Bill > SJR8

This joint resolution directs the Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA) to establish a pilot program designed to provide technical assistance to local governments for reforming their zoning ordinances. The program aims to address Delaware's affordable housing shortage, which the 2023 DSHA Statewide Housing Needs Assessment identified as over 19,000 units for low-income renters, with 50% of renters and 21% of homeowners considered "cost burdened" (spending over 30% of income on housing). The pilot program will help local governments update their zoning codes to support modern urban planning practices, including higher-density residential development, diverse housing types, improved sustainability, and walkability. By offering technical support to municipalities that often lack resources and expertise for zoning reform, the program seeks to create model policies that can be expanded statewide, ultimately facilitating more affordable and equitable housing development while supporting broader economic and community development goals.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?LegislationId=142432