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HB 450

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 9, TITLE 17, TITLE 22, AND TITLE 29 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO LAND USE.

153rd General Assembly (2025-2026) Introduced by Bill Bush and 16 co-sponsors

HB 450 aims to modernize Delaware's land-use laws across multiple titles to streamline permits and governance while aligning local plans with state standards and preserving environ

Passed By Senate. Votes: 21 YES
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 450

Bill Overview

  • Bill: HB 450
  • Session: 153
  • Jurisdiction: Delaware
  • Title: AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 9, TITLE 17, TITLE 22, AND TITLE 29 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO LAND USE
  • Status: Introduced May 21, 2026; assigned to Economic Development/Banking/Insurance & Commerce Committee (House)
  • Sponsors: Co-sponsors Jack Walsh and Bill Bush

Purpose and Intent

HB 450 seeks to amend multiple titles of the Delaware Code to update and reform land use laws. While the exact legislative text is not provided here, the bill’s cross-title amendments indicate a comprehensive approach to land-use governance, likely addressing zoning, planning, development approvals, environmental considerations, infrastructure, and related administrative processes. The intent is to modernize or streamline land-use regulation to support economic development while safeguarding public interests such as health, safety, and the environment.

Key Provisions (Expected Areas Based on Titles Amended)

Note: The following outlines common themes typically addressed when a bill amends Titles 9, 17, 22, and 29 in Delaware land-use contexts. The precise provisions may differ in the actual text.

  • Title 9 (Cities, Towns, and Local Government)

    • Revisions to municipal planning and zoning authority.
    • Clarifications on annexation, subdivision controls, and development review processes.
    • Requirements for consistency between local land-use plans and state policies.

  • Title 17 (State Planning and Environmental Control)

    • Statewide planning standards and coordination with local governments.
    • Formalization of environmental review processes or impact assessment requirements.
    • Potential incorporation of sustainability or climate resilience considerations into planning.

  • Title 22 (Planning, Zoning, and Development)

    • Updates to comprehensive plans, zoning maps, and zoning code administration.
    • Procedures for special use permits, variance standards, and conditional approvals.
    • Streamlining or enhancing notice, public participation, and appeal processes.
    • Possible updates to performance standards, critical area regulations, or design guidelines.

  • Title 29 (State Agencies and Administration)

    • Agency powers related to land-use permitting, development approvals, and enforcement.
    • Changes to interagency coordination, intergovernmental cooperation, or delegation of authority.
    • Updates to compliance timelines, penalties, or enforcement mechanisms.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Local Governments and Municipalities: Likely changes to planning and zoning authority, annexation rules, and development review procedures; potential requirement to align local plans with state standards.
  • State Agencies: Departments involved in planning, environmental control, and administration of land-use permits may gain or adjust authority and responsibilities.
  • Developers and Property Owners: Modified permit processes, timelines, and design or environmental standards; potential impacts on application feasibility and project timelines.
  • Residents and Public Stakeholders: Changes to public notice, participation, and appeal procedures; opportunities or burdens related to development projects in communities.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

  • Committee Assignment: Economic Development/Banking/Insurance & Commerce Committee (House) will review the bill.
  • Next Steps: If advanced, the bill would move through committee hearings, possible amendments, and floor votes in the House, followed by potential consideration in the Senate.
  • Effective Dates: Any new or amended provisions would specify effective dates (often upon enactment or a defined future date) and transitional rules for ongoing projects.

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Encourages alignment between local and state land-use planning.
  • Aims to clarify and possibly accelerate permitting and development processes while preserving environmental and community safeguards.
  • May introduce new performance standards or require updated plans, affecting timelines and compliance costs.
  • Could alter enforcement and penalties to ensure compliance with land-use regulations.

If you have access to the bill text, I can provide a more precise, provision-by-provision summary with exact sections, numerical standards (e.g., deadlines, fees, percentages), and the precise changes to each title.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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