Delaware Governor Could Force Cities to Upzone

Delaware Governor Matt Meyer says he will consider state-level zoning reform measures that overrule local jurisdictions if cities don’t do more to diversify their housing stock and bring down housing costs, reports Olivia Marble in Spotlight Delaware.

The statement from the governor comes after months of debate over land use and zoning powers and follows a trend of officials bringing housing and zoning policy to the state level as the housing crisis grows and some cities remain reluctant to make reforms that could create more supply. 

Meyer recently signed a bill that creates a pilot program aimed at providing technical assistance to cities looking to reform their land use codes to include more affordable housing options. “As part of the pilot program, the state will provide a “menu” of land use reforms for counties and municipalities to choose from. Among the options are allowing manufactured homes in single-family residential zones, or reducing required lot sizes and increasing height restrictions to allow taller, tightly packed multifamily developments.”