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Thursday, July 28, 2011

Sussex Officials Look at Reduction in Variance Cost

GEORGETOWN, DE — Sussex County Council is taking a serious look at reducing the fee applicants would pay to get a variance hearing before the board of adjustment. Councilman Vance Phillips, R-Laurel, will meet with county staff to draw up a proposed ordinance changing the fee from $400 to $150.

Phillips has long advocated for a reduction of the fee. “It’s a great burden on people who want to do the right thing and a detriment to the economy,” he said. A lower cost would mean more residents would comply with county regulations, Phillips said.

At the July 19 council meeting, Councilwoman Joan Deaver, D-Rehoboth Beach, supported Phillips’ proposal because it would reduce the cost of an application for those living in manufactured homes who are also forced to provide a survey costing as much as $600 when seeking a variance.

Since Jan. 1, 77 percent of the board’s cases have been variances with 8 percent related to manufactured homes, according to a report compiled by County Administrator David Baker.

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