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2018 Comprehensive Plan SUSSEX COUNTY COUNCIL MICHAEL H. VINCENT, PRESIDENT GEORGE B. COLE, VICE PRESIDENT ROBERT B. ARLETT IRWIN G. BURTON III SAMUEL R. WILSON JR. SUSSEX COUNTY PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MARTIN L. ROSS, CHAIRMAN KIM HOEY STEVENSON, VICE CHAIRMAN DOUGLAS B. HUDSON R. KELLER HOPKINS ROBERT C. WHEATLEY SUSSEX COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR TODD F. LAWSON SUSSEX COUNTY PLANNING AND ZONING DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR JANELLE M. CORNWELL, AICP PLANNING CONSULTANT TABLE OF CONTENTS Chapter 1 – Introduction Page 1-1 Chapter 2 – Population and Demographics Page 2-1 Chapter 3 – Planning Process Page 3-1 Chapter 4 – Future Land Use Page 4-1 Future land Use Map Page 4-23 Chapter 5 – Conservation Page 5-1 Chapter 6 – Recreation and Open Space Page 6-1 Chapter 7 – Utilities Page 7-1 Chapter 8 – Housing Page 8-1 Chapter 9 – Economic Development Page 9-1 Chapter 10 – Historic Preservation Page 10-1 Chapter 11 – Intergovernmental Coordination Page 11-1 Chapter 12 – Community Design Page 12-1 Chapter 13 – Mobility Page 13-1 Chapter 1. INTRODUCTION 1.1 THE SUSSEX COUNTY LANDSCAPE Sussex County is the southernmost county in Delaware and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east, Kent County, Delaware, to the north, and Caroline, Dorchester, Wicomico, and Worcester Counties, Maryland, to the west and south (Figure 1.1-1). The County is within a 100- mile drive of Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C. Sussex County has the largest land area of Delaware’s three counties, spanning 938 square miles of land area, and has long been the State’s leading agricultural producer. Sussex County’s diverse landscape also encompasses small towns and growing population centers. The County contains 25 incorporated municipalities (Table 1.1-1). Sussex County Incorporated Municipalities Bethany Beach Frankford Millville Bethel Georgetown Milton Blades Greenwood Ocean View Bridgeville Henlopen Acres Rehoboth Beach Dagsboro Laurel Seaford Delmar Lewes Selbyville Dewey Beach Milford Slaughter Beach Ellendale Millsboro South Bethany Fenwick Island The eastern portion of Sussex County is characterized by popular, ocean-side seasonal vacation towns, fueling the booming tourism industry in the County. The western portion of Sussex County is the backbone of Delaware's agriculture industry and includes a greater number of acres of arable land under cultivation than anywhere else in the state. Transportation routes in the County range from country roads to major highways (Figure 1.1-2). Major roadways include US routes 113, 13, and 9, and State Routes 1, 30, 23, 24, 26, 54, 404, and 16. Nearly all public roads in Sussex County are administered by the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT), with the exception of roads within subdivisions. Bus service in the County is provided through DART First State and the Delaware Transit Corporation, an operating division of the DelDOT. Local rail lines in the County connect to the Norfolk Southern Rail Network. Sussex County is also home to the Delaware Coastal Airport and the privately-owned Laurel Airport. Additional information on the transportation network of Sussex County is provided in Chapter 13, Mobility. Sussex County also shares almost 25 miles of coastline with the Atlantic Ocean, and 19 miles of coastline with the Delaware Bay. Major waterways in Sussex County include the Nanticoke, Mispillion, and Indian rivers. More information on the water resources of Sussex County is included in Chapter 5, Conservation. Sussex County Comprehensive Plan 1-1 Sussex County Regional Location Sussex County Comprehensive Plan 1-2 Sussex County Transportation Network Sussex County Comprehensive Plan 1-3 Today, Sussex County is the fastest growing county in Delaware due to its popularity as both a primary and secondary home destination. New residential development, along with Sussex County’s strong agricultural industry and booming tourism industries, are generating substantial economic activity. The County’s active economy and cost-conscience public sector management continue to foster low real estate tax rates for which Sussex County is also known. 1.2 SUSSEX COUNTY TRENDS As part of the Sussex County Comprehensive Plan, the County conducted extensive research regarding changing demographics and population trends, as well as housing growth, transportation, economic development, and natural resource protection. The trends analysis enabled the County to identify issues and opportunities regarding future growth in the County, including the types of populations it will need to support, where growth should occur, and how to best prepare for and manage these changes. 