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 counties and municipalities with over 2,000 residents develop and incorporate an "affordable housing plan" into their comprehensive plans, which are official documents outlining a jurisdiction's development strategy. These affordable housing plans must set specific goals, such as making 20% of housing units affordable and diversifying housing types, and must be developed in collaboration with the Delaware State Housing Authority. The bill also introduces new requirements for these plans, such as increasing maximum residential density, allowing a wider variety of housing types by-right (meaning without special permits), and evaluating zoning standards like lot sizes and setbacks to facilitate more housing. Furthermore, it establishes a process for state review and certification of these comprehensive plans, with the Governor having the authority to return plans for revision if they are inconsistent with state development policies, including those related to affordable housing. The bill also clarifies definitions for "affordable housing" and "Area Median Income" (AMI), which is a measure of median income for a geographic area used to determine housing affordability. Finally, it streamlines some approval processes for residential developments that comply with by-right zoning and requires annual reporting on local progress towards affordable housing goals.