HI-1 · Heavy Industrial District
HI-1 zoning in Sussex County, Delaware
HI-1 is the Heavy Industrial District for a wide range of industrial operations, with potentially hazardous uses allowed only after a public hearing and Board of Adjustment review. Lots need at least 2 acres, 200 feet of width and 200 feet of depth. The district table lists a 125 foot maximum height.
Purpose
The district provides for a range of industrial operations while restricting industries likely to cause serious adverse effects, and it preserves land for industry by excluding new residential or commercial development except supporting uses. § 115-109
Permitted uses
Any LI-2 use is allowed, plus banks, offices, clinics, data-processing centers, laboratories, watchman dwellings, farms, heliports, hotels, restaurants, private clubs and cannabis facilities. Heavier manufacturing is also listed, such as concrete products, structural steel, shipyards, sawmills and petroleum storage. Uses with fire, explosion or pollution hazards need Board of Adjustment approval after a public hearing. §§ 115-110, 115-111
Conditional or special uses
Conditional uses need Article XXIV approval: airports, bus terminals, borrow pit and excavation operations, public or governmental buildings and public utility uses. The Board of Adjustment grants special use exceptions for temporary uses and parking relief. §§ 115-113, 115-114
Lot and building rules
| Rule | Requirement | Code section |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum lot area | 2 acres | § 115-116A |
| Minimum lot width | 200 ft | § 115-116A |
| Minimum lot depth | 200 ft | § 115-116A |
| Yards | Front 50 ft, side 20 ft, rear 20 ft | § 115-116B |
| Maximum height | 125 ft (marked with a footnote symbol; the page shows no footnote text) | § 115-116C |
Each value links to the Article XV page on eCode360. Where the code shows a front yard as 40 (30), this page reports the code's own notation. The explanatory district table (Table I, § 115-156A) is a PDF attachment that this summary did not read, so ask Planning and Zoning what the 30 figure means for your lot. Lot-size figures assume the standard option unless a row says otherwise.
What this means for a parcel owner
HI-1 is reserved for heavy industry, so it excludes new housing and most commercial uses. A 2 acre minimum and 200 feet of width and depth apply. If your plan involves anything with hazards, expect a public hearing before the Board of Adjustment.
Official text
Read the district's own article: Article XV, §§ 115-109 to 115-117, Sussex County Code Chapter 115 on eCode360. The county zoning map shows which district a parcel is in: Sussex County online map.
Summary as of 2026-10-24; the code controls.