Lewes Mayor and City Council Voice Concerns to General Assembly over Senate Bill 23
The Mayor and City Council of Lewes have sent letters to the Delaware General Assembly regarding Senate Bill 23 and the proposed substitutes. SB 23 would increase the State’s supply of affordable housing. There have been two Senate Substitute Bills – the first was passed earlier this month – the Second Substitute Bill (SS2 for SB 23) is currently on the House Ready List. The Second Substitute refines the process that occurs if a County fails to rezone in accordance with its Comprehensive Plan within 12 months and like the 1st substitutes bill provides that if rezoning does not occur as required, a property owner’s application must be approved if the requested zoning classification is consistent with future land use map or other considerations. City officials support expanding affordable and workforce housing opportunities throughout the First State, and then highlighted efforts already underway in Lewes. City officials are concerned that the provisions of SB 23 could limit local control of land-use decisions, reduce opportunities for public input and shift certain development-related responsibilities to municipalities. They encourage state lawmakers to allow the affordable housing pilot programs established through SJR 8 in 2025 to be fully evaluated before broader statewide mandates are implemented.
SS2 for SB 23 was passed along party lines in the State Senate on June 11th with a 14 to 6 vote with 1 absent. It was reported out of the House Housing Committee on June 16th and awaits action before the full State House.
Lewes City Council Letter Regarding SB 23 and Substitutes – June 11, 2026
Lewes City Council State Representative Letter RE: SB 23 and Substitutes – June 12, 2026
Senate Substitution 2 for Senate Bill 23