Delaware Legislation Aims to Increase Housing Supply

State Senator Russell Huxtable has introduced Senate Bill 23–the “Housing for Every Delawarean Act.” The legislation aims to address a statewide shortage of affordable housing by requiring New Castle, Kent, and Sussex Counties to make their entire comprehensive plans legally binding. It also mandates that counties and municipalities with over 2,000 residents include specific affordable housing plans in their long-term goals. To accelerate local efforts, the bill reduces the time allowed for administrative rezoning from 18 months down to 12. Because it affects municipal charters, the act requires a two-thirds majority vote to pass. The bill has been assigned to the Senate Housing and Land Use Committee for consideration.