Coalition applauds county’s updated buffer ordinance
We would like to recognize the effort by Sussex County Council, the planning & zoning commission and staff in the adoption of a revised perimeter buffer ordinance.
Since the launch of a major and comprehensive review and updating of Sussex County land-use ordinances in 2023, the county accomplished the first update. The existing perimeter buffer ordinance was 16 years old, easily open for interpretation and poorly enforced. After 14 months of review and encouragement from council for public involvement and participation, the revised ordinance will go in to effect in February 2025.
The ordinance applies to the entire outer perimeter of all future major subdivisions. The ordinance protects against woodland buffer removal, increases in buffer widths and buffer protection areas, and requires a certified forest assessment, planting standards and certified landscape buffer plans. The ordinance also has provisions for future buffer maintenance requirements and fines and penalties for violations.
The improved perimeter buffer ordinance is part of a much larger initiative to recognize the ongoing and alarming loss of forest canopy throughout the county with tens of thousands of acres of forest loss primarily due to development. The citizens of Sussex County look forward to the county’s stated commitment to upgrade land-use codes to preserve woodlands, protect open space, encourage and recognize superior design in order to ensure their vision for more future livable communities.
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