About the Preliminary Land Use Service
The Preliminary Land Use Service (PLUS) coordinates state agency reviews of major land use proposals before they are submitted to local governments or proceed through state permitting, in accordance with Chapter 92 of Title 29 of the Delaware Code.
PLUS brings together all relevant state agencies early in the development process to provide expert guidance while respecting the authority of local governments.
Proposals are submitted through our office and reviewed at monthly PLUS meetings. Applicants meet directly with state agency experts to discuss their plans, identify potential challenges, and address constraints early—helping to avoid costly delays or redesigns later.
This collaborative and streamlined process accelerates State responses, aligns with local timelines, and ensures that feedback is timely, thorough, and consistent with both State and local land use policies.
PLUS Program Goals
- Identify and mitigate potential impacts of development on surrounding communities, ecosystems, and regional resources.
- Align state and local land use plans to support cohesive and sustainable growth.
- Promote comprehensive planning through early collaboration and coordinated review.
The Benefits of PLUS
- Enables faster review for proposals consistent with certified comprehensive plans
- Encourages sharing of ideas and resources among state, county, and local governments
- Promotes early identification of development impacts to communities and resources
- Helps integrate state and local land use planning for cohesive, sustainable development
For Additional Information about PLUS, contact the PLUS Team.