Page 1
CITY OF DOVER BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
AGENDA
Wednesday, December 19, 2018 at 9:00 AM
City Hall, Council Chambers
15 Loockerman Plaza, Dover, Delaware
ROLL CALL
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
APPROVAL OF MINUTES of September 19, 2018 Meeting
APPROVAL OF MINUTES of November 21, 2018 Meeting
COMMUNICATIONS & REPORTS
1. Reminder: The next Board of Adjustment regular meeting is scheduled for January 16, 2019 at 9:00am in
the City Council Chambers.
2. Schedule of Deadlines and Meetings for 2019
NEW BUSINESS
Applicant #V-18-08
360 Nottingham Court. Claude and Gwen Pritchett have requested an area variance from the requirements of the
Zoning Ordinance, Article 4 §4.41 pertaining to the minimum rear yard setback requirement in the R-8 (One
Family Residence Zone). Specifically, the applicant proposes to reduce the required rear yard setback
requirement of 30 ft. to 26.4 ft. The minimum setback requirement for the R-8 zone is 30 ft. Subject property is
zoned R-8 (One Family Residence Zone). Tax Parcel is ED-05-085.12-04-26.00-000. The owners of record are
Claude and Gwen Pritchett.
Applicant #V-18-09
100, 250, 350, 400 & 550 Shrewsbury Court. Blue Hen Apartments, LLC has requested a variance from the
requirements of the Zoning Ordinance, Article 5 §1.12 pertaining to the minimum setback of an accessory
building in a residential zone such as RG-2 (General Residence Zone). Specifically, the applicant is seeking a
variance for five newly built parking garages, with a setback of 4.85 ft. (4 ft. 10.2 inches) away from the property
line. The minimum setback required for an accessory structure under the zoning is 5 ft. Subject property is zoned
RG-2 (General Residence Zone). Tax Parcel is ED-05-077.00-01-01.00-000. The owner of record is Blue Hen
APT, LLC. AS AMENDED: The applicant has revised their request for the December 19, 2018 meeting and now
seeks a setback of 4.7 feet (4 ft. 8.2 inches).
Applicant #V-18-10
1240 McKee Road. Michael Graham on behalf of PAM Dover (Post Acute Medical Rehabilitation Hospital of
Dover) has requested a variance from the requirements of the Zoning Ordinance, Article 5 §4.7 pertaining to the
maximum size of permitted signs. Specifically, the applicant seeks to permit one (1) wall sign sized 118.31 SF, in
lieu of the maximum 32 SF per sign permitted. Subject property is zoned IO (Institutional and Office Zone) and
subject to the COZ-1 (Corridor Overlay Zone). Tax Parcel is ED05-067.00-01-33.00-000. The owner of record is
PAM Dover DE IRF LP.
Applicant #V-18-11
127, 129, 133 and 135 Roosevelt Avenue. David Miller on behalf of Miller Investments LLC has requested
variances from the requirements of the Zoning Ordinance, Article 4 §4.3; Article 5 §1.13; and Article 6 §5.3.
Specifically, the applicant seeks to exceed the maximum 60% lot coverage of RG-2 (General Residence Zone)
and permit construction on 76.7% of the lot area. The applicant also seeks to permit construction of accessory
buildings totaling 56.1% of the side and rear yard areas, when the maximum allowed accessory building area for
Page 2
Board of Adjustment Agenda
December 19, 2018
Page 2 of 2
these yards is 30%. Finally, the applicant seeks to allow parking of vehicles within 15 feet of a wall belonging to a
multiple dwelling. Subject property is zoned RG-2 (General Residence Zone). Tax Parcels: ED-05-077.18-02-
71.00-000, ED-05-077.18-02-72.00-000, and ED05-077.18-02-73.00-000. The owner of record is Miller
Investments LLC.
Applicant #V-18-12
1738 Forrest Avenue. Louise Warren on behalf of Dover Christian Church has requested a variance from the
requirements of the Zoning Ordinance, Article 5 §4.7 pertaining to the maximum size of permitted signs.
Specifically, the applicant seeks to permit one (1) monument sign sized 32 SF, in lieu of the maximum 12 SF
permitted for such a sign based on the zoning. Subject property is zoned R-10 (One Family Residence Zone) and
subject to the COZ-1 (Corridor Overlay Zone). Tax Parcel is ED05-075.00-01-04.00-000. The owner of record is
Dover Christian Church Inc.
Applicant #V-18-13
101 Ipswich Court. Blue Hen Apartments, LLC has requested a variance from the requirements of the Zoning
Ordinance, Article 4 §4.3 pertaining to the minimum setback of a multiple dwelling unit structure in the RG-2
(General Residence Zone). Specifically, the applicant is seeking a variance for a currently under construction
apartment building, with a setback of 29.8 ft. (29 ft. 10.2 inches) away from the property line. The minimum
setback required for a multiple dwelling unit structure under the zoning is 30 ft. Subject property is zoned RG-2
(General Residence Zone). Tax Parcel is ED-05-077.00-01-01.00-000. The owner of record is Blue Hen APT,
LLC.
ADJOURN
29 Del. C. § 10004(e)(2)
THE AGENDA ITEMS MAY NOT BE CONSIDERED IN SEQUENCE. THIS AGENDA IS SUBJECT TO
CHANGE TO INCLUDE THE ADDITION OR THE DELETION OF ITEMS, INCLUDING EXECUTIVE
SESSIONS.
Page 3
CITY OF DOVER
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT MINUTES
September 19, 2018
A Regular Meeting of the City of Dover Board of Adjustment was held on Wednesday,
September 19, 2018 at 9:00 A.M. with Chairman Sheth presiding. Members present were
Chairman Sheth, Mr. Keller, Mr. Hufnal, Colonel Ericson and Mr. Senato.
Staff members present were Mrs. Savage-Purnell, Mr. Diaz, Mr. Swierczek, Mr. Hugg, and City
Solicitor Mr. Rodriguez.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Mr. Senato moved to approve the amended agenda to withdraw application V-18-07 per the
applicant’s request. The motion was seconded by Mr. Hufnal and unanimously carried 5-0.
APPROVAL OF THE REGULAR BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT MEETING MINUTES
OF JULY 18, 2018
Mr. Keller moved to approve the meeting minutes of July 18, 2018 with minor corrections. The
motion was seconded by Colonel Ericson and unanimously carried 5-0.
OPENING REMARKS CONCERNING APPLICATIONS
Mr. Dave Hugg, Planning Director stated that the meeting today will be conducted in accordance
with the motion of the amended Agenda. There is one (1) application on the agenda under New
Business. Each Application file will be read, and the floor will be opened for questions of the
applicant by the Board and for public testimony. If the Board needs to consult the City Solicitor,
they will recess to discuss legal matters. If the applicant must leave, they can contact the Planning
Office at 736-7196 to learn of the Board’s decision. A formal notice of the decision will be mailed
to the applicants. Approved variances expire after one year if the approved project has not
commenced.
All public notice for the new application on this agenda was completed in accordance with Code
requirements. The meeting agenda was posted in accordance with Freedom of Information Act
requirements.
NEW BUSINESS
Applicant #V-18-06.
100 Enterprise Place. Silver Lake Realty, LLC has requested a variance from the requirements of
the Zoning Ordinance, Article 3 §20.54 and Article 4 §4.16 pertaining to the maximum lot
coverage of parcels in the IPM (Industrial Park Manufacturing) Zone. Specifically, the applicant
proposes to add 24 parking spaces, increasing the impervious lot coverage on the site from
64.44% to 66.03%. The maximum lot coverage for the IPM zone is 65%. Subject property is
zoned IPM (Industrial Park Manufacturing) Zone. Tax Parcel is ED-05-076.15-01-01.00-000.
The owner of record is Silver Lake Realty, LLC.
Page 4
CITY OF DOVER BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT SEPTEMBER 19, 2018
Exhibits for the Record: Staff Report, zoning exhibit, and statement and plans submitted by the
applicant. Legal Notice was published in the Delaware State News on September 9, 2018. The
public was notified in accordance with regulations.
Mr. Swierczek gave a summary presentation of the Variance Application Request.
Chairman Sheth questioned if there was any member present who had a conflict of interest and
there was none.
Representative: Mr. Troy Adams, Mountain Consulting Inc., Mr. Scott Henning, SLDE
Management LLC/Silver Lake Realty LLC Property Manager
Mr. Troy Adams was sworn in by Mr. Rodriguez.
Mr. Adams testified that he was present today with Mr. Henning who is responsible of taking care
of the facilities at 100 Enterprise Place. As stated by Mr. Swierczek, there are major tenants at this
location such as Easter Seals, Government Support Services, General Floor and the Board of
Elections. It was a warehouse at some point but was converted to office space. The tenants have a
strong pull meaning between clients and employees there is a lot of traffic going in and out daily.
There are special days where Easter Seals brings in by DART Paratransit their clients to the office.
As you refer to the exhibits on a typical day as it occurs there are several buses that take up several
parking spaces which then prohibit other clients and other tenants from parking and creates a
shortage of parking. With Government Support Services, there are some conference rooms in their
building that are used as a training center for state agencies. You may have a day where Easter
Seals may bus in their clients and Government Support Services is having training sessions which
would create a high volume of vehicles. The buses park as such where twenty (20) plus spaces are
not available. There is enough space on the north end grassy area along Commerce Way that would
be perfect for an additional estimated twenty-four (24) parking spaces. In no way do we see that
the spaces will be out of character or anything. We obviously must go through the normal process
with Planning and Zoning to get the spaces officially constructed. Besides that, this appears to be
a reasonable request so that Mr. Henning can satisfy his tenants that have been there for a while
and have settled in and we do not want to see them go away. The nature of our request is to be able
to create the additional twenty-four (24) spaces which equates to about 1.03% variance beyond the
65% maximum impervious coverage that is required for the IPM (Industrial Park Manufacturing:
Planned Industrial Park) zone.
Mr. Senato asked if the buses were parked in the 10 spaces all day? Mr. Adams replied that he
would let Mr. Henning answer the question.
Mr. Scott Henning was sworn in by Mr. Rodriguez. Mr. Henning replied that the buses come every
single day. We have somewhere in the neighborhood of 12-15, sometimes plus buses that park in
the front of the Easter Seals location to off load and load throughout the day. We have corner off
that section of the parking lot specifically for Easter Seals to take people in and out throughout the
day.
2
Page 5
CITY OF DOVER BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT SEPTEMBER 19, 2018
Mr. Senato asked how many of the spaces are occupied that has signage for loading and unloading.
Mr. Henning replied there are approximately 20 parking spaces. They are not filled all day long,
but they are opened so that the buses come in and out of the area all day. In the morning they open
around 8:00 a.m. and the buses start to come in. Most of the time there are around 12-15 plus buses
that circulate through the parking lot. Roughly for 40-minutes the buses are unloading their
customers to the premises and then they leave. You then have a period of time (could be a couple
of hours) then another bus will show up and drop off some more customers. There is not always a
bus parked there if that is what you are looking for. We have to leave those spaces open throughout
the day so that the buses do have the access to come in and out and park because they are dealing
with people that are in wheelchairs or cannot walk. They park the buses crooked to make the
loading and unloading as easy as possible.
Mr. Senato asked what the probability of the land across the street was for being opened for an
additional 24 vehicles. Mr. Henning replied that he was not sure he followed what Mr. Senato was
asking. Mr. Hugg replied that the property across the street is now the Enterprise Park Office of
First State Ortho and that property is occupied fully for existing use.
Mr. Henning mentioned that it was part of the issue where First State Ortho has moved in and they
have asked their employees to park on the street which has now pushed the Government Support
and the other tenants’ employees to have no place to park. We have this strain of street parking
that is no longer available for his tenants.
Mr. Senato asked if the tenant was close to the parking spaces or on the opposite side of the
building. Mr. Henning asked if Mr. Senato was referring to the proposed area. Mr. Senato replied
yes. Mr. Henning replied they are close to it. The Department of Elections and GSS (Government
Support Services) would share because they are both within normal walking distance for the
parking spaces.
Mr. Senato mentioned as he referred to the exhibits that across the street is an empty lot. He asked
Mr. Hugg if there was a proposed building for the lot. Mr. Hugg replied yes, there is a major office
building occupied on the green space with parking for the First State Ortho’s new Dover office.
There is also 20,000 SF of total floor space. That site is fully developed.
Mr. Henning mentioned as he referred to the exhibit that next to the last page shows the new
building across the street.
Mr. Keller asked for clarification if Mr. Henning was a principal under the LLC for Silver Lake
Realty. Mr. Henning replied that he is the property manager for the company which is out of
Northern New Jersey and New York. He was asked to bring the application forward. The principal
that would normally sign the documentation was out of the country at the time. He was asked by
his boss to sign the application and meet with the Board of Adjustment.
Mr. Keller asked Mr. Henning if he was in fact with SLDE Management LLC. Mr. Henning replied
yes.
3
Page 6
CITY OF DOVER BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT SEPTEMBER 19, 2018
Mr. Keller asked Mr. Henning if he was the contracted property manager. Mr. Henning replied
yes.
Chairman Sheth stated that Mr. Rodriguez stated that it was ok for Mr. Henning to sign the
document.
Mr. Keller mentioned that he agreed with the responses regarding the criteria which the Board of
Adjustment always undertakes in review and to give some evaluation as to whether there is an
Exceptional Practical Difficulty. So in looking at that kind of a circumstance he did not find that
there is an Exceptional Practical Difficulty with the applicant requests or findings; however, within
that evaluation the Board can give consideration whether it is an Exceptional Practical Difficulty
or an unnecessary hardship. He would make the statement that he would deem it an unnecessary
hardship as opposed to an Exceptional Practical Difficulty in the circumstance for the need of
additional parking spaces.
Mr. Hufnal stated that he would agree with Mr. Keller’s statement because in fact it states in the
Staff Responses that the Staff considered the applicant having the variance approved to be for an
unnecessary hardship rather than an Exceptional Practical Difficulty.
