South Bethany, Delaware: land use, zoning and development

More about South Bethany

• South Bethany overview
• Land use and zoning
• People and housing
• History and events
• Schools, services and getting around
• Weather, flooding and hazards

Questions about land use in South Bethany

How many tax parcels are in South Bethany?

As of 2026-08-09, SussexCounty.ai counts 1,406 tax parcels in South Bethany, covering 221.2 mapped acres. The median parcel is 0.121 acres. Source: Parcels by jurisdiction, compiled from Sussex County GIS parcel records.

What share of Sussex County parcels are in South Bethany?

South Bethany holds 0.9% of the 164,169 tax parcels SussexCounty.ai counts countywide. Source: Parcels by jurisdiction.

Are there Sussex County land-use cases for South Bethany?

None of the 610 cases in the SussexCounty.ai compiled docket list South Bethany as their area. Applications inside town limits usually go to the town, not the county. Source: SussexCounty.ai land-use docket.

Who issues building permits in South Bethany?

Sussex County issues building permits countywide, including inside municipalities, per the county building permits page. Check with the town for any local requirements. Look up a parcel's permits by PIN on the SussexCounty.ai permits page.

Town government and zoning

Who handles planning in South Bethany?

The town has its own Planning Commission, which reviews the Comprehensive Plan at least every five years and holds public hearings on subdivision and lot-combination requests. Members must attend in person. Source: southbethany.delaware.gov.

Does South Bethany have its own code?

Yes. The town site has a Town Code page, an Ordinances and Resolutions page and a Board of Adjustment. Source: southbethany.delaware.gov.

When does South Bethany Planning Commission meet?

The town site does not state a fixed meeting day. Recent meetings were listed on 06/12/2026 and a joint workshop with Town Council on 06/26/2026. Source: southbethany.delaware.gov.

Does South Bethany have its own police department?

Yes. The town website lists a Police Department in its Government menu, and Coastal Point reported on October 16, 2026 on the town police chief. Source: southbethany.delaware.gov, coastalpoint.com.

Who collects trash in South Bethany?

Casella Waste Systems. Coastal Point reported on January 15, 2026 that Council chose Casella for about $2 million over five years. Source: coastalpoint.com.

What is the South Bethany property tax rate?

Coastal Point reported on March 20, 2026 that the FY2027 budget keeps the rate at $0.51 per $100 of assessed value. Source: coastalpoint.com.

What flooding news did South Bethany have in fall 2026?

On October 9, 2026 Coastal Point reported that DNREC restored beach crossovers where sand was available after a nor'easter; the town reported the second-highest flood levels on record behind 2012. (Reported 2026-10-09.) Source: coastalpoint.com.

What zoning change did South Bethany Council pass in 2026?

On August 27, 2026 Coastal Point reported Council passed a second reading of an ordinance revising pervious ground coverings and setback rules for residential property. (Reported 2026-08-27.) Source: coastalpoint.com.

Was there a South Bethany election in 2026?

No. Coastal Point reported on March 26, 2026 that the May 9 election was canceled for lack of candidates. (Reported 2026-03-26.) Source: coastalpoint.com.

Related

Sussex County zoning districts · Glossary · Planning docket statistics · Parcels by jurisdiction