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

Easier state land sales to neighbors

Delaware’s transportation department can more easily sell or transfer land it no longer needs for transportation. For land with little useful purpose on its own, the no-appraisal value threshold rises from $3,000 to below $25,000, or the current approved Federal Highway Administration threshold. Reasons can include poor access, an irregular shape, poor land or water conditions, small size, or low value. Qualifying land can go to adjoining owners or organized community civic or maintenance associations for community open space, at a negotiated price. The department must notify all adjoining owners in writing and give them 2 weeks to express interest. If several owners are interested, it can sell by sealed bid to the highest bidder or divide the land. The separate threshold for requiring an independent appraisal rises from $10,000 to $25,000. At $25,000 or less, the department’s Chief Review Appraiser or a qualified independent appraiser sets the value. Above $25,000, a qualified independent appraiser sets the value, and a qualified department review appraiser must review and approve it.