DE HB396

Establishes expedited review processes for office, business park, manufacturing, and industrial zoning projects in New Castle, Kent, and Sussex counties that either exceed 75,000 square feet or create at least 60 new full-time permanent jobs.

Requires each county to adopt the expedited review process within 180 days of enactment and complete plan review, final approval, and recordation within 9 months of submission (provided all non-county permits are obtained).

Allows plan review to begin upon submission to the Office of State Planning rather than waiting for traditional review timelines, and prioritizes expedited projects over standard review plans.

Permits counties to charge a one-time expedited review fee of up to $20,000, with up to $5,000 available to reimburse state agencies for their review costs.

Excludes residential and commercial retail projects from the expedited review process and makes participation optional for qualifying applicants.