EQUITY IN AGRICULTURE: PRESERVING THE VALUE OF DELAWARE'S RURAL LANDS
Equity in Agriculture • Resources • Commentary • Myths and Misconceptions • Frequently Asked QuestionsLocal and State Government Planning and Responsibility
The local governments in Delaware (57 municipalities and 3 Counties) all prepare comprehensive land use plans as required by the Delaware Code. Municipal comprehensive plans outline areas for growth and annexation. County plans contain designated growth zones where suburban growth is expected, and rural areas where agricultural and other rural land uses are promoted. Zoning, subdivision and other land use regulations are put into place to enact the plans that are developed. The New Castle County plan (PDF) designates the area south of Middletown as a rural area. The County has enacted the Unified Development Code which designates much of this area as "Suburban Reserve." Kent County's plan identifies a growth zone in the center of the County where sewer service is planned. The County has adopted a subdivision ordinance with incentives to develop within the growth zone. Sussex County's plan (PDF) designates "Development Districts" centered on the local municipalities.
These plans are reviewed and certified by the State, then used to produce the Strategies for State Policies and Spending, which is the State's blueprint for investments in infrastructure and services. While local governments retain authority over land development approvals, the State is directly involved in providing much of the infrastructure and many of the public services that support new development. The State government owns and maintains nearly 90 percent of the 12,000 lane-miles of roads and streets in Delaware, including most of the subdivision streets in unincorporated areas of New Castle and Kent Counties. Most states maintain an average of 20 percent of the roads, while counties and local governments take care of the rest. The State government funds 100 percent of school transportation and paratransit services, up to 80 percent of school construction costs, and the cost of police protection for many unincorporated areas of the state. The State also provides grants, loans and other direct and indirect assistance to local governments for hard infrastructure such as sewer and water systems, parks, and other community facilities. The Strategies provide framework that ensures that the State is spending its limited resources efficiently, effectively, and in locations where local governments intend to grow.
All three county plans and the Strategies define specific growth areas. The remaining rural areas of the state are classified as Investment Level 4 areas in the Strategies. Investment Level 4 indicates where State investments will support agricultural preservation, natural resource protection, and the continuation of the rural nature of these areas. New development activities and suburban development are not supported in Investment Level 4. These areas are comprised of prime agricultural lands and environmentally sensitive wetlands and wildlife habitats, which should be, and in many cases have been, preserved.
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