Unified Development Code
In 1997, the County adopted the Unified Development Code (UDC), which made groundbreaking changes to the protection of natural resources. The Unified Development Code lays out development standards including zoning categories, setback regulations and use standards.

The UDC provides 100% protection of floodplains, wetlands, riparian buffers and Class A wellhead water resource protection areas, as well as protection of various other natural resources which indirectly affect the quality of our water. In any area where a resource protection level has been designated, the UDC lists limited uses that are compatible with the protected resource, or that are acceptable if enumerated limited use standards are satisfied when an environmental impact assessment is provided.

Riparian buffer areas and setbacks are required to protect the resource (water body, wetlands, etc.) and additional areas around the resource. Revegetation is required when development occurs in and around riparian buffer areas.

Development within a floodplain is prohibited with very few exceptions and under very specific guidelines, including the requirement that the use be situated to minimize trapping of debris or any other condition that reduces flood storage, and raising the lowest floor for new construction, including basement, to not less than eighteen inches above the one hundred year flood.

Environment First
In 2003, the Environment First ordinance to the Unified Development Code was adopted to set higher standards to protect natural resources and encourage better subdivision design.

Environment First legislation modified various provisions of the County Zoning and Subdivision Code to allow flexibility in design standards to promote environmentally sensitive subdivision design. Thus lot size, configuration and unit type can vary to provide more deliberately configured and landscaped open space areas. Open space linkages and alternative stormwater management techniques based on sound hydrologic practices are encouraged. Thus, the quality of surface and groundwater is not diminished from pre-development conditions, in fact, it is improved in many cases. The legislation also allows for the education of homeowner maintenance groups and the continued maintenance of open space areas.

Comprehensive Development Plan
2002 - The Comprehensive Development Plan is the blueprint for future growth in New Castle County. The Comprehensive Development Plan emphasizes the preservation and enhancement of natural and environmental resources. Clean water and air were identified as core goals of the plan.

Drainage Code
The County has begun to revise its current drainage code to require the use of "green technologies" as part of the overall conservation design process. Specifically, conservation design requires that the most effective low impact stormwater drainage practices be utilized to address stormwater conveyance and management objectives be utilized.

Valuable Links

How New Castle County Practices Smart Growth

New Castle County Conservation Strategy

United States Green Building Council