A recent Sussex County Land Use Reform Working Group meeting sparked a heated debate over whether public hearings should be required for housing development projects. 

While the session initially focused on affordable and workforce housing, the conversation turned to the role of community feedback in shaping future developments.

The Debate Over Public Hearings

At the heart of the discussion was whether public input slows down development and adds unnecessary costs.

• Jon Horner, representing the Home Builders Association of Delaware, argued that mandatory hearings for by-right projects can delay approval by up to two years and raise overall housing costs with those unintended delays.
• Mike Riemann, a leader in both the engineering and home building communities, added that public input already takes place during zoning and comprehensive plan discussions, making additional hearings redundant and unnecessary.
• Jill Hicks of the Sussex Preservation Coalition emphasized the importance of transparency and public trust, arguing that public hearings educate residents and ensure accountability on all parties.

Potential Compromise

Horner proposed a 30-day public comment period as a possible middle ground, citing similar procedures used by the Delaware Department of Transportation.

• He also noted that public hearings might still be appropriate in rural areas, where development is discouraged.
• Jamie Whitehouse of the county Planning & Zoning Office clarified that certain projects already require public hearings, such as conditional-use approvals and zoning changes.

Broader Reform Ideas

Beyond public input, the group explored ways to reduce housing costs and increase supply:

• Allowing taller buildings by raising the height limit above 42 feet
• Permitting multi-unit housing in denser areas
• Fast-tracking affordable housing projects
• Encouraging development near already-built areas to reduce sprawl

David Edgell from the Office of State Planning Coordination supported policies that steer growth toward already developed zones, aligning with long-term sustainability goals.

What Do You Think?

The debate is far from over, and your opinion matters. Should Sussex County streamline housing approvals or prioritize public involvement? 

Share your thoughts in the comments, or explore more local news and updates on our blog!

Source: Cape Gazette