Georgetown, Del., Aug. 19, 2025: The Sussex County Planning & Zoning Commission has a fresh set of eyes to look toward southern Delaware’s future growth.

County Council, at its Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025, meeting, appointed John Passwaters of Bridgeville to a seat on the five-member panel, a Council-appointed body that reviews and gives consideration toward subdivision applications and other land use requests. The appointment takes effect Sept. 1, and lasts through the end of June 2026, when the balance of the current three-year term ends.

Mr. Passwaters, owner of a landscaping and outdoor lighting business, is new to the public service arena, but no less familiar with local building codes and zoning rules, which he has to navigate on behalf of clients. Mr. Passwaters, who also farms, said he looks forward to the chance to have a direct hand in helping to shape – and preserve – an evolving landscape.

County Councilman Steve McCarron nominated Mr. Passwaters to fill the seat formerly held by Brian Butler, who resigned earlier this month to spend more time with family. This is the second new appointment to the Commission this summer, following Jeff Allen’s appointment in July.

“Having the voice and perspective of a multigenerational farmer and a small business owner is important in the decisions the Commission makes,” Councilman McCarron said. “I am glad someone with Mr. Passwaters’ background was willing to accept this position as we embark on reviewing changes from the Land Use Reform Working Group, while looking ahead to the 2028 Comprehensive Land Use Plan."

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