Land Use & Zoning
What is 'zoning estoppel' in Delaware land use law?
AThe process of challenging a zoning decision in the Court of Common Pleas
BA doctrine preventing a municipality from enforcing new zoning regulations against a property owner who reasonably relied on prior approvals and made substantial expenditures in good faith✓ Correct
CA regulation preventing landowners from changing their zoning designation
DA deed restriction that prevents rezoning of a property for 10 years
Explanation
Zoning estoppel prevents a municipality from applying new zoning rules to a developer who, in good faith reliance on prior approvals (permits, representations by officials), made substantial expenditures. Delaware courts balance the developer's reasonable reliance against the public interest in enforcing new zoning. It is closely related to the vested rights doctrine.
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