Forest Preservation Ordinance

BE AN ADVOCATE FOR FOREST PRESERVATION IN SUSSEX COUNTY!

County Council will review the Forest Preservation Ordinance on July 14, 2026, beginning at 1:30 pm. Review the ordinance and SPC's position below and be an advocate by:

1. Attending the County Council meeting and expressing your support to them by making a statement.

2. Calling in to the County Council meeting during public comment period and expressing your support. Conference Number: 302-394-5036, Conference Code: 570176

3. Writing to County Council and express your support

SPC will coordinate with advocates on the day of the meeting, email us at spcde.org@gmail.com for more information or if you wish to participate

The proposed Forest Preservation Ordinance has several key provisions:

Retention Limits:

Minimum protection of existing forest: Developers are required to preserve 30% of forested land in designated growth areas and 50% in rural or unzoned parts of the county.

Forest Stand Delineation: Before clearing, a professional forester must conduct a detailed assessment of the site to identify tree species, age, condition, and ecological value.

Mitigation Ratios: If trees must be cleared over the permitted threshold, developers will be required to replant at a rate of 1.5-to-1 in growth zones and 2-to-1 in rural areas.

Applicability: The rules are designed for larger housing subdivisions and mixed-use projects. Minor subdivisions (fewer than five homes) and certain affordable housing projects are generally exempt.

SPC wholeheartedly supports this important and long-needed ordinance with several modifications (see SPC's Steve Sinclair's presentation):

Revise Forest Definition

Add Forest Preservation and Maintenance Plan Requirement

Modify Mitigation Procedures To Further Protect Mature Forests

Add Overall Landscape Plan Requirement and Specific Tree Planting