Colonel Ericson stated that he would disagree because looking at this they have already proved
that there is a lack of parking spaces for the people that use the facility. In fact, one of the agencies
may be forced to leave because they do not have enough parking. The applicant is asking for 1.03%
increase in area which is very small. Twenty-four more parking spaces does not seem unreasonable
to him at all.
Mr. Keller mentioned that what he was saying from the tenant’s perspective and the landlord’s
management and ownership perspective they are considering that their need for additional parking
represents to them an unnecessary hardship if they were unable to achieve through a variance
application for additional spaces. This somewhat stems from apparently by the information
submitted that some tenants have expressed that unless there is additional parking provided, they
may seek other properties or other locations to conduct their respective businesses.
Mr. Hufnal agreed with Mr. Keller because it was his understanding if they could not get the
approved parking spaces, they would need to look to find another facility to move to in order to
get the proper parking that they need rather than use other facilities’ parking. This was their need
for having the additional parking needed.
Chairman Sheth asked if there was a language issue or there was a disagreement.
Mr. Keller stated that quite frankly he agreed with Staff Response that if the variance was not
approved that it would represent somewhat of an unnecessary hardship to the ownership of the
property because of the result and lack of having additional parking spaces approved. Again, he
is in agreement with Staff Response to the due the consideration that the Board has to give as an
Exceptional Practical Difficulty or unnecessary hardship. Some of his thought when giving some
evaluation of that was that its not an Exceptional Practical Difficulty because there is always the
possibility if a tenant leaves that building you may have another tenant to move in that does not
4
Page 7
CITY OF DOVER BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT SEPTEMBER 19, 2018
require as much parking spaces. He thinks at least two (2) or more tenants by virtue of the
information provided have expressed some concerns about the lack of parking. It seems to him to
be a reasonable view.
Mr. Senato mentioned that in the current photograph on the front of the building it shows an empty
lot across the street dated August 20, 2018.
Mr. Adams stated that it is an older aerial that is publicly available. It is an oversight on his part.
In the stated aerial, the building is not captured yet in what is publicly available.
Mr. Senato mentioned regarding the photograph whereas he has to make a decision for the
betterment for the City. When the client comes in front of the Board of Adjustment, his decision
is based upon the information given to him by the City and the client. Therefore, he is looking at
a lot that is empty. So, in his mind he is saying there is an empty lot and if there was a possibility
that you would consider (if the lot did not have a building on it) putting 30-40 parking spaces there.
In his opinion the aerial photo is misleading; therefore, he would have to base his decision on that.
Mr. Swierczek further added that this happens quite a lot for exhibits that they have to pull from
Goggle maps. This is the quickest way to be able to provide a satellite image. It does not necessarily
update weekly or monthly. When we pull an image, we have to provide the date when the image
was pulled, but it would not necessarily be current to the date (of the photo) if that makes sense.
The applicant provided in Exhibit D the Photo (#7) that does show the building on the lot that
appears empty in the satellite image.
Mr. Senato asked if Photo #7 was showing the building across the street from the complex. Mr.
Swierczek replied correct. The top photo on page 4 of Exhibit D (the newer looking building with
the water tower at the rear) that is the building that is at the current location that appears to be an
empty lot in the satellite photo. Mr. Senato replied, thank you.
Mr. Senato mentioned as a point of information when the aerial photos are obtained from satellite
that might not be accurate and is being used to determine decisions that are made by the Board of
Adjustment, would it better if the City provided more accurate photos and perhaps compare before
and after photos. This is just his opinion. When he looks at something and he looks at the
paperwork in front of him, that is how he makes his decision. And if that being the case and is
happening on a regular basis when the clients or the City come before the Board with the
information, he could be making a decision and reality, he should be voting another way (either
yea, nay, or abstaining). He would prefer to be 100% accurate; and, in this case, about that lot so
that he knows exactly what is going on. This is not a criticism.
Chairman Sheth stated that Mr. Senato’s statement was right, but it was already corrected by Mr.
Hugg as to what is going on in the area. The applicant suggested that it was the most recent
available by Goggle maps and as mentioned by Mr. Swierczek. Chairman Sheth mentioned that
he agreed with Mr. Senato but at the same time it was corrected as much as it could be. Mr. Senato
mentioned that he understood, but this is just the way his mind works.
Chairman Sheth opened the public hearing.
5
Page 8
CITY OF DOVER BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT SEPTEMBER 19, 2018
Chairman Sheth closed the public hearing after seeing no one wishing to speak.
Chairman Sheth questioned if there was any additional correspondence for the record. There
was no other correspondence.
Mr. Keller moved to approve variance application V-18-06 as submitted and based upon the
report by the City lending substantial support for approval of the variance as requested,
supplemented by the information and testimony given by representative of the ownership. The
motion was seconded by Mr. Hufnal. The motion unanimously carried 5-0.
Mr. Senato mentioned for the record that he will not be able to attend the October meeting as he
will be out of town.
Mr. Hufnal stated that he attended a meeting yesterday and Mr. Hugg was also present at the
meeting on the Kent County Economic Development. For three (3) years he has been mentioning
that we need to do something with our Sign Ordinance in the City because it seems like these
companies come in and are denied because of the signage and regulations that the City has that
he thinks is outdated. At the meeting, they talked about the reengineering of some of the City’s
regulations because we are losing business. They also mentioned the Permitting regulatory
process takes too long. He really thinks we need to look at this; for example, the McDonald’s
case that came before the Board in July. You can go to Milford or Smyrna and they have those
buildings up and they have the standards that are set up by the corporation for signs and their
regulations. The signs are premade because that is the company decision; they are not made to
suit the property. He asked why Smyrna can have a regulation for signs that is different, and
they can allow things to happen and we deny them. He thinks in some respect that drives people
away that want to consider coming to Dover because of our severe regulations. He is not saying
to loosen them up, but he thinks they need to be looked at and revised to bring more people to
Dover.
Chairman Sheth mentioned that we had horrible signs until the Board of Adjustment decided to
take action and we now have a much better sign area on Route 13 than in the past. Large
corporations can spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on signs, small businesses cannot
compete with them and they we have to approve it. People do not spend enough money for
architectural signs because they go by the size not how it looks. He stated that he understood
what Mr. Hufnal was saying, but what they decided, and it was up to the City Council. A lot of
questions can be solved during the Planning Commission meeting and when they apply so they
do not have to come before the Board of Adjustment. Mr. Hugg and Mr. Rodriguez can make
the suggestion to the City Council because the Board of Adjustment follows the Sign Ordinance.
The Board of Adjustment does a lot of good things for the City by getting rid of the certain signs.
For example, there was a 200ft pole that anybody could see and it is gone. Colonel Ericson
agreed with Chairman Sheth as he would hate to see the point where corporations determine
what our standards are. Mr. Senato mentioned Home Depot who was very adamant and wanted
a tall sign. The Board of Adjustment restricted them according to the Sign Ordinance and they
were not happy. He sees a lot of different cities and in small towns where the signs are ridiculous
especially if they do not have a Sign Ordinance. He thinks the City of Dover has a good control
on the signs. Perhaps there were one or two instances where you would hope things would
6
Page 9
CITY OF DOVER BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT SEPTEMBER 19, 2018
change. He stated that he is personally satisfied with the ordinances. In fact, everything is
uniform when you go up Route 13 whether it is north or south.
Chairman Sheth mentioned that Mr. Hufnal’s concern was not to chase away businesses because
of signs. He stated that he has not seen any businesses leave because of signs.
Mr. Hufnal commented that there were two companies that came to Dover and one of them
decided not to build in Dover because they had legal problems with the lease. This property was
located next to Pizza Hut and the Board of Adjustment approved them with a big parking lot.
The other company that did not stay due to restrictions by the City was Cracker Barrel who was
looking at the property near the Route 1 exit. He stated that they are just comments that the
Board of Adjustment and City should think about when we are looking at these ordinances.
Colonel Ericson asked whether if Cracker Barrel issue was the expensive cost for building at that
location; it was not because of the signs. Mr. Hufnal replied no it was not because of signs; it
was other factors within the City such as the cost of the Permit. Mr. Senato agreed with Mr.
Hufnal that when he looked at the $82,000 fee and if he was a businessman, he would be afraid
of what else would come up because that price is ridiculous. He thinks that the cost should also
be looked at because that will keep businesses away.
Chairman Sheth stated that he did not think it was the Board’s responsibility, but they should let
City Council know. If you really look at the history, anyone who came before the Board of
Adjustment came after the building was built, no one has come before. Walgreens on Route
8/Saulsbury Road and Wawa on Route 13/Court Street came before the Board of Adjustment and
they did not leave. The Wawa wanted a larger sign but was denied and they did not leave. He is
not avoiding Mr. Hufnal’s question or concerns.
Chairman Sheth asked Mr. Hugg and Mr. Rodriguez whether the City passes the ordinances and
the Board of Adjustment follows the ordinances that have been approved.
Colonel Ericson agreed with Chairman Sheth. We have wondered way off from as far as what
the Board of Adjustment responsibilities are; therefore, he moves to adjourn the meeting.
Mr. Keller commented to Colonel Ericson that the Board of Adjustment is not the legislative
body; that is the responsibility of the Planning and Inspections Department and subsequently
City Council.
The meeting was adjourned by Colonel Ericson and seconded by Mr. Senato at 9:53 A.M.
Sincerely,
Maretta Savage-Purnell
Secretary
7
Page 10
CITY OF DOVER
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT MINUTES
November 21, 2018
The Regular Meeting of the City of Dover Board of Adjustment was opened and then closed due
to a legal issue regarding the composition of the Board on Wednesday, November 21, 2018 at
9:00 A.M. with Vice Chairman Ericson presiding. Members present were Vice Chairman
Ericson, Mr. Keller, Mr. Hufnal, and Mr. Senato. Chairman Sheth was absent.
Staff members present were Mr. Diaz, Mr. Swierczek, Mrs. Dawn Melson-Williams, Mrs.
Harvey, Mrs. Savage-Purnell and City Solicitor Mr. Rodriguez.
Vice Chairman Ericson apologized that the Board needed to delay the cases (applications) for
one month because a legal issue has come up that the Board was not aware of concerning the
composition of the Board that needs to be resolved before hearing any cases (applications). We
will hear the cases (applications) next month.
Again, he apologized, but the issue just came up this morning.
He asked if there were any questions and mentioned that the legal issues have nothing to do with
any of the cases (applications). It is strictly an internal problem.
The meeting was closed by Vice Chairman Ericson.
Sincerely,
Maretta Savage-Purnell
Secretary
Page 11
CITY OF DOVER
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
FINAL 12.13.2018
Schedule of application deadlines and Board of Adjustment meeting dates for the year of 2019.
The submittal procedures for the Board of Adjustment are outlined in Zoning Ordinance, Article
9, Section 3. Prior to application submission a pre-application meeting with Planning Staff is
required.
MONTH DEADLINE DATE MEETING DATE
JANUARY 12/14/2018 01/16/2019
FEBRUARY 01/18/2019 02/20/2019
MARCH 02/15/2019 03/20/2019
APRIL 03/15/2019 04/17/2019
MAY 04/12/2019 05/15/2019
JUNE 05/17/2019 06/19/2019
JULY 06/14/2019 07/17/2019
AUGUST 07/12/2019 08/21/2019
SEPTEMBER 08/16/2019 09/18/2019
OCTOBER 09/13/2019 10/16/2019
NOVEMBER 10/18/2019 11/20/2019
DECEMBER 11/15/2019 12/18/2019
JANUARY 12/13/2019 1/15/2020
For Information Contact: City of Dover
Department of Planning
15 Loockerman Plaza
P.O. Box 475
Dover, DE 19903
(302) 736-7196
(302) 736-4217 Fax
www.cityofdover.com
Page 12
City of Dover
Board of Adjustment
November 21, 2018
V-18-08
Location: 360 Nottingham Court
Applicant/Owner: Claude and Gwen Pritchett
Application Date: October 8, 2018
Tax Parcel: ED-05-085.12-04-26.00-000
Present Zoning: R-8 (One Family Residence Zone)
Present Use: Residence
Reviewed By: Tracey Harvey
Variance Type: Area Variance
Variance Requested: Reduction in the required rear yard setback from 30 feet to 26.4
feet or less to allow the construction of a 16 foot by 16 foot
addition to the rear of the property.
Project Description:
The applicant is seeking a variance from Article 4, Section 4.1 of the Zoning Ordinance, the bulk
standard requirements of the R-8 zoning, specifically as those requirements relate to setback
requirements. The applicant proposes to construct a 16 foot by 16 foot (256 square feet) addition
to the rear of an existing single-family detached home. The requested variance would allow for
the reduction of the rear yard setback to reduce the 30 foot regulation by 3.6 feet for a total of
26.4 feet. The property is located at 360 Nottingham Court.
Adjacent Land Uses
Page 13
V-18-08 Claude and Gwen Pritchett 360 Nottingham Court
Board of Adjustment Report
Page 2 of 7
The lands to the north, south, east, and west are all similarly zoned R-8 properties and have one-
family detached residences located on them. An area map is in included in Exhibit A.
Code Citations
Article 4, Section 4.1. [One-family residence zones.]
Bulk and parking regulations for one-family residence, R-20, R-15, R-10, R-8 and R-7 zones [are
as follows:
TABLE INSET:
For Dwellings In:
R-20 R-15 R-10 R-8 R-7
Minimum required:
Lot area (sq. ft.) 20,000 15,000 10,000 8,000 7,000
Lot width (ft.) 120 100 80 70 50
Lot depth (ft.) 150 125 110 100 100
Front yard (ft.) 30 30 25 25 20
Minimum side yard (ft.) 25 20 15 10 5
Total both side yards (ft.) 50 40 30 20 10
Rear yard (ft.) 40 40 30 30 30
Lot coverage 20% 25% 30%0% 35% 40%
Exceptional Practical Difficulties Tests
Article 9, Section 2 of the Zoning Ordinance dictates the specific powers and duties of the Board
of Adjustment with regard to granting variances. In order to grant a variance, the Board must
determine that an exceptional practical difficulty exists.
