Sussex County Council has an opportunity to take a bold step with its new proposed ordinance on perimeter buffers that would provide vegetative screening around new developments. They have been involved in this effort for more than a year, starting with the design workshop that identified several deficiencies in the county code. Modifying the ordinance on perimeter buffers was the first item on the list.
Members of the public, including the Sussex Preservation Coalition, have been providing input and testimony on ways to improve the draft ordinance. SPC provided specific recommendations related to buffer widths to improve screening and privacy, as well as other natural resource values such as wildlife habitat and erosion control. We also made suggestions on a different species mix within planted buffers, including shrubs, that will make them even more effective. Finally, we feel that mitigation requirements need to penalize unnecessary woodland clearing. We have relied on a team of professional foresters and landscape architects to guide these recommendations.
On Tuesday, Aug. 27, Sussex County Council will meet to discuss and likely vote on proposed changes to the perimeter buffer ordinance. It is imperative that county council publicly demonstrate its consideration of public input in its rationale for the proposed amendment. This is common practice in other jurisdictions and would go a long way in ensuring public trust and confidence in the public hearing process.
The public deserves more, and it's now up to county council to take the lead.
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