1.2.1 Population Trends Sussex County has been Delaware’s fastest growing county, and the county is forecasted to remain in that position for the foreseeable future. The Delaware Population Consortium projects that at a minimum, the County is expected to have an additional 46,515 permanent residents living in it by 2045, and more than 23,960 additional seasonal residents. At an average of 2.52 persons per dwelling unit for the permanent population, and 3.3 persons per dwelling unit for the seasonal population, this could equate to approximately 18,458 new dwelling units for permanent residents and 2,200 new dwelling units for seasonal residents. In addition, an understanding of the County’s seasonal population is needed to have a full understanding of the impact of population growth on the County’s resources, infrastructure, and demand for services. Both the U.S. Census and the DPC population numbers do not provide a full picture of County growth because the population data does not count seasonal residents. These additional residents in the County create increased traffic on roads, additional housing needs, and additional demands on utilities and services. Therefore, County population projections were adjusted to include a population estimate that is 15 percent higher than the DPC 2045 estimate. The methodology for reaching this revised estimate is described in Chapter 2. Population and Demographics and is also considered in chapters for planning purposes in order to account for any unforeseen spurs in population growth in the next several decades. Growth is also bringing population diversity to Sussex County. Between 2000 and 2015, the population growth of white residents has outpaced the population growth of black and other non- white residents. In addition, the number of Hispanic residents grew rapidly during this same period. While Sussex County’s total population is growing, it is also becoming older. The median age increased from 44.6 years to 47 years between 2010 and 2015, an increase of 2.4 years. The highest growth occurred in the age groups between 50 and 69 years old (also known as the Baby Sussex County Comprehensive Plan 1-4 Boomer Generation). This was the fastest growing age group between 2000 and 2015, with an increase of 69 percent. This is not surprising given Sussex County’s popularity as a retiree destination. Sussex County’s lower tax rates, natural environment, quality of life and housing opportunities are attracting retirees, owners of second homes, and other older householders in great numbers. Some seasonal visitors buy a second home in Sussex with the intent that it will become their regular retirement home. This aging population of Sussex County will have workforce preparedness effects in terms of potential skill deficits of older workers as well as generating demand for certain occupations to serve their needs, such as healthcare, long-term care, and transportation. 1.2.2 Development Trends Between 2008 and 2015, over 10,000 building permits were issued for over 12,000 residential units and 2.4 million non-residential square footage of development in the unincorporated areas. The incorporated towns and cities also saw a large number of building permits between 2008 and 2015. In this time period, over 3,500 were issued for almost 4,200 residential units and three million nonresidential square feet. Approximately 25 percent of the total number of building permits issued in the County were for locations within incorporated towns and cities. Twenty-five percent of residential units and 55 percent of non-residential development approved through building permits has occurred within the towns and cities. According to the County Planning and Zoning Department, the average density of new development has been approximately 1.9 dwelling units per acre in rural areas, and 2.5 dwelling units per acre in growth areas. As a result, land acreage is being consumed rapidly, particularly in rural areas since the average density is lower in these areas. Although more building permits are being issued in growth areas (approximately 55 percent of permits) than in rural areas (approximately 45 percent of permits), more land is being consumed in rural areas than in growth areas. If similar development trends continue into the future, the County may see approximately 10,000 additional acres of land developed, with almost 50 percent of it in rural areas (note that this does not assume for any redevelopment). Additionally, commercial development will be needed to support the new residential growth in the County. Data from the State of Delaware Department of Labor projects that the County will increase by approximately 8,250 jobs by 2024. Although official employment projections are not available past 2024, employment growth is expected to continue through 2045. 1.2.3 Emerging Trends, Issues, and Opportunities • While population growth can have positive effects on the local economy,
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