Bill > SB23

This bill, titled "The Housing for Every Delawarean Act," aims to increase housing supply and affordability across Delaware by requiring local governments to update their comprehensive plans and zoning regulations. Key provisions include mandating that municipalities and counties with over 2,000 residents develop an "affordable housing plan" as part of their comprehensive plans, which must outline strategies to ensure at least 20% of housing inventory is affordable and to diversify housing types. The bill also requires these plans to include specific elements like increasing maximum residential density, authorizing a mix of housing types without special permits, and revising bulk standards if affordable housing goals aren't met. Furthermore, it streamlines the rezoning process for comprehensive plan updates, reduces the timeframe for counties to amend zoning maps from 18 to 12 months, and clarifies that state financial assistance may be withheld if local plans are inconsistent with state affordable housing policies. The bill also defines "affordable housing" as housing affordable to households earning up to 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for rentals and up to 120% of AMI for homeownership, with AMI being the median income for households based on size and location as determined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Finally, it establishes reporting requirements for local jurisdictions to track their progress on affordable housing goals.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?LegislationId=143155