AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 17 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO ACQUISITION AND SALE OF REAL PROPERTY.

Simpler state land sales for neighbors

Delaware’s transportation department may sell unneeded land with little independent use without an appraisal, at a negotiated price. Eligible buyers are adjoining owners or organized community civic or maintenance associations using the land as community open space. Reasons for little independent use include poor access, shape, terrain, drainage, small size, or nominal value. The nominal-value cutoff rises from $10,000 to $25,000, or the current Federal Highway Administration-approved threshold. All adjoining owners must receive written notice and get 2 weeks to express interest. If several owners are interested, the department may use sealed bids to select the highest bidder or divide the land. For ordinary valuation, the lower-value threshold also rises from $10,000 to $25,000, with allowance for the federal threshold. Within that band, the Chief Review Appraiser or a qualified independent appraiser determines value. Above $25,000, a qualified independent appraiser must perform the appraisal, with review and approval by a qualified department review appraiser.