Specifically, the Board must determine:
2.1 Variance – The board shall have the authority to authorize variances from provisions of the zoning
ordinance that are not contrary to public interest where the board determines that a literal interpretation of
the zoning ordinance would result in undue hardship or exceptional practical difficulties to the applicant. In
granting variances, the board shall determine that the spirit of the zoning ordinance is observed and
substantial justice done.
2.11 Area Variance. A variance shall be considered an area variance if it relates to bulk standards,
signage regulations, and other provisions of the zoning ordinance that address lot layout, buffers, and
dimensions. In considering a request for an area variance, the board shall evaluate the following criteria
and document them in their findings of fact:
(a) the nature of the zone in which the property lies;
Page 14
V-18-08 Claude and Gwen Pritchett 360 Nottingham Court
Board of Adjustment Report
Page 3 of 7
(b) the character of the immediate vicinity and the contained uses therein;
(c) whether, if the restriction upon the applicant’s property were removed, such removal would
seriously affect neighboring properties and uses; and
(d) whether, if the restriction is not removed, the restriction would create unnecessary hardship or
exceptional practical difficulty for the owner in his efforts to make normal improvements in the
character of that use of the property that is a permitted use under the provisions of the zoning
ordinance.
Review of Application from the applicant
The applicant has provided background information and responses for the requested variance as
it relates to the criteria. (See also Exhibit B)
Background
The house located at 360 Nottingham Court was constructed in 1979 on Lot No. 31 of the
Mayfair II subdivision. Lot 31 is one of the shallower lots in the subdivision at 102.5’ deep and
is 8,256 s.f. (0.189 ac.). Claude and Gwen Pritchett purchased the home in August 1991 and
have lived there since. The house is a 2-story home (see attached photographs) and the living
space of the home is approximately 1,884 s.f. The house originally had 3 bedrooms; however,
one of the bedrooms was converted to an office for an in-home business after one of their
children moved out and when they started a transportation business known as D&J
Transportation, LLC. The business is permitted and licensed by the City of Dover. They still
have one child living at home.
The Pritchetts are needing additional space in their house to accommodate friends and family
when they come to visit as they presently have no spare bedroom. They desire to add a 16’ x 16’
multipurpose sunroom onto the rear of their house that they could entertain guests and use as an
office and meeting room for their current business. The room would also serve as a playroom for
their grandchildren and a place to store books. The Pritchetts are in their senior years and also
have the need for family to come help them from time to time and need a place for them to stay
when they come. The multi-purpose sunroom would also free up the 3rd bedroom and allow
them to accommodate their guests. They are happy with their home and have no desire to move
and are also not in a financial position to do so. The business is a small business that provides
transportation services for public carriers and school districts. The business is not in a financial
position to be able to lease office space at an offsite location.
Based upon the current configuration of the rear of the house, the location of windows and doors,
and the required setback of 30’ from the rear property line, the maximum size that they could
construct the multipurpose sunroom would be approximately 12’ x 16’. While the width would
be adequate they have determined, based upon their need and proposed uses, that the depth
would not suffice for their needs and not provide for a very useable or practical space. They also
cannot make the width any larger due the location of windows on the rear of the house (see
attached architectural drawing).
Page 15
V-18-08 Claude and Gwen Pritchett 360 Nottingham Court
Board of Adjustment Report
Page 4 of 7
An area variance shall be evaluated on the following criteria;
1. The nature of the zone in which the property lies.
Applicant Response:
The property is located in an R8 zone, which is a one-family residence zone. The proposed
multi-purpose sunroom is a use that is permitted and desirable in this zone.
Staff Response:
The property is zoned R-8 (One Family Residence Zone) and located in the Mayfair II
Subdivision. The subject property is located to the south of Mayberry Lane and to the north
of Webbs Lane. The surrounding properties are zoned R-8 and are residential uses.
2. The character of the immediate vicinity and the contained uses therein.
Applicant Response:
The properties in the immediate vicinity of this property are all zoned R8 and have one-
family residences located on them. Many of the houses have had additions added onto them
over the years. The property directly to the rear of the applicant’s property had a screened-
in porch added onto the rear of the house.
Staff Response:
As the applicant describes, the character of the property’s immediate vicinity are one family
residences. The house is of similar size to other houses in the neighborhood, many of which
have additions which is not uncommon for the neighborhood.
3. Whether, if the restriction upon the applicant’s property were removed, such removal would
seriously affect neighboring properties and uses.
Applicant Response:
Removing or reducing the restriction upon the applicant’s property would not affect
neighboring properties or their uses. The proposed use is conducive to the existing uses in
the neighborhood and the zone in which it is located. It would be in harmony with the
neighborhood and other additions added onto other houses. As stated, the house to the rear
of the applicant’s property has a screened in porch added onto the rear of the house and is
relatively close to the rear property line. However, there are trees and a 6’ high wooden
stockade fence along the rear property line that separate the two properties and provide for a
buffer and screening. There is also a 6’ high wooden stockade fence to the right or south
side of the property that would screen the addition from the adjoining property on that side.
The left or north side of the property is located along a street, which also has a 6’ high
wooden stockade fence. The granting of the variance will be in harmony with the general
purpose and intent of the zoning regulation and ordinances and will not represent a radical
departure therefrom and will not be injurious to the neighborhood or the adjacent properties.
Page 16
V-18-08 Claude and Gwen Pritchett 360 Nottingham Court
Board of Adjustment Report
Page 5 of 7
The construction of the addition will not change the character of the neighborhood and will
not be detrimental to the public welfare.
Staff Response:
The removal of the restriction upon the applicant’s property would not seriously affect
neighboring properties and uses. The property is located on a corner lot in a cul-de-sac. The
proposed addition would be located at the rear of the property which is fenced in and would
have limited visibility from street view or from adjacent properties. As noted, the property
in the rear of the applicant’s property has an addition as well. There were also two building
permits issued for additions in 2007 and 2009 for the properties located at 347 and 365
Mayberry Lane that are located across the street to the north of the applicant’s property.
4. Whether, if the restriction is not removed, the restriction would create unnecessary hardship
or exceptional practical difficulty for the owner in his efforts to make normal improvements
in the character of that use of the property that is a permitted use under the provisions of the
zoning ordinance.
Applicant Response:
If the restriction is not removed or reduced the restriction would create an unnecessary
hardship or exceptional practical difficulty for the applicant/owner in their effort to make
normal improvements to the house. The proposed addition is a permitted use under the
provisions of the property; however, the house is constructed relatively close to all setbacks
with the exception of the rear yard setback. The two street setbacks significantly impact the
ability to add onto the house and there is inadequate remaining space between the house and
the Mayberry Lane required setback to construct an addition. To do so would require an
even greater variance in the setback in order to construct the addition on that side. Also,
there is little to no practical space remaining on the right or southerly side of the house. The
double street frontage is peculiar to this particular lot and none of these conditions resulted
from the act of the applicant or any predecessor in title. The house is presently
approximately 1,884 s.f., which is not a large house. The applicant needs additional space
in order to house family and visiting guests as well as operate their existing in-home
business, which has been approved and licensed by the City of Dover. The proposed
addition is a reasonable use of the property. The strict application of the rear yard setback
would not allow them to construct an addition of a useful or practical size. The variance
requested would allow them to construct a useful addition and is the minimum variance that
will allow them to do so. They cannot expand the width of the proposed sunroom due to the
location of existing windows in the rear of the house and, even if they could, the existing
available depth of 12’ would not provide for a useful or practical multi-purpose room. The
granting of the variance is necessary to allow for the reasonable use of the property and to
allow for the construction of a practical and useful size multi-purpose sunroom as
determined by the architect. The addition of the sunroom would also not exceed the
allowable permitted impervious lot coverage of 35 percent.
Staff Response:
Failure to remove the restriction would result in an exceptional practical difficulty in that the
Zoning Ordinance does not accommodate the size of the space needed for improvements to
Page 17
V-18-08 Claude and Gwen Pritchett 360 Nottingham Court
Board of Adjustment Report
Page 6 of 7
the property to meet the conveniences and needs of the applicant. The property is located on
a corner lot which would not allow for improvements to be made from either side of the
property based on the requirements of the Zoning Ordinance. The depth of the property
would not accommodate a useful size of the space. The property is located in area where
there have been numerous improvements to the existing housing stock.
Variance Recommendations:
Staff recommends approval of the area variance to reduce the 30 feet minimum rear yard setback
to an even 25 feet in order to allow for the construction of a 16 foot by 16 foot addition to the
rear of the property for the following reasons:
• The applicant has demonstrated that adherence to the requirements of the zoning
ordinance would create an exceptional practical difficulty for the owner to make
necessary improvements to the property.
• The expansion of the building would help improve and preserve the existing housing
stock in the neighborhood as there are several neighboring properties with additions.
• The property is located on a corner lot which has two front yard setback requirements
of 25 feet which impacts the ability for the applicant to add onto the property.
• The depth of the property limits the use as a practical space.
• The reduction in the rear yard setback from 30 feet. to 25 feet would not have an
affect on the neighboring properties.
Advisory Comments to the Applicant
• If granted, variances become null and void if work has not commenced within one (1)
year of the date the variance was granted. At present there is no provision for extension.
• Approval of a variance does not constitute a Building Permit. A Building Permit must be
received from the City of Dover prior to the start of any construction work.
• If the variance is approved, staff is requesting an as-built survey to be submitted with the
building permit to ensure the addition is incompliance with the approved rear yard
setback.
Page 18
V-18-08 Claude and Gwen Pritchett 360 Nottingham Court
Board of Adjustment Report
Page 7 of 7
GUIDE TO ATTACHMENTS
Exhibit Description/Author # Pages
A Zoning Exhibit Map 1
(Staff)
B Applicant Statement and Responses to Criteria 1
(Applicant)
C Site Plan showing building addition 1 (8.5” x 14” portrait)
(Applicant)
D Architectural Plan 1 (8.5”x11”, landscape)
(Applicant)
E Site Area Location 1 (8.5”x11”, portrait)
(Applicant)
F Site Photographs 7 (8.5”x11”, portrait)
(Applicant)
Page 19
City of Dover Exhibit A
Application No.: V-18-08
Department of Planning & Inspections
R-8
Mimosa Ave
R-8
R-8 Alder Rd May berry Ln
Locust Point Pl
Site
Nottingham Ct
R-8
Webbs Ln
John Clark Rd
IO
Title: Lands of Claude and Gwen Pritchett
Address: 360 Nottingham Court
Parcel ID: ED-05-085.12-04-26.00-000 Legend
Zoning: R-8 (One Family Residence Zone)
Owner: Claude and Gwen Pritchett Subject Property
Date: 11/13/2018 Dover Parcels
Zoning
2012 Buildings
Kent County Parcels
« 0 70 140 280 Feet
Dover Boundary
Page 20
Board of Adjustment Application
Claude and Gwen Pritchett
Response to Criteria
Background
The house located at 360 Nottingham Court was constructed in 1979 on Lot No. 31 of the
Mayfair II subdivision. Lot 31 is one of the shallower lots in the subdivision at 102.5’ deep and is
8,256 s.f. (0.189 ac.). Claude and Gwen Pritchett purchased the home in August 1991 and
have lived there since. The house is a 2-story home (see attached photographs) and the living
space of the home is approximately 1,884 s.f. The house originally had 3 bedrooms; however,
one of the bedrooms was converted to an office for an in-home business after one of their
children moved out and when they started a transportation business known as D&J
Transportation, LLC. The business is permitted and licensed by the City of Dover. They still
have one child living at home.
The Pritchetts are needing additional space in their house to accommodate friends and family
when they come to visit as they presently have no spare bedroom. They desire to add a 16’ x
16’ multipurpose sunroom onto the rear of their house that they could entertain guests and use
as an office and meeting room for their current business. The room would also serve as a
playroom for their grandchildren and a place to store books. The Pritchetts are in their senior
years and also have the need for family to come help them from time to time and need a place
for them to stay when they come. The multi-purpose sunroom would also free up the 3rd
bedroom and allow them to accommodate their guests. They are happy with their home and
have no desire to move and are also not in a financial position to do so. The business is a small
business that provides transportation services for public carriers and school districts. The
business is not in a financial position to be able to lease office space at an offsite location.
Based upon the current configuration of the rear of the house, the location of windows and
doors, and the required setback of 30’ from the rear property line, the maximum size that they
could construct the multipurpose sunroom would be approximately 12’ x 16’. While the width
would be adequate they have determined, based upon their need and proposed uses, that the
depth would not suffice for their needs and not provide for a very useable or practical space.
They also cannot make the width any larger due the location of windows on the rear of the
house (see attached architectural drawing).
Area Variance Criteria
1. The property is located in an R8 zone, which is a one-family residence zone. The proposed
multi-purpose sunroom is a use that is permitted and desirable in this zone.
2. The properties in the immediate vicinity of this property are all zoned R8 and have one-
family residences located on them. Many of the houses have had additions added onto
them over the years. The property directly to the rear of the applicant’s property had a
screened-in porch added onto the rear of the house.
3. Removing or reducing the restriction upon the applicant’s property would not affect
neighboring properties or their uses. The proposed use is conducive to the existing uses in
the neighborhood and the zone in which it is located. It would be in harmony with the
neighborhood and other additions added onto other houses. As stated, the house to the
Page 21
Board of Adjustment
Response to Criteria
Page 2
rear of the applicant’s property has a screened in porch added onto the rear of the house
and is relatively close to the rear property line. However, there are trees and a 6’ high
wooden stockade fence along the rear property line that separate the two properties and
provide for a buffer and screening. There is also a 6’ high wooden stockade fence to the
right or south side of the property that would screen the addition from the adjoining property
on that side. The left or north side of the property is located along a street, which also has a
6’ high wooden stockade fence. The granting of the variance will be in harmony with the
general purpose and intent of the zoning regulation and ordinances and will not represent a
radical departure therefrom and will not be injurious to the neighborhood or the adjacent
properties. The construction of the addition will not change the character of the
neighborhood and will not be detrimental to the public welfare.
