Source: http://delcode.delaware.gov/title9/c069/sc02/index.shtml
Timestamp: 2019-04-21 17:11:03+00:00

Document:
§ 6951 Short title; intent and purpose.
(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 Sussex County.
§ 6953 Scope of subchapter.
(1) To plan for its future development and growth.
(2) To adopt and amend comprehensive plans, or elements or portions thereof, to guide its future development and growth.
§ 6954 Areas under this subchapter.
§ 6955 Local planning agency.
§ 6956 Required and optional elements of comprehensive plan; studies and surveys.
(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 and 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 based on [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 Delaware 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 Delaware 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 Delaware Department of Agriculture and the Delaware 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 Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control and shall reflect the State's open space preservation and outdoor recreation planning activities.
(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 Delaware Department of State.
§ 6957 State responsibilities to local planning agencies.
(b) The State, through the Office of State Planning Coordination, shall provide to the County, for use in the comprehensive planning process, state land use and development goals and policies, state regulatory requirements, estimates of future state financial capabilities, the State Capital Improvements Budget and Plan, state facility location plans, estimates of existing quantity of natural resources, economic development strategies and any other information which might reasonably influence the county's future land use decisions. The State shall provide the County with long-range plans, performance standards, land development polices, facility siting criteria and infrastructure impact assessment standards (necessary to ensure the availability of public facilities and the adequacy of those facilities), so as to enable the County to prepare the plan elements required by § 6956 of this title and to clearly set forth the criteria the State will use to review such elements. The review by the Cabinet Committee on State Planning Issues shall be pursuant to § 9103 of Title 29. During preparation of the county comprehensive plan, the county and the State shall jointly establish guidelines for the location and arrangement of public facilities, such as public schools, health care facilities, public safety and correctional institutions, libraries and other public buildings. Such guidelines shall be used to coordinate between the various levels of government so as to ensure that public buildings and facilities are located in a manner which are consistent with state and county development goals.
§ 6958 Evaluation and appraisal of comprehensive plan.
§ 6959 Legal status of comprehensive plan.
§ 6960 County comprehensive plan.
(e) Within 18 months of the date of adoption of the county comprehensive plan or revisions thereof, Sussex County shall amend its official zoning map or maps to rezone all lands in accordance with the uses and intensities of uses provided for in the future land use element for the County. In the event that the comprehensive plan includes provisions governing the rate of growth of particular planning districts or sub-areas of the County, the County's zoning district regulations shall be amended to reflect the timing elements of the comprehensive plan.
§ 6961 Information from state and local agencies and school districts.
(2)a. The County Council, through its designated planning agency, shall establish an agreement with the Department of Transportation to designate a Complete Community Enterprise District as described in §§ 2103 and 2104 of Title 2.

References: § 6953

§ 6954

§ 6955

§ 6956

§ 6957
 § 6956
 § 9103

§ 6958

§ 6959

§ 6960

§ 6961