The Sussex County Planning and Zoning Commission held a regular public meeting on December 10th, 2025, in Georgetown to review several land use and development proposals from across the county.

As outlined in the Meeting Agenda, commissioners reviewed applications at various stages of the planning and zoning process, reflecting the continued pace and diversity of development activity in Sussex County.

The projects discussed during the session included large-scale residential expansion, multifamily housing, and utility infrastructure, each requiring commission review before moving forward.

This article highlights three proposals reviewed at the meeting: Anchors Run, Willows at Northstar, and Inland Bays Preservation Company.

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Anchors Run 

The Anchors Run proposal was reviewed as a Final Subdivision and Landscape Plan under application number 2023-01.

The project involves the expansion of an existing cluster subdivision to a total of 356 single-family lots across approximately 180 acres, including private roads, open space, and community amenities such as a clubhouse, in-ground pool, pool deck, splash pad, pickleball courts, and a cluster mailbox facility.

The application specifically sought approval to add 91 additional lots by amending a previously approved Phase 5 and introducing a new Phase 6 of the subdivision.

The Preliminary Subdivision Plan for the expansion was approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission at its November 20th, 2024 meeting, subject to 22 conditions of approval.

Staff reported that the Final Subdivision and Landscape Plan complies with the Sussex County Zoning Code and Subdivision Code and satisfies all conditions imposed at the preliminary approval stage. All required agency approvals were also received.

The property is located on the east side of Beaver Dam Road and the north side of Conleys Chapel Road and is zoned AR-1 Agricultural Residential District.

Following staff review, the commission voted unanimously to approve the Final Subdivision and Landscape Plan. The motion carried by a 5-0 vote.

Additional details and commission discussion related to Anchors Run are available in the Planning and Zoning Meeting Audio and the official Meeting Minutes.

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Willows at Northstar 

Willows at Northstar was considered as a Preliminary Site Plan under application number S-25-64 and Conditional Use 2499.

The proposal seeks approval for a multifamily development consisting of 94 residential units, with a portion designated under the State’s Workforce Housing Program.

The project includes private roads, open space, and amenities such as a clubhouse with lounge, fitness center, and management offices located on the first floor of one of the residential buildings, along with bike storage lockers and a playground area.

The development was previously approved as a conditional use by the Sussex County Council, subject to 18 conditions of approval, with the zoning change adopted through Ordinance No. 3093.

Staff confirmed that the Preliminary Site Plan complies with the Sussex County Zoning Code and all conditions of approval associated with the conditional use.

The site is located on the south side of Lewes-Georgetown Highway and the north side of Beaver Dam Road in Lewes and is zoned Medium Density Residential (MR) District.

Although agency approvals were still pending at the time of the meeting, staff included the applicant’s response letter and conveyance plan for commission review.

The commission voted unanimously to approve the Preliminary Site Plan as a preliminary, with final approval delegated to staff upon receipt of all agency approvals. The motion carried by a 5-0 vote.

The full review and questions from commissioners regarding Willows at Northstar can be found by listening to the relevant portion of the Meeting Audio and consulting the Meeting Minutes.

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Inland Bays Preservation Company

The Inland Bays Preservation Company proposal was reviewed as a Preliminary Site Plan under application number S-24-39 and Conditional Use 2340.

The project involves the establishment of a water reclamation facility, including multiple buildings, an open-air treatment facility, a generator, landscaping, and related site improvements.

The proposed facilities include an administrative and mechanical building, a separate mechanical building, a headworks building, and a nearly 7,000-square-foot open-air treatment area.

The project was previously approved as a conditional use by the Sussex County Council on April 18th, 2023, through Ordinance No. 2918, subject to eight conditions of approval.

Staff reported that the Preliminary Site Plan complies with the Sussex County Zoning Code and all conditions of approval.

Elevations were submitted to demonstrate compliance with a condition requiring residential-style architectural features for the exterior of the buildings.

The property is located on the northeast side of Banks Road in Millsboro and is zoned AR-1 Agricultural Residential District.

While agency approvals were still pending, staff recommended that final approval be granted by staff upon receipt of all required approvals.

The commission voted unanimously to approve the Preliminary Site Plan as a preliminary, subject to staff receiving all outstanding agency approvals. The motion carried by a 5-0 vote.

Further insight into the proposal and commission deliberation for the Inland Bays Preservation Company project is documented in the Meeting Audio and reflected in the Meeting Minutes.

What Comes Next

The December 10th Planning and Zoning meeting reflects the continued range of development activity underway across Sussex County, from large-scale residential growth to workforce housing and essential utility infrastructure.

As these projects move forward, future approvals and final site reviews will continue to shape how development unfolds across the county.

To stay up to date on Planning and Zoning meetings, project reviews, and land use decisions across Coastal Delaware, keep following our blog!

Sources: Dec 10th Meeting, Dec 10th Meeting Agenda, Dec 10th Meeting Minutes, Dec 10th Meeting Audio