4. If the restriction is not removed or reduced the restriction would create an unnecessary
hardship or exceptional practical difficulty for the applicant/owner in their effort to make
normal improvements to the house. The proposed addition is a permitted use under the
provisions of the property; however, the house is constructed relatively close to all setbacks
with the exception of the rear yard setback. The two street setbacks significantly impact the
ability to add onto the house and there is inadequate remaining space between the house
and the Mayberry Lane required setback to construct an addition. To do so would require
an even greater variance in the setback in order to construct the addition on that side. Also,
there is little to no practical space remaining on the right or southerly side of the house. The
double street frontage is peculiar to this particular lot and none of these conditions resulted
from the act of the applicant or any predecessor in title. The house is presently
approximately 1,884 s.f., which is not a large house. The applicant needs additional space
in order to house family and visiting guests as well as operate their existing in-home
business, which has been approved and licensed by the City of Dover. The proposed
addition is a reasonable use of the property. The strict application of the rear yard setback
would not allow them to construct an addition of a useful or practical size. The variance
requested would allow them to construct a useful addition and is the minimum variance that
will allow them to do so. They cannot expand the width of the proposed sunroom due to the
location of existing windows in the rear of the house and, even if they could, the existing
available depth of 12’ would not provide for a useful or practical multi-purpose room. The
granting of the variance is necessary to allow for the reasonable use of the property and to
allow for the construction of a practical and useful size multi-purpose sunroom as
determined by the architect. The addition of the sunroom would also not exceed the
allowable permitted impervious lot coverage of 35 percent.
Page 25
Photo #1
Front (west side) of House
Photo #2
Right (south) Side of House
1
Page 26
Photo #3
Left (north) Side of House
Photo #4
Rear Yard Facing South
2
Page 27
Photo #5
Rear Yard Facing North
Photo #6
Rear (east side) of House
3
Page 28
Photo #7
Rear of Existing Family Room
4
Page 29
V-18-08 Claude and Gwen Pritchett 360 Nottingham Court
Board of Adjustment Report
Page 2 of 7
The lands to the north, south, east, and west are all similarly zoned R-8 properties and have one-
family detached residences located on them. An area map is in included in Exhibit A.
Code Citations
Article 4, Section 4.1. [One-family residence zones.]
Bulk and parking regulations for one-family residence, R-20, R-15, R-10, R-8 and R-7 zones [are
as follows:
TABLE INSET:
For Dwellings In:
R-20 R-15 R-10 R-8 R-7
Minimum required:
Lot area (sq. ft.) 20,000 15,000 10,000 8,000 7,000
Lot width (ft.) 120 100 80 70 50
Lot depth (ft.) 150 125 110 100 100
Front yard (ft.) 30 30 25 25 20
Minimum side yard (ft.) 25 20 15 10 5
Total both side yards (ft.) 50 40 30 20 10
Rear yard (ft.) 40 40 30 30 30
Lot coverage 20% 25% 30%0% 35% 40%
Exceptional Practical Difficulties Tests
Article 9, Section 2 of the Zoning Ordinance dictates the specific powers and duties of the Board
of Adjustment with regard to granting variances. In order to grant a variance, the Board must
determine that an exceptional practical difficulty exists.
Specifically, the Board must determine:
2.1 Variance – The board shall have the authority to authorize variances from provisions of the zoning
ordinance that are not contrary to public interest where the board determines that a literal interpretation of
the zoning ordinance would result in undue hardship or exceptional practical difficulties to the applicant. In
granting variances, the board shall determine that the spirit of the zoning ordinance is observed and
substantial justice done.
2.11 Area Variance. A variance shall be considered an area variance if it relates to bulk standards,
signage regulations, and other provisions of the zoning ordinance that address lot layout, buffers, and
dimensions. In considering a request for an area variance, the board shall evaluate the following criteria
and document them in their findings of fact:
(a) the nature of the zone in which the property lies;
Page 30
V-18-08 Claude and Gwen Pritchett 360 Nottingham Court
Board of Adjustment Report
Page 3 of 7
(b) the character of the immediate vicinity and the contained uses therein;
(c) whether, if the restriction upon the applicant’s property were removed, such removal would
seriously affect neighboring properties and uses; and
(d) whether, if the restriction is not removed, the restriction would create unnecessary hardship or
exceptional practical difficulty for the owner in his efforts to make normal improvements in the
character of that use of the property that is a permitted use under the provisions of the zoning
ordinance.
Review of Application from the applicant
The applicant has provided background information and responses for the requested variance as
it relates to the criteria. (See also Exhibit B)
Background
The house located at 360 Nottingham Court was constructed in 1979 on Lot No. 31 of the
Mayfair II subdivision. Lot 31 is one of the shallower lots in the subdivision at 102.5’ deep and
is 8,256 s.f. (0.189 ac.). Claude and Gwen Pritchett purchased the home in August 1991 and
have lived there since. The house is a 2-story home (see attached photographs) and the living
space of the home is approximately 1,884 s.f. The house originally had 3 bedrooms; however,
one of the bedrooms was converted to an office for an in-home business after one of their
children moved out and when they started a transportation business known as D&J
Transportation, LLC. The business is permitted and licensed by the City of Dover. They still
have one child living at home.
The Pritchetts are needing additional space in their house to accommodate friends and family
when they come to visit as they presently have no spare bedroom. They desire to add a 16’ x 16’
multipurpose sunroom onto the rear of their house that they could entertain guests and use as an
office and meeting room for their current business. The room would also serve as a playroom for
their grandchildren and a place to store books. The Pritchetts are in their senior years and also
have the need for family to come help them from time to time and need a place for them to stay
when they come. The multi-purpose sunroom would also free up the 3rd bedroom and allow
them to accommodate their guests. They are happy with their home and have no desire to move
and are also not in a financial position to do so. The business is a small business that provides
transportation services for public carriers and school districts. The business is not in a financial
position to be able to lease office space at an offsite location.
Based upon the current configuration of the rear of the house, the location of windows and doors,
and the required setback of 30’ from the rear property line, the maximum size that they could
construct the multipurpose sunroom would be approximately 12’ x 16’. While the width would
be adequate they have determined, based upon their need and proposed uses, that the depth
would not suffice for their needs and not provide for a very useable or practical space. They also
cannot make the width any larger due the location of windows on the rear of the house (see
attached architectural drawing).
Page 31
V-18-08 Claude and Gwen Pritchett 360 Nottingham Court
Board of Adjustment Report
Page 4 of 7
An area variance shall be evaluated on the following criteria;
1. The nature of the zone in which the property lies.
Applicant Response:
The property is located in an R8 zone, which is a one-family residence zone. The proposed
multi-purpose sunroom is a use that is permitted and desirable in this zone.
Staff Response:
The property is zoned R-8 (One Family Residence Zone) and located in the Mayfair II
Subdivision. The subject property is located to the south of Mayberry Lane and to the north
of Webbs Lane. The surrounding properties are zoned R-8 and are residential uses.
2. The character of the immediate vicinity and the contained uses therein.
Applicant Response:
The properties in the immediate vicinity of this property are all zoned R8 and have one-
family residences located on them. Many of the houses have had additions added onto them
over the years. The property directly to the rear of the applicant’s property had a screened-
in porch added onto the rear of the house.
Staff Response:
As the applicant describes, the character of the property’s immediate vicinity are one family
residences. The house is of similar size to other houses in the neighborhood, many of which
have additions which is not uncommon for the neighborhood.
3. Whether, if the restriction upon the applicant’s property were removed, such removal would
seriously affect neighboring properties and uses.
Applicant Response:
Removing or reducing the restriction upon the applicant’s property would not affect
neighboring properties or their uses. The proposed use is conducive to the existing uses in
the neighborhood and the zone in which it is located. It would be in harmony with the
neighborhood and other additions added onto other houses. As stated, the house to the rear
of the applicant’s property has a screened in porch added onto the rear of the house and is
relatively close to the rear property line. However, there are trees and a 6’ high wooden
stockade fence along the rear property line that separate the two properties and provide for a
buffer and screening. There is also a 6’ high wooden stockade fence to the right or south
side of the property that would screen the addition from the adjoining property on that side.
The left or north side of the property is located along a street, which also has a 6’ high
wooden stockade fence. The granting of the variance will be in harmony with the general
purpose and intent of the zoning regulation and ordinances and will not represent a radical
departure therefrom and will not be injurious to the neighborhood or the adjacent properties.
Page 32
V-18-08 Claude and Gwen Pritchett 360 Nottingham Court
Board of Adjustment Report
Page 5 of 7
The construction of the addition will not change the character of the neighborhood and will
not be detrimental to the public welfare.
Staff Response:
The removal of the restriction upon the applicant’s property would not seriously affect
neighboring properties and uses. The property is located on a corner lot in a cul-de-sac. The
proposed addition would be located at the rear of the property which is fenced in and would
have limited visibility from street view or from adjacent properties. As noted, the property
in the rear of the applicant’s property has an addition as well. There were also two building
permits issued for additions in 2007 and 2009 for the properties located at 347 and 365
Mayberry Lane that are located across the street to the north of the applicant’s property.
4. Whether, if the restriction is not removed, the restriction would create unnecessary hardship
or exceptional practical difficulty for the owner in his efforts to make normal improvements
in the character of that use of the property that is a permitted use under the provisions of the
zoning ordinance.
Applicant Response:
If the restriction is not removed or reduced the restriction would create an unnecessary
hardship or exceptional practical difficulty for the applicant/owner in their effort to make
normal improvements to the house. The proposed addition is a permitted use under the
provisions of the property; however, the house is constructed relatively close to all setbacks
with the exception of the rear yard setback. The two street setbacks significantly impact the
ability to add onto the house and there is inadequate remaining space between the house and
the Mayberry Lane required setback to construct an addition. To do so would require an
even greater variance in the setback in order to construct the addition on that side. Also,
there is little to no practical space remaining on the right or southerly side of the house. The
double street frontage is peculiar to this particular lot and none of these conditions resulted
from the act of the applicant or any predecessor in title. The house is presently
approximately 1,884 s.f., which is not a large house. The applicant needs additional space
in order to house family and visiting guests as well as operate their existing in-home
business, which has been approved and licensed by the City of Dover. The proposed
addition is a reasonable use of the property. The strict application of the rear yard setback
would not allow them to construct an addition of a useful or practical size. The variance
requested would allow them to construct a useful addition and is the minimum variance that
will allow them to do so. They cannot expand the width of the proposed sunroom due to the
location of existing windows in the rear of the house and, even if they could, the existing
available depth of 12’ would not provide for a useful or practical multi-purpose room. The
granting of the variance is necessary to allow for the reasonable use of the property and to
allow for the construction of a practical and useful size multi-purpose sunroom as
determined by the architect. The addition of the sunroom would also not exceed the
allowable permitted impervious lot coverage of 35 percent.
Staff Response:
Failure to remove the restriction would result in an exceptional practical difficulty in that the
Zoning Ordinance does not accommodate the size of the space needed for improvements to
Page 33
V-18-08 Claude and Gwen Pritchett 360 Nottingham Court
Board of Adjustment Report
Page 6 of 7
the property to meet the conveniences and needs of the applicant. The property is located on
a corner lot which would not allow for improvements to be made from either side of the
property based on the requirements of the Zoning Ordinance. The depth of the property
would not accommodate a useful size of the space. The property is located in area where
there have been numerous improvements to the existing housing stock.
Variance Recommendations:
Staff recommends approval of the area variance to reduce the 30 feet minimum rear yard setback
to an even 25 feet in order to allow for the construction of a 16 foot by 16 foot addition to the
rear of the property for the following reasons:
• The applicant has demonstrated that adherence to the requirements of the zoning
ordinance would create an exceptional practical difficulty for the owner to make
necessary improvements to the property.
• The expansion of the building would help improve and preserve the existing housing
stock in the neighborhood as there are several neighboring properties with additions.
• The property is located on a corner lot which has two front yard setback requirements
of 25 feet which impacts the ability for the applicant to add onto the property.
• The depth of the property limits the use as a practical space.
• The reduction in the rear yard setback from 30 feet. to 25 feet would not have an
affect on the neighboring properties.
Advisory Comments to the Applicant
• If granted, variances become null and void if work has not commenced within one (1)
year of the date the variance was granted. At present there is no provision for extension.
• Approval of a variance does not constitute a Building Permit. A Building Permit must be
received from the City of Dover prior to the start of any construction work.
• If the variance is approved, staff is requesting an as-built survey to be submitted with the
building permit to ensure the addition is incompliance with the approved rear yard
setback.
Page 34
V-18-08 Claude and Gwen Pritchett 360 Nottingham Court
Board of Adjustment Report
Page 7 of 7
GUIDE TO ATTACHMENTS
Exhibit Description/Author # Pages
A Zoning Exhibit Map 1
(Staff)
B Applicant Statement and Responses to Criteria 1
(Applicant)
C Site Plan showing building addition 1 (8.5” x 14” portrait)
(Applicant)
D Architectural Plan 1 (8.5”x11”, landscape)
(Applicant)
E Site Area Location 1 (8.5”x11”, portrait)
(Applicant)
F Site Photographs 7 (8.5”x11”, portrait)
(Applicant)
Page 35
MEMORANDUM
Department of Planning & Inspections
P.O. Box 475
Dover, DE 19903
Phone: (302) 736-7010 Fax (302) 736-4217
DATE: December 12, 2018
TO: Board of Adjustment Members
FROM: Julian Swierczek, Planner I
SUBJECT: Amendment of Board of Adjustment Application
V-18-09 Blue Hen Apartments: Garages at 100, 250, 350, 400 & 550 Shrewsbury
Court, Dover
Background for Requested Revision
Blu Hen Apartments, LLC originally applied to the Board of Adjustment on October 10, 2018 for
an area variance to permit a reduction in the minimum setback required for an accessory building
in a residential zone from 5 feet to 4 feet 10.2 inches. The foundations were laid to comply with
the 5 foot setback, but the vinyl siding and corner trim that were added to the wall made the
overall structure of five (5) of the new garages (numbered 36, 37, 38, 39, and 41 on Site Plan) to
be located within the setback.
