering subdivision lots outside of ESDDOZ.
In 2004
The Council adopted AR-1 Cluster Subdivision process - 7,500 sqft lot, up to 2 units per acre, with 'superior design,' but there was no specific design criteria.
In 2008
AR-1 Cluster process was revised to include specifics for superior design criteria. At the last minute, it created 2 paths:
Superior Design + Yield Plan to get expedited review
Old path (old superior plan without specifics)
Meanwhile
The recession 'expedited' all application reviews without the superior design and yield plan.
In 2018
Density Calculation - Unbuildable state wetlands excluded when determining number of units
In 2019
With Ord. 2656 the 'Environmentally Sensitive Developing Area' was renamed 'Coastal Area.'
With Ord. 2658 the Council did away with 2 paths and also the yield plan, but mandated the superior design.
In 2020
The Council wants to mandate the same superior design in the Coastal Area to comply with the Comprehensive Plan .
In 2021
P&Z Public Hearing - 1/7/2021 5:00 PM - 100+ letters sent to P&Z
P&Z recommended to the Council on 1/21/2021 to approve this ordinance.
Council Public Hearing - 2/2/2021 10:30 AM