However, on December 4, 2018, the Applicant submitted a revision to their October 10th
application submission. The amended request is that the setback be further reduced to 4.7 feet or 4
feet 8.4 inches instead of to the original requested reduction to 4.85 feet or 4 feet 10.2 inches.
The applicant explained that the reason for this amended request is due to a new, more detailed
survey utilizing GPS gave new information for how far the five (5) garages are actually located
from the lot line. See attached letter.
Staff Comments and Recommendation
Staff recommends approval of the revised area variance request to reduce the minimum setback of
an accessory building in a residential zone due to the following reasons:
• The decrease in minimum setback requirements continues to be not significant enough to
pose any detrimental affect on the neighboring properties. The current minimum setback
for accessory buildings in a residential zone is 5 feet. The applicant is proposing reducing
this minimum for five of the 11 built garages to the amended request of 4.7 feet ( 4 feet 8.4
inches). The applicant has stated that they were built so close to the lot line for the purpose
of staying as far from underground utilities as possible. While the five garage structures are
over the minimum setback, their foundations are not, as they were all built at least 5 feet
Page 36
BOA Memo for Blue Hen Apartments Garages at 100, 250, 350, 400 & 550 Shrewsbury Ct.
12-19-18 Meeting
Page 2 of 2
from the lot line. An error was made in calculating for the siding and trim that were added
at later stages.
• The west of the garages at the property line consists of a landscaped area of grass and
shrub & tree plantings. An upright curb separates this area from the parking spaces on the
adjacent property. These site elements minimize any differences in setback.
• As the structures are already built, Staff believes it would be an unnecessary hardship for
the applicant to not have this variance request approved.
The Board of Adjustment should consider this amended information in its review of the original
application for V-18-09 Blue Hen Apartments at 100, 250, 350, 400, & 550 Shrewsbury Court.
Attachments:
1. Letter dated December 4, 2018 with update information
2. Staff Report for Application V-18-09
Page 38
City of Dover
Board of Adjustment
November 21, 2018
V-18-09
Location: 100, 250, 350, 400 & 550 Shrewsbury Ct. (on the east side of Bay
Road, behind Blue Hen Corporate Center)
Applicant/Owner: Blue Hen Apartments, LLC
Tax Parcel: ED-05-077.00-01-01.00-000
Application Date: October 10, 2018
Present Zoning: RG-2 (General Residence Zone)
Current Use: Apartments
Reviewed By: Julian Swierczek, Planner I
Variance Type: Area Variance
Variance Requested: To reduce the minimum 5-foot setback required for an accessory
building in a residential zone. Applicant has built eleven (11) new
parking garages, five (5) of which are only 4.85 feet (4 feet 10.2
inches) from the lot line. This request only pertains to those five
garages (numbered as structures 36, 37, 38, 39, and 41 on the Site
Plan).
Page 39
V-18-09 Blue Hen Apartments at 100, 250, 350, 400 & 550 Shrewsbury Court
Board of Adjustment Report
Page 2 of 7
Project Description
The applicant is requesting a variance from Zoning Ordinance, Article 5 §1.12 Supplementary
Regulations applying to residence zones, to allow for a decrease in the minimum setback
requirements for an accessory building in a residential zone.
This current application V-18-09 is proposing to reduce the minimum setback required for an
accessory building in a residential zone from 5 feet to 4.85 feet to accommodate the five (5)
already built structures located within the setback. The applicant is asking for an area variance
because the current owner, Blue Hen Apartments LLC built five (5) of the (11) new accessory
garage structures (numbered 36, 37, 38, 39 and 41 on Exhibit C) on the site of the Blue Hen
Apartment Complex with setbacks under the required minimum of 5 feet. The foundations of
Garages #36, 37, 38, 39, and 41 were built the required 5 feet away from the lot line; however,
once the walls were put up and the vinyl siding and corner trim put in place, these (5) structures
instead are measuring only 4.85 feet (4 feet 10.2 inches) away from the lot line.
The Applicant has provided a series of Exhibits with their application. A Site Plan, highlighting
the five structures (Numbered as 36, 37, 38, 39 and 41) can be found in Exhibit C. A series of
photographs showing the garages subject to this Area Variance request (8 pages) is to be found
in Exhibit D. The Garages have specific addresses (for 911 response) of 100, 250, 350, 400 &
550 Shrewsbury Court.
Adjacent Land Uses
A Zoning Map Exhibit (Exhibit A) prepared by staff is attached to this Report. It shows the
subject property location and surrounding zoning.
The properties to the southeast are zoned IPM (Industrial Park and Manufacturing Zone) and
contain the new Chesapeake Utilities Dover Campus. The properties to the southwest are zoned
SC-2 (Shopping Center Development) and contain the Blue Hen Corporate Center. The property
to the northwest is zoned IO (Institutional and Office Zone) is the site of East Dover Elementary
School. Immediately adjacent to the site to the northeast is the Schoolview subdivision of one-
family detached dwellings, which are zoned R-8 (One-Family Residence Zone). The subject site
itself was developed as apartments in phases from 2007 through 2018.
Code Citations
Zoning Ordinance, Article 5 §1.12 gives the required minimum setback for accessory buildings.
Specifically, it states:
Such buildings shall be set back five feet from any lot line and shall not be located less than ten
feet from an adjoining principal structure.
Zoning Ordinance, Article 12 defines Accessory building as follows:
A building or use clearly incidental or subordinate to, and customar[il]y in connection with, the
principal building or use on the same lot.
Zoning Ordinance, Article 12 defines Setback as:
The distance between the street line and the setback line.
Page 40
V-18-09 Blue Hen Apartments at 100, 250, 350, 400 & 550 Shrewsbury Court
Board of Adjustment Report
Page 3 of 7
Zoning Ordinance in turn defines the setback line as:
A line extending between the two side lot lines of a lot or a parcel of land, which is parallel to, and
a stated distance from, a street line.
For this property, the five (5) garages are accessory buildings because the principal structures are
the apartment buildings.
Exceptional Practical Difficulties Tests
Zoning Ordinance Article 9 §2 dictates the specific powers and duties of the Board of
Adjustment with regard to granting variances. Specifically, the Board must determine:
2.1 Variance. The board shall have the authority to authorize variances from provisions of the
Zoning Ordinance that are not contrary to public interest where the board determines that a literal
interpretation of the Zoning Ordinance would result in undue hardship or exceptional practical
difficulties to the applicant. In granting variances, the board shall determine that the spirit of the
Zoning Ordinance is observed and substantial justice is done.
2.11 Area Variance. A variance shall be considered an area variance if it relates to bulk
standards, signage regulations, and other provisions of the Zoning Ordinance that address lot
layout, buffers, and dimensions. In considering a request for an area variance, the board shall
evaluate the following criteria and document them in their findings of fact:
(a) the nature of the zone in which the property lies;
(b) the character of the immediate vicinity and the contained uses therein;
(c) whether, if the restriction upon the applicant’s property were removed, such removal
would seriously affect neighboring properties and uses; and
(d) whether, if the restriction is not removed, the restriction would create unnecessary
hardship or exceptional practical difficulty for the owner in his efforts to make normal
improvements in the character of that use of the property that is a permitted use under
the provisions of the Zoning Ordinance.
Review of Application
As part of the application, the applicant was asked to summarize how the requested variance
relates to the above criteria. The applicant’s responses are provided below along with a Staff
assessment of the application in accordance with the required criteria. The applicant’s responses
are also provided in Exhibit B.
1. The nature of the zone in which the property lies.
Applicant Response:
“The property is in the RG-2, General Residence zone, which allows a mix of
commercial and residential uses.”
Staff Response:
Page 41
V-18-09 Blue Hen Apartments at 100, 250, 350, 400 & 550 Shrewsbury Court
Board of Adjustment Report
Page 4 of 7
Staff notes that while the RG-2 (General Residence) zone allows for a variety of
residential uses varying from one-family-residences through to Garden Apartments,
commercial uses are slightly limited in scope, being only conditionally allowed after a
review and approval by the Planning Commission.
2. The character of the immediate vicinity and the contained uses therein.
Applicant Responses:
“The adjoining property on which side the non-conformity exists is zoned SC-2,
Community Shopping Center, and is used as a parking lot. There are landscaped curb
islands between the garages and the parking lot, negating the appearance of the non-
conformity. The other use near the project is a daycare on an SC-2 zoned property. Both
adjoining properties and the subject property ultimately are owned by the same company,
but they are listed as separate entities.”
Staff Response:
Staff concurs with the applicant’s description but notes that their description pertains to
the properties to the southwest of the site in question, which are the properties nearest to
the five (5) garages subject this variance request. The properties there largely contain
Blue Hen Corporate Center with the various offices and facilities contained therein, with
the parts of the site nearest the subject property containing parking lots. Staff further
notes that areas to the southeast are zoned IPM (Industrial Park and Manufacturing
Zone); this is where the newly built headquarters of Chesapeake Utilities is located. To
the northwest is located Dover East Elementary School which is zoned IO (Institutional
and Office Zone). Immediately to the northeast, opposite from the part of the site where
the five (5) garages in question are located, are a series of one-family residences in
Schoolview Subdivision, which are zoned R-8 (One-family Residence Zone). On the
subject site, the Garages on located along the westernmost property line on the apartment
complex. They are part of the parking lot serving the Apartment Buildings along
Shrewsbury Court.
3. Whether, if the restriction upon the applicant’s property were removed, such removal
would seriously affect neighboring properties and uses.
Applicant Response:
“There would not be any effect on the adjoining property. There are landscaped islands
between the garages and the parking lot which creates a uniform setting. The non-
conformity is 0.15 (1 ¾”) which is not noticeable given the layout of the site and the
landscaping. The land directly adjoining the garages is a parking lot so no neighbors are
affected by granting the variance.”
Staff Response:
Planning Staff agrees with the assessment of the applicant in that the part of the site
where the five (5) garages in question are located, backs up to the parking lot at the rear
of the Blue Hen Corporate Center. The residential properties that border the site, do so at
the opposite side of the property, to the northeast, meaning that the adjacent residential
Page 42
V-18-09 Blue Hen Apartments at 100, 250, 350, 400 & 550 Shrewsbury Court
Board of Adjustment Report
Page 5 of 7
properties would not be affected by the minimum setback for an accessory structure
being reduced from 5 ft. to 4.85 ft.
4. Whether, if the restriction is not removed, the restriction would create unnecessary
hardship or exceptional practical difficulty for the owner in his efforts to make normal
improvements in the character of that use of the property that is a permitted use under the
provisions of the Zoning Ordinance.
Applicant Response:
“The hardship was caused by the existing underground utilities which affected the
original layout of the apartment complex. The rear wall of the garages would need to be
removed and reconstructed 0.15’ (1 ¾”) closer to the site which would be an economic
hardship on the owners of the property. The property lines also cannot be moves to
resolve the issue as the adjoining property is a different zoning district and financing is
separate for the different entities.”
Staff Response:
Staff notes that the Applicant sought to build the garages as close to the lot line as
possible to avoid any conflict with underground utilities in laying out the overall site.
They also note that the only reason they went within the 5 ft setback was an oversight in
that they put the foundations where required by Code but accidentally did not account for
the siding which would slightly overhang the foundation by 1 ¾ inches. The applicant has
stated that, were the variance not be approved, they would incur an economic hardship as
they would not be able to utilize the now completed new garages and would have to
demolish them to move them by 1 ¾ inches further away from the lot line. Planning Staff
would agree with this being an unnecessary hardship.
Variance Recommendations
Staff recommends approval of the variance to allow decreasing the minimum setback for an
accessory structure in a residential zone to 4.85 feet, as pertaining specifically to structures 36,
37, 38, 39 and 41 (Addressed as 100, 250, 350, 400, and 550 Shrewsbury Court). Staff
recommends approval for reasons as follows:
• The decrease in minimum setback requirements is not significant enough to pose any
detrimental affect on the neighboring properties. The current minimum allowed setback
in a residential zone is 5 ft. and the applicant is proposing reducing this minimum for 5 of
the 11 built garages to only 4.85 ft. (4 ft. 10.2 inches). The applicant has stated that they
were built so close to the lot line for the purpose of staying as far from underground
utilities as possible. While the five garage structures are over the minimum setback, their
foundations are not, as they were all built at least 5 ft. from the lot line. An error was
made in calculating for the siding and trim that were added at later stages.
• The west of the garages at the property line consists of a landscaped area of grass and
shrub & tree plantings. An upright curb separates this area from the parking spaces on the
adjacent property. These site elements minimize any differences in setback.
Page 43
V-18-09 Blue Hen Apartments at 100, 250, 350, 400 & 550 Shrewsbury Court
Board of Adjustment Report
Page 6 of 7
• As the structures are already built, Staff believes it would be an unnecessary hardship for
the applicant to not have this variance request approved.
Advisory Comments to the Applicant
• Approval of a variance does not constitute a Building Permit. A Building Permit must be
received from the City of Dover prior to the start of any construction work. In this case,
documentation of the action on the variance would need to be added to the five Building
Permits already issued for the Garages and their compliance evaluated as part of the Final
Inspections for the structures.
Page 44
V-18-09 Blue Hen Apartments at 100, 250, 350, 400 & 550 Shrewsbury Ct.
Board of Adjustment Report
APPENDIX/ATTACHMENTS
GUIDE TO ATTACHMENTS
Exhibit Description/Author # Pages
A Zoning Exhibit Map 1
(Staff)
B Criteria Responses (Applicant) 2
C Site Plan identifying the (5) garages that are 1 (36” x 24”)
subject of Variance request (Applicant)
D Series of photos showing the garages which are the 8
subject of this application
Page 45
City of Dover Exhibit A
Application No.: V-18-09
Department of Planning & Inspections
ROS RG-3 RG-3 Little Creek Rd
C-1
C-1A
R-8
IO R-8
l Ct
lv d Bar
nB
He
Ot
e
D
Blu
is
CPO
C
r
vy
Le C-3
L o n g Isla C t
er
ou
rt Ln
owl
Cr F
d
Ct Ct
f
rta
n
aw
n be
rto sle R-8 Ro
be
ord
Ha
Ki Av
m tSt e Av e
Site
RG-2
K ea rs R-8
t
t AS
SC-2 eC
y
ne Ct
m ag M
Plu
Blu
eH
M
en
all
C-4
yR
Ba
SC- ec t
o
2 Hwy 1 r
d
on
IPM
n
n nC
yL State
ir erg
Ru
C En
ion
eo
t
rta IO
n
po nc
ns
h
Tra
Pu
C-4
vd
Bl
er
ov
St
Title: Lands of Blue Hen Apartments LLC
Address: 100, 250, 350, 400 & 550 Shrewsbury Ct,
Parcel ID: ED-05-077.00-01-01.00-000 Legend
Zoning: RG-2 (General Residence Zone)
Owner: Blue Hen Apartments LLC Subject Property
Date: 11/08/2018 Dover Parcels
Zoning
2012 Buildings
Kent County Parcels
« 0 250 500 1,000 Feet Dover Boundary
Page 48
HASLET STREET
24 25
(PRIVATE R.O.W. WIDTH
BLUE HEN BLVD.
IPSWICH COURT
EXISTING LONG ISLAND
VARIES)
FOUNDATION
EXISTING COURT
FOUNDATION
KIMBERTON COURT
PLUMAGE COURT
ZONED: RG-2
ZONED: SC-2
ZONED: RG-2
LONG ISLAND KIMBERTON COURT KEARSNEY COURT
ZONED: SC-2 CT.
30 3 STORY
BUILDING
6 APT.
UNITS
EXETER COURT
26 27 28 29 31 32 33 35
EXISTING EXISTING EXISTING EXISTING EXISTING EXISTING EXISTING EXISTING
THREE-STORY THREE-STORY THREE-STORY THREE-STORY THREE-STORY THREE-STORY 34 THREE-STORY EXISTING
THREE-STORY
APARTMENT APARTMENT APARTMENT APARTMENT APARTMENT APARTMENT APARTMENT APARTMENT THREE-STORY
BUILDING BUILDING BUILDING BUILDING BUILDING BUILDING BUILDING BUILDING APARTMENT
BUILDING
SHREWSBURY COURT SHREWSBURY COURT SHREWSBURY COURT
36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46
ZONED: RG-2
ZONED: SC-2
28 83 54
30 42 40 56
30 42 40 56
7 11 14 16 18 22 56
21 56
8
56
55
GRAPHIC SCALE
( IN FEET )
1 inch = 60 ft.
SHEET NO. :1 OF 1 CADD FILE:BOAPlan_BHA
DATA COLUMN
SITE
BLUE HEN APARTMENTS - PHASE 2
VICINITY MAP SCALE: 1"=2000'
·
Notice: These drawings and design are the exclusive property
of Larson Engineering Group, Inc., and shall not be
used, altered or copied without written permission.
Page 54
City of Dover
Board of Adjustment
November 21, 2018
V-18-10
Location: 1240 McKee Road, Dover DE
Applicant: Michael Graham c/o PAM Dover DE IRF LP
Owner: PAM Dover DE IRF LP
Tax Parcel: ED-05-067.00-01-33.00-000
Application Date: October 10, 2018
Present Zoning: IO (Institutional and Office Zone)
COZ-1 (Corridor Overlay Zone)
Present Use: Physical Rehabilitation Hospital (under construction)
Proposed Use: Physical Rehabilitation Hospital
Reviewed By: Eddie Diaz
Variance Type: Area Variance
Variance Requested: To permit a wall sign sized 118.31 SF where the maximum
sign area permitted is 32 SF. (For a non-residential use
adjacent to a residential use).
Page 55
V-18-10 PAM Rehabilitation Hospital Signage, Dover DE
Board of Adjustment Report
Page 2 of 14
Project Description
The applicant is currently constructing a new 43,522 SF physical rehabilitation hospital at 1240
McKee Road in Dover (Site Plan #S-17-05, granted Final Approval on February 5, 2018). The
applicant proposes to install a single large wall sign on the front façade of this building, sized
118.31 SF.
The sign cannot be installed in compliance with the Zoning Ordinance. The property’s frontage
on McKee Road (an “Urban Minor Arterial” street) and the proximity of residential uses across
the street limit the maximum size for a wall sign on this property to 32 SF. The applicant is
requesting a variance from the Supplementary Sign Regulations specified in the Zoning
Ordinance, Article 5 §4.7 to allow the property to exceed this maximum sign area.
The applicant provided a series of Exhibits together with their application. The variance
application renderings, showing the size of the sign and its position on the building, can be found
in Exhibit C. Other exhibits provided by the applicant include a zoning map (Exhibit A,
originally prepared by Planning Staff), responses to the variance criteria (Exhibit B), letter height
calculations (Exhibit D), a report from the United States Sign Council (Exhibit E), and neighbor
signatures (Exhibit F).
Planning Staff has provided a series of additional Exhibits to add to the information provided by
the applicants. These include Exhibit G, which shows a 31 SF monument sign for the project
previously approved on July 20, 2018, Exhibit H, which shows the property’s Site Plan, Exhibit
I, which shows renderings for a previous iteration of the wall sign, and Exhibit J, which shows
the City’s sign table. These Exhibits are packaged separately from those submitted by the
applicant.
Prior Applications
This project was previously scheduled to be heard by the Board of Adjustment on September 19,
2018 as variance application V-18-07. However, V-18-07 was withdrawn by the applicant before
it could be heard at the meeting.
The current application differs from the previous one primarily because the applicants now seek
a sign area of 118.31 SF. Previously, they had requested a sign area between 352 SF and 424 SF.
This area reduction was achieved in two ways.
First, the applicants reduced the amount of text on the sign. The sign previously read “PAM
Rehabilitation Hospital of Dover” in large letters on the first line and “A Post Acute Medical
Hospital” in smaller letters on the second (See Exhibit I for the previous design of the sign.) The
second line of text was removed entirely for the new application.
Second, the applicants worked with Planning Staff to achieve a more accurate measurement of
the sign area according to the definitions given in Zoning Ordinance, Article 5 Section 4.3. This
change is discussed in more detail in the “Measuring the Size of the Sign” section of this Report,
under “Code Citations.”
In addition to shrinking the size of the sign, the applicant provided revised responses to the
variance criteria with their new application.
Page 56
V-18-10 PAM Rehabilitation Hospital Signage, Dover DE
Board of Adjustment Report
Page 3 of 14
Adjacent Land Uses
The property is located on the west side of McKee Road north of College Road. To the north of
the property are the headquarters of the First State Model Railroad Club and a Day Care Facility,
zoned CPO (Commercial and Professional Office Zone). Across McKee Road to the east are the
North Dover Elementary School zoned IO, a stormwater pond, and three one-family dwellings
located in an enclave of Kent County. To the south are two more one-family dwellings, zoned
CPO and R-8 (One-Family Residence Zone) respectively, as well as the McKee Crossing
commercial building, zoned C-2A (Limited Central Commercial Zone). Finally, at the rear of the
property to the west is the Emerald Pointe subdivision, consisting of one-family detached
dwellings zoned R-8.
All the above-mentioned uses are located either entirely or partially within the Corridor Overlay
Zone (COZ-1). The COZ-1 requires enhanced design requirements for landscaping, setbacks,
building placement, parking, buffering, and access in order to promote superior urban design.
A map of the property and surrounding area may be found in Exhibit A.
Code Citations
The City of Dover sign regulations found in Zoning Ordinance, Article 5 §4 determine the
allowable number, type and dimensional characteristics of signage on a property according to:
● The type of use
● Proximity to residential uses
● Classification of roads on which the property has frontage
The proposed hospital is considered a permitted, non-residential use located adjacent to a
residential use as specified in Article 5 §4.3 of the Zoning Ordinance.
The City of Dover sign regulations distinguish three (3) types of roads for purposes of
determining allowable signage. McKee Road is an “Urban Minor Arterial” as defined by Article
5 §4.3.
The entire “Sign Table” from Zoning Ordinance Article 5 §4.7 is presented in Exhibit J. The
section pertaining to this project is highlighted in the middle section of the table.
This section is what applies to “Nonresidential Uses Adjacent to Residential Districts” as shown
in the vertical text on the left, and shows the sign types, maximum number of signs, sign area,
sign height, and minimum required setbacks and exclusion zones for signs on properties fronting
on “Urban Minor Arterial” streets.
For this property, two wall signs are permitted based on the property’s frontage on McKee Road.
The signs granted by McKee Road are limited in size to 32 SF. They are additionally limited to
being no more than 15% of the size of the facade they are on. To promote flexibility in signage
designs, wall signs may be placed on any façade of the building regardless of what street
classification they are permitted under. (See Zoning Ordinance, Article 5 §4.4(C)(5).)
Page 57
V-18-10 PAM Rehabilitation Hospital Signage, Dover DE
Board of Adjustment Report
Page 4 of 14
The table below compares what is permitted under Zoning Ordinance Article 5 §4.7 to the
applicant’s proposed signage.
Table 1
Allowed and Requested Signage, 1240 McKee Road
Sign # Description Location Max size Max height % of Wall Area Setback (ROW) Exclusion Zone
east Permitted 32 SF 15%
1 Wall Sign N/A N/A N/A
façade Requested 118.31 SF 0.6%
McKee Permitted 32 SF 7 ft. 5 ft. 20 ft.
2 Monument N/A
frontage Approved 31 SF 4 ft. 10 in. 10 ft. >20 ft.
Measuring the Size of the Sign
As previously mentioned, the applicants worked with Planning Staff to achieve a more accurate
measurement of the sign area for this new application, according to the definitions given in
Zoning Ordinance Article 5 Section 4.3. These definitions are as follows:
Sign area: The area of the smallest geometric figure, or the sum of the combination of regular geometric
figures, which comprise the sign face. The area of any double-sided or "V" shaped sign shall be the area
of the largest single face only. The area of a sphere shall be computed as the area of a circle. The area of
all other multiple-sided signs shall be computed as 50 percent of the sum of the area of all faces of the
sign.
Sign face: The surface upon, against or through which the sign copy is displayed or illustrated, not
including structural supports, architectural features of a building or sign structure, nonstructural thematic
or decorative trim, or any areas that are separated from the background surface upon which the sign copy
is displayed by a distinct delineation, such as a reveal or border.
Previously, the applicant had arrived at a sign area between 352 SF and 424 SF by measuring the
length and width of the “shoe-box pan cabinet” supporting the sign (see page 5 of Exhibit I for
construction details of the sign). This 3.5-inch deep box is a structural support intended to
contain the power supply for the sign and support the LED-lit channel letters which comprise the
actual sign. This box should not be confused with a so-called cabinet sign, which is a box
containing both power supply and lighting where the sign is the entire flat front face of the box.
For such a sign a straightforward length-by-width measurement to measure the sign area would
be appropriate. However, this method is not always appropriate for channel letters.
For channel letters, “the area of the smallest geometric figure, or the sum of the combination of
regular geometric figures, which comprise the sign face” may be used to find the sign area.
Using multiple geometric figures is useful for excluding excess empty space from the sign area
without going so far as to exclude necessary empty space that is part of the text. The dimensions
used to arrive at a 118.31 SF sign area for the applicant’s sign in particular are shown on page 2
of Exhibit C. Here one can see that 118.31 SF is the sum of a 38” by 48” logo and a 28” by 57’
10” line of text, minus the empty space made by the difference between the large and small
capital letters.
Exceptional Practical Difficulties Tests
Zoning Ordinance Article 9 §2 dictates the specific powers and duties of the Board of
Adjustment with regard to granting variances. Specifically, the Board must determine:
Page 58
V-18-10 PAM Rehabilitation Hospital Signage, Dover DE
Board of Adjustment Report
Page 5 of 14
2.1 Variance – The board shall have the authority to authorize variances from provisions of the Zoning
Ordinance that are not contrary to public interest where the board determines that a literal interpretation
of the Zoning Ordinance would result in undue hardship or exceptional practical difficulties to the
applicant. In granting variances, the board shall determine that the spirit of the Zoning Ordinance is
observed and substantial justice is done.
2.11 Area Variance. A variance shall be considered an area variance if it relates to bulk standards,
signage regulations, and other provisions of the Zoning Ordinance that address lot layout, buffers, and
dimensions. In considering a request for an area variance, the board shall evaluate the following criteria
and document them in their findings of fact:
(a) the nature of the zone in which the property lies;
(b) the character of the immediate vicinity and the contained uses therein;
(c) whether, if the restriction upon the applicant’s property were removed, such removal would
seriously affect neighboring properties and uses; and
(d) whether, if the restriction is not removed, the restriction would create unnecessary hardship or
exceptional practical difficulty for the owner in his efforts to make normal improvements in the
character of that use of the property that is a permitted use under the provisions of the Zoning
Ordinance.
Review of Application
As a part of the application, the applicant was asked to state how the requested variance relates to
the above four criteria. The applicant’s new principal responses are provided below, along with a
staff assessment of the application in accordance with the required criteria. The applicant’s full
argument is also provided in Exhibit C.
1. The nature of the zone in which the property lies.
Applicant Response:
“The property lies in the I/O Zone that permits business, professional, and governmental
offices; banks; research, design and development laboratories; public and institutional
uses; public utility rights of way and structures; day care centers; emergency shelters and
transitional housing. Applicant's rehabilitation hospital providing care to patients with
serious physical injuries is permitted as an institutional use in this zone.
The property also lies in the Corridor Overlay Zone COZ-1 which requires enhanced
design requirements for landscaping, setbacks, building placement, parking, buffering,
and access in order to promote superior urban design. Applicant's rehabilitation hospital
met the requirements to be granted a designation of Superior Urban Design.
It is worth noting that no other hospital or similarly sized facility lies within an I/O zone
and in the Corridor Overlay Zone and, therefore, are not subject to the stringent sign
restrictions imposed on the applicant. Bayhealth Hospital is subject to a Unified
Comprehensive Sign plan and the Eden Hill facilities are within the Traditional
Neighborhood Design Zone where signage is permitted if it complies with approved
Pattern Books in which particular sizes of signs are not prescribed. For example in the
Eden Hill Farm Professional Office, Medical & Financial District Pattern Book Fifth
Edition (2007), there is no minimum or maximum sign size within the District. Pictures
of appropriate examples simply depict well proportioned horizontally placed letters
across front entryways. (Eden Hill Patter Book p.19) This is exactly what applicant
Page 59
V-18-10 PAM Rehabilitation Hospital Signage, Dover DE
Board of Adjustment Report
Page 6 of 14
seeks to do, install properly proportioned horizontally placed wording across its
entryway. Applicant suggests that in cases of unique properties, such as hospitals, the
proportional size of the sign to the size of the building should be paramount, rather than
adhering to a strict rule of permitting only a 32 sq. ft. sign regardless of the size of the
building and/or its additional setbacks.”
Staff Response:
The property is in the IO Zone, which permits business, professional, and governmental
offices; banks; research, design and development laboratories; public and institutional
uses; public utility rights of way and structures; day care centers; emergency shelters and
transitional housing. The physical rehabilitation hospital is permitted as an institutional
use.
As previously mentioned, the property is also in the Corridor Overlay Zone. The COZ-1
requires enhanced design requirements for landscaping, setbacks, building placement,
parking, buffering, and access in order to promote superior urban design.
While the Corridor Overlay Zone does not directly regulate signage, the property’s
inclusion in the Corridor Overlay Zone is significant to this application. The applicant has
complained about the appearance of a 32 SF sign given the large setback of the building.
According to the project’s Site Plan (Exhibit H), the building is set back from the
property line 86 feet. This is a deviation from the required front yard setback of the
Corridor Overlay Zone, which is typically a minimum of 40 feet and a maximum of 50
feet for nonresidential properties along McKee Road.
In their conditional approval of the project on March 20, 2017, the Planning Commission
extended the maximum front yard setback for the hospital to 90 feet, based on the project
exhibiting characteristics of “Superior Urban Design.” See Zoning Ordinance Article 3,
Section 27.61 for information on setbacks in the Corridor Overlay Zone, including the
Commission’s ability to extend the setback. See also Article 3, Section 27.2 for the
criteria the project met to be granted a designation of Superior Urban Design.
It is noted that the COZ-1’s setback extension provision does not necessarily account for
signage requirements. Had the hospital building been built no more than 50 feet from the
property line as originally required, it would have been much easier to see a code-
complaint sign on the building from the street.
With regard to the applicant’s suggestion that hospitals and other “unique properties”
should be regulated on the basis of sign proportionality rather than sign size, Staff
disagrees primarily because there is no basis in the sign code for determining what is a
unique property or allowing discrimination between types of land uses. The facilities
mentioned by the applicant are not granted additional signage due to their medical use but
rather because of various special provisions in the code related to the Traditional
Neighborhood Design Zone and Unified Comprehensive Sign Plans for campuses,
neither of which apply to this single building in an IO Zone. The Bayhealth main campus
is zoned IO, the same classification as the applicant’s property.
Page 60
V-18-10 PAM Rehabilitation Hospital Signage, Dover DE
Board of Adjustment Report
Page 7 of 14
2. The character of the immediate vicinity and the contained uses therein.
Applicant Response:
“The property is located on 1240 McKee Rd. in a transitional area of town with mixed
use. (Exhibit A) The subject site is zoned I/O. Property across the street and facing the
front elevation of the building is zoned I/O and is home to the North Dover Elementary
school. Property to the northwest of the subject property is a private non-residential use
and property adjacent to that is a day care center. Properties immediately adjacent to the
southeast and northwest of the subject property are zoned CPO and a short distance down
the road at the corner of McKee Rd. and College Rd. is a C-2A parcel with a convenience
store, liquor store and other businesses. There is also CPO zoned property across from
the front elevation of the building in addition to three (3) small residential parcels that are
in a Kent County enclave. (Exhibit A) The residential parcels have various setbacks from
the hospital building but appear to be between 200 - 300 feet from the face of the hospital
building. The proportional signage, as requested, will be legible from McKee Rd. and
will fit into the character of the immediate vicinity and the uses therein.”
Staff Response:
Staff generally concurs with the applicant’s description of the immediate vicinity. It is
noted that the North Dover Elementary School shares only about 80 feet of frontage with
the subject property, compared with the subject property’s 655 feet of frontage overall;
the school’s main frontage is on College Road. The CPO-zoned property across from the
elevation, meanwhile, shares about 15 feet of frontage with the subject property. The
three residential parcels share the most amount of frontage with the property, having
about 295 feet in common. The remaining 265 feet across from the property are taken up
by State land containing a stormwater management pond.
3. Whether, if the restriction upon the applicant’s property were removed, such removal
would seriously affect neighboring properties and uses.
Applicant Response:
“Delaware Courts have paid particular attention to whether the granting of a requested
variance will seriously affect neighboring properties. The question is not whether it
simply affects neighboring properties but whether it seriously affects them. Nepa at p.
16.
Instead of installing 2 (32 sq. ft.) signs, the applicant seeks to install 1 (118.31 sq. ft.)
sign on the face of the building consisting of illuminated letters that make up the name of
the hospital. In keeping with the Zoning Ordinance §4.4 C, the sign is designed as an
integral component of the building facade architectural composition and is properly sized
so that it is legible from McKee Rd. and proportionally sized to the building. Proportional
signage is an important component in the City of Dover Zoning ordinance which restricts
signs in "Nonresidential Uses Adjacent to Residential Districts" fronting "Urban Minor
Arterial Streets" to no more than 15% of the size of the facade upon which they are
placed. The Requested sign (118.31 sq. ft) is only .8% of the face of applicant's 42,140
sq. ft. hospital, a mere fraction of the 15% allowance.
Page 61
V-18-10 PAM Rehabilitation Hospital Signage, Dover DE
Board of Adjustment Report
Page 8 of 14
a. The applicant's request will not seriously affect the residences that face the front
elevation of the building. The applicant's sign vendor conducted a series of tests and
confirmed that the proposed sign variance would produce no lighting or glare effects on
property over 150 feet away from the face of the building. All three (3) residences that
face the hospital are more than 150 feet away from the face of building so that the
signage will have no effect in terms of illuminating their properties. (Exhibit F) The
building is set back 86 feet from the property line and the right-of-way is an additional 95
feet wide immediately in front of the building. This extended set back reduces the sign's
possible adverse effects in terms of lighting or glare on the three (3) neighboring
residences to zero.
More importantly, the owners of the only residences that face the hospital and who would
see the sign have no opposition to the variance requested and are supportive of the
project. The applicant met with the owners of the three (3) residences, discussed the
project, the proposed sign variance, and provided them with a packet of information for
their review. (Exhibit F) The three property owners expressed no opposition and in fact
confirmed their support for the variance requested by signing the attached form included
in Exhibit F.
b. The applicant's request will not seriously affect neighboring properties by setting a
precedent for larger signage. The hospital is a unique building for the area and has a
greater than average set back from the road. Other businesses are located closer to the
roadway and will be competing for different patrons than the hospital. It is unlikely that
the other businesses in the area will suffer a competitive disadvantage with a standard
sized sign or argue that a precedent for large signage has been set if the applicant's
request is granted.
Considering the support of the residential neighbors, the lack of lighting or glare effects
on any neighboring properties, and the fact that the proposed sign is proportional to the
building and well below the 15% size restriction, the applicant contends that the sign
variance will not seriously affect neighboring properties.”
Staff Response:
There are several ways the sign may affect neighboring properties and the area at large
that the Board should consider. The first is the sign’s direct effect on the neighbors across
the street. Staff originally anticipated the size and lighting of the sign could have adverse
effects on these neighbors. However, the signatures gathered by the applicant and shown
in Exhibit F as well as the testimony above suggest the homeowners instead view the
proposed variance favorably. Exhibit F also includes the materials shown to the
homeowners. Key to the applicant’s argument presented there is that the sign would be
far enough away from the neighbors that there would be no glare or excess lighting on
their properties. As previously mentioned, the building is set back 86 feet from the
property line. The right-of-way width varies but is an additional 95 feet wide immediately
in front of the building. Therefore, it does appear that the building’s extended setback
lessens the sign’s possible adverse effects.
The second way the sign may affect neighboring properties is by setting a precedent for
neighbors to request their own oversize signage. In this case, Staff does not believe a
Page 62
V-18-10 PAM Rehabilitation Hospital Signage, Dover DE
Board of Adjustment Report
Page 9 of 14
precedent would be set. The hospital is the largest building in the immediate area, and
there are no other medical uses nearby. The hospital would therefore not need to use
signage to compete with other, similar neighboring businesses for customers’ attention.
The other businesses in the area should also not feel the need to compete with it. While
there is no basis in the sign code for singling out a property as unique and therefore
deserving of more signage, such factors can still be a consideration for a variance.
The third way the sign may affect the area at large is by being a distraction to passing
motorists. Though large signs in general tend to be more distracting than smaller ones,
this can be lessened by having the sign be proportional to the building, and by having the
sign sit parallel to the road rather than face oncoming motorists. In this case the large sign
sits parallel on a proportionally large building, one that motorists will see well before
they see the sign itself. By contrast, a small sign difficult to read from the street may
prove more of a distraction to motorists, who may spend time trying to figure out what it
says rather than focus on the road.
Based on the above factors, including neighbor support, lack of competition, and the
sign’s proportionality, Staff believes that the sign will have a minimal adverse effect on
the neighboring properties and area.
4. Whether, if the restriction is not removed, the restriction would create unnecessary
hardship or exceptional practical difficulty for the owner in his efforts to make normal
improvements in the character of that use of the property that is a permitted use under the
provisions of the Zoning Ordinance.
Applicant Response:
“This is the final factor in the exceptional practical difficulty analysis where the Board
weighs the "the potential harm to the neighboring properties" if the variance is granted
against "the potential harm to the property owner by denying it." McLaughlin at pp.
1192-1193
a. The requested variance is necessary for motorist legibility. The United States Sign
Council (Sign Council) and its research arm, the United States Sign Council Foundation,
funded a wide variety of studies to determine, with a degree of certainty, the optimal size
of letters and size of signs that are necessary for motorist legibility. In its Sign Legibility
Rules of Thumb report, the Sign Council outlines how motorists react to signs and
provides calculations to determine the appropriate size of letters for legible, and thus safe,
motorist viewing. (Exhibit E)
The applicant's sign developer ran the Parallel Letter Height Model Equation #2 from the
Rules of Thumb report and determined that the optimal letter height for the subject
building would be a 30 inch letter. (Exhibit D) The requested variance is for a 118.31 sq.
ft. sign with a 28 inch letter, almost exactly the optimal letter height identified by the
calculation. (Exhibit D) If the 32 sq. ft. sign restriction is not removed in this case, the
size of the letters will be inadequate for motorist legibility according to the research cited
in the Sign Council's Report. Indeed, the artist's renderings show that a 32 sq. ft. sign
Page 63
V-18-10 PAM Rehabilitation Hospital Signage, Dover DE
Board of Adjustment Report
Page 10 of 14
becomes more of a distraction on the face of the hospital for passing motorists than a
clear marker of its entranceway. (Exhibit C)
Not only does legible signage promote safety but it decreases the frustration and anxiety
that patients and visitors can experience by getting lost and having to re-navigate to find
the front door. The requested signage will provide the communication necessary to easily
direct patrons to the hospital's main entrance.
b. The requested variance enables the Post-Acute Medical (PAM) Corporation to
promote its national brand in our local community and should weigh in favor of granting
the variance. The Delaware Supreme Court has held that economic considerations, even
standing alone, may be a sufficient justification to grant an area variance. Kwik-Check at
p. 1291. "The inability to improve one's business or to stay competitive as a result of area
limitations, may be a legitimate 'exceptional practical difficulty' that would justify a grant
of a variance." Kwik-Check at p. 1291. The Post Acute Medical Corporation operates
rehabilitation hospitals throughout the nation and strives to become the most trusted
source for post-acute services in each community it serves. Part of becoming that trusted
source, is its branding with the names of its hospitals containing the particular community
in which it sits, in this instance PAM Rehabilitation Hospital of Dover. The name
uniquely identifies the geographic locations of the various PAM hospitals and promotes
the reputation of the PAM brand, enhancing its success in a competitive market. While it
is true that the approved monument will provide the unique name, having the same name
at the entranceway maintains continuity and reinforces the PAM brand.
With the recent construction of similar buildings within a relatively short time in Dover
of facilities that provide some overlapping services, it's important for the public to be able
to easily distinguish between the facilities. Legible and consistent branding helps to
provide that communication to the public.
In summary, the 118.31 sq. ft. requested sign allows the hospital to display its branded
name with letters, according to the calculation recommended by the United States Sign
Council, that provide near optimum legibility for motorists. Conversely, denying the
variance or not removing the restriction of the 32 sq. ft. sign, necessarily results in a sign
on the face of the building, perpendicular to motorists, that is too small to incorporate the
Sign Council's Best Practices Standards as they relate to legibility. These factors in
addition to the 118.31 sq. ft. sign being well proportioned to the subject property and well
within the restriction of 15% of the face of the building, weigh heavily in favor of
granting the variance. Likewise, the conclusions to be drawn from the third factor in
determining whether granting the variance would seriously affect neighboring properties
and uses weighs in favor of granting the variance. The analysis of lighting and glare on
the only neighboring residential properties that could possibly be affected demonstrates
that there is no effect on those properties. More importantly, those neighbors have been
apprised of the request for the variance and have no opposition to the applicant's request.
As a result, it is reasonable to conclude that the benefits from granting the variance
substantially outweigh any detriment, and therefore, the applicant respectfully asks the
Board to find that an exceptional practical difficulty exists and to grant its requested
variance.”
Page 64
V-18-10 PAM Rehabilitation Hospital Signage, Dover DE
Board of Adjustment Report
Page 11 of 14
Staff Response:
The calculations performed by the applicant according to the design guidelines in the
United States Sign Council Foundation’s Sign Legibility Rules of Thumb report
demonstrate that the requested wall sign needs to be at least 118.31 SF, if not slightly
larger, if its message is going to be safely and clearly read by motorists. Two questions
arise from this finding. The first is whether the building needs a wall sign visible by
motorists at all- whether the applicant faces a practical difficulty if they cannot have such
a sign. The second is whether the message itself needs to be long as it is- whether, since
the sign should not be shrunk by reducing letter height, it can be shrunk by reducing the
number of letters, and whether the applicant would face a practical difficulty by being
forced to do so. These questions roughly correspond to the applicant’s points “a” and “b”
above.
a. Does the building need a wall sign visible by motorists? Two points made by Staff in
the previous version of this Report were 1) that the proposed monument sign is likely
sufficient to tell oncoming motorists of the hospital’s location, based on the success of
nearby establishments with similar signage and 2) that 32 SF, while insufficient for
motorists, is a good size for pedestrian legibility- placed lower on the building, a 32 SF
sign would be useful for guiding people already in the parking lot to the right entrance.
These points remain true. However, it is admittedly unusual for a building to have no
motorist-oriented signage at all, especially on a road like McKee Road that has relatively
heavy traffic.
The Board members may find it useful to review Zoning Ordinance, Article 5 Section
4.1, which contains the purpose statement of the City’s sign code. To highlight, the
purpose statement says in part that “it is the intent of this section to authorize the use of
signs which are compatible with their surroundings, appropriate to the activity that
displays them, expressive of the identity of individual activities and the community as a
whole, and legible in the circumstances in which they are seen.” It further says that “signs
shall legibly convey their messages without being distracting or unsafe to motorists
reading them.”
While the purpose statement never explicitly says that signs must be visible to vehicles,
only designed so they are not distracting or unsafe if they are, the purpose statement’s
emphasis on context and compatibility suggests that in an environment like McKee Road,
motorist-oriented signage is appropriate. The applicants may face an exceptional practical
difficulty if they are unable to size their sign accordingly.
b. Does the sign message need to be long as it is? The text of the sign is “PAM
Rehabilitation Hospital of Dover,” sized 57 feet 10 inches by 28 inches. There is also a
logo, which is 38 inches by 48 inches. The applicant could theoretically meet code by just
having their logo on the building, or at least ask for a lesser variance by asking for fewer
words. In fact, they have already done this by removing the tagline “A Post Acute
Medical Hospital” from the sign. However, every word the applicants removes for the
sake of shrinking the sign reduces the effectiveness of their branding. For instance,
removing the words “of Dover” would, according to the applicant, reduce the hospital’s
Page 65
V-18-10 PAM Rehabilitation Hospital Signage, Dover DE
Board of Adjustment Report
Page 12 of 14
connection to the local community and make it harder to build trust with the members of
that community. The question thus becomes whether less effective branding is an
exceptional practical difficulty for the applicant.
The applicant has requested that the Board consider possible limitations to the
competitiveness of their business if the variance is not granted. While there are no similar
facilities in the immediate vicinity for the hospital to compete with, it is true that there are
other medical facilities in the City at large that could potentially offer overlapping
services. The Board members should also consider the purpose statement of the sign code
again, which by saying that signs should be “expressive of the identity of individual
activities” does support branding on principle.
On the other hand, the Board should consider that a public benefit of the City’s sign code
is that it is to a degree anti-competitive. This is suggested in the purpose statement when
it says the ordinance “is enacted to avoid the visual clutter that is potentially harmful to
[among other things, the] business environment and opportunities.” The sign code
provides (except in very specifically defined circumstances) a level playing field that
benefits businesses in any given area by giving them roughly equal space in which to
express their brand, while ensuring the overall urban environment does not have so much
signage the corresponding business environment is harmed. The anti-competitive
principle works against the applicant’s argument that they should have more signage to
complete their envisioned branding package, because ideally, the applicants would be
working to find a way to express their brand within the space available, on level footing
with their competitors.
Weighing the non-competitive principle against the degree to which the effectiveness of
the applicant’s branding is reduced by the size limitation (again, if they wanted to meet
code, they could fit their logo but not a single additional word), it does appear that the
applicant may have an exceptional practical difficulty. The applicant could fit all their
branding by shrinking the sign letters, but doing this would mean they cannot get the
letter height they need to make sure the sign can be safely seen by motorists.
Variance Recommendation
Staff tentatively recommends approval of the variance to permit a 118.31 SF wall sign exceeding
the maximum 32 SF size, for the following reasons:
1) It does not appear that any adverse effects would be imposed on neighbors by the sign.
2) Reading the intent of the sign code, it does appear that motorist-oriented signage would
be expected of this site. Further, while the monument sign may be enough motorist-
oriented signage on its own, it is common and expected for buildings to have both
freestanding and building-mounted signage visible for motorists.
3) The setback of the building is such that the applicant must retain the requested letter
height of 28 inches for the sign to be seen by motorists. The sign wouldn’t need letters as
large if the building met the typical 40 to 50-foot setback of the Corridor Overlay Zone,
but the building cannot be moved at this point.
4) While the City typically expects businesses to express their branding within the area
limits of the sign code, Staff acknowledges that given the constraints in points 2 and 3
Page 66
V-18-10 PAM Rehabilitation Hospital Signage, Dover DE
Board of Adjustment Report
Page 13 of 14
above, 32 SF (or even 64 SF if they chose to use two signs) is very little space with which
to express the applicant’s branding under their building’s specific circumstances.
Advisory Comments to the Applicant
• If granted, variances become null and void if work has not commenced within one (1)
year of the date the variance was granted. At present there is no provision for extension.
• If a variance is granted, a new Sign Permit application will be required for the sign. The
previous Sign Permit application submitted was approved for the monument sign only.
Page 67
V-18-07 PAM Dover Signage, 1240 McKee Road
Board of Adjustment Report
APPENDIX/ATTACHMENTS
GUIDE TO ATTACHMENTS
Exhibit Description/Author # Pages
APPLICANT-PROVIDED EXHIBITS
A Zoning Exhibit Map 1
B Applicant’s Response to Criteria 4
C Variance Application Renderings 4
D Optimal Letter Height Calculation 2
E United States Sign Council: Sign Legibility Rules of Thumb Report 19
F Materials Presented to Neighbors and Signature Sheets 5
STAFF-PROVIDED EXHIBITS
G Approved Monument Sign from Permit #18-1103 dated 7/9/2018 1
H Hospital Site Plan 1 (11”x17”)
I Variance Application Renderings for application #V-18-07 5
J Sign Table from Zoning Ordinance Article 5 Section 4.7 1
Page 105
24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36
24x36 F:\AutoCAD\Projects\2016\2016242\DWG\2016242-SITE-C3D15.dwg, Jan 31, 2018 - 10:59am 24x36
24x36 24x36
24x36 24x36
24x36 24x36
24x36 24x36
24x36
Dover, DE 24x36
309 S. Governors Ave.
Dover, DE 19904
Ph. 302.734.7950
24x36
Fax 302.734.7965 24x36
Salisbury, MD
24x36
312 West Main St. Suite 300 24x36
Salisbury, MD 21801
Ph. 410.546.9100
Fax 410.546.5824
24x36 24x36
Wilmington, NC
3205 Randall Parkway, Suite 211
24x36
Wilmington, North Carolina 28403 24x36
Ph. 910.341.7600
Fax 910.341.7506
24x36
www.beckermorgan.com 24x36
24x36
Exhibit H 24x36
24x36 24x36
24x36 24x36
24x36 24x36
24x36 24x36
24x36 24x36
NA
D8
3
24x36
DS 24x36
P
GR
ID
24x36 24x36
24x36 24x36
24x36 24x36
24x36 24x36
PROJECT TITLE
24x36
MEDCORE 24x36
PARTNERS
24x36 24x36
PHYSICAL
24x36
REHABILITATION 24x36
HOSPITAL
24x36 24x36
MCKEE ROAD
24x36
CITY OF DOVER 24x36
KENT COUNTY, DELAWARE
SHEET TITLE
24x36 24x36
24x36
SITE & STRIPING
PLAN
24x36
24x36 24x36
24x36
0 15 30 60 24x36
24x36
SCALE : 1" = 30' 24x36
24x36
ISSUE BLOCK 24x36
13. 1/26/18 REVISED PER OFFICE OF DRINKING
WATER COMMENTS
12. 1/15/18 REVISED PER DNREC COMMENTS
24x36
GENERAL CONSTRUCTION NOTES C-PR-SITE-C-NOTES.DWG
REVISED PER CITY OF DOVER
24x36
11. 1/9/18
G-1 INSTALL P.C.C. CURB (TYPE 1-6) (TYP.). SEE DETAIL, SHEET C-901. PUBLIC WORKS COMMENTS
G-2 INSTALL 6' WIDE, 5" THICK PERVIOUS CONCRETE SIDEWALK AS SHOWN HEREON. SEE PERVIOUS CONCRETE DETAIL, 10. 1/2/18 REVISED PER CITY OF DOVER
PUBLIC WORKS COMMENTS
24x36
SHEET C-901. 24x36
G-3 INSTALL HANDICAPPED CURB RAMP WITH DETECTABLE WARNING TRUNCATED DOMES (12:1 MAXIMUM SLOPE), DEPRESS 9. 12/18/17 REVISED PER CITY OF DOVER
PUBLIC WORKS COMMENTS
CURB AT RAMP. SEE DETAILS, SHEET C-901.
8. 12/4/17 REVISED PER CITY OF DOVER
PLANNING COMMENTS
G-4 INSTALL FLUSH (DEPRESSED) P.C.C. CURB - TYPE 1-6 AND 4" THICK, 5' WIDE FLUSH (DEPRESSED) CONCRETE SIDEWALK.
SEE THIS SHEET FOR LIMITS OF FLUSH CURB/SIDEWALK. 11/20/17 REVISED PER CITY OF DOVER
24x36 24x36
7. PUBLIC WORKS COMMENTS
G-5 CONTRACTOR SHALL TRANSITION FROM INTEGRAL P.C.C. CURB - TYPE 1-8 INTO P.C.C. CURB - TYPE 1 MOD 6".
G-6 INSTALL BITUMINOUS PAVEMENT AS SHOWN HEREON. MATCH EXISTING PAVEMENT GRADES AT EDGE. 6. 11/6/17 ISSUED FOR BIDDING
SEE HEAVY DUTY PAVEMENT SECTION DETAIL, SHEET C-901.
24x36
5. 10/11/17 REVISED PER DELDOT COMMENTS 24x36
G-7 KNOX BOX TO BE INSTALLED ADJACENT TO FRONT ENTRY DOOR. CONTACT LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT TO PURCHASE
AND FOR LOCATION & INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS. 4. 9/25/17 REVISED PER DELDOT & KENT
CONSERVATION DISTRICT COMMENTS
G-8 INSTALL NEW BICYCLE RACK TO PROVIDE FOR 7 BICYCLE PARKING SPACES. RACK TO BE BELSON MODEL H36-7-P-SF.
24x36 BLACK POWDER COAT FINISH. INSTALL ON 9' x 6' x 4" THICK CONCRETE PAD AND ANCHOR TO CONCRETE. 3. 9/12/17 REVISED PER CITY OF DOVER PUBLIC
WORKS & PLANNING COMMENTS 24x36
SEE BIKE RACK DETAIL, SHEET C-901.
2. 7/11/17 .REVISED PER DELDOT COMMENTS
STRIPING & SIGNAGE CONSTRUCTION NOTES C-PR-STRIPING-C-NOTES.DWG
G-9 INSTALL LOADING RAMP PAD AS SHOWN HEREON. SEE LOADING RAMP PAD DETAIL, SHEET C-901. .
T-1 PROPOSED PAINTED STRIPING - 4" WIDE SOLID WHITE LINE. G-10 INSTALL 12' x 12' MASONRY DUMPSTER ENCLOSURE. SOLID WASTE COLLECTION SHALL BE PERFORMED BY A PRIVATE 1. 6/5/17 REVISED
.
PER DELDOT COMMENTS
24x36
HAULER. SEE DETAIL, SHEET C-903. 24x36
T-2 PROPOSED PAINTED STRIPING - 4" WIDE SOLID HANDICAPPED BLUE MARK DATE DESCRIPTION
G-11 PROPOSED PARKING LOT LIGHT. LOCATIONS SHOWN ARE NOT BASED ON CALCULATIONS. OWNER AND CONTRACTOR TO LAYER STATE: C-201
T-3 DETERMINE LIGHTING TYPES AND EXACT LOCATIONS TO OBTAIN THE 1.5 FOOT CANDLES AT GRADE. FIXTURE LOCATIONS
SEE DETAIL, SHEET C-901. NOT TO CONFLICT WITH REQUIRED LANDSCAPE TREE PLANTINGS. PROJECT NO.: 2016242.00
24x36
T-4 PROPOSED PAINTED HANDICAPPED SYMBOL - HANDICAPPED BLUE (TYP.). SEE DETAIL, SHEET C-901 G-12 INSTALL 6" DIA. STEEL PIPE BOLLARD WITH HDPE PLASTIC BOLLARD COVER (TYP.). COLOR TO BE SAFETY YELLOW, FILL
24x36
T-5 INSTALL HANDICAPPED PARKING SIGN. (TYP.) (5 REQUIRED). SEE DETAIL, SHEET C-901. SOLID WITH CONCRETE (TYP.). SEE DETAIL, SHEET C-903.
DATE: 4/20/2017
T-6 INSTALL "FIRE LANE" SIGN. SEE DETAIL, SHEET C-901. G-13 PROPOSED CANOPY. SEE ARCHITECTURAL PLANS FOR DETAILS. SCALE: 1" = 30'
T-7 PROPOSED FIRE LANE PAINTED STRIPING - 4" WIDE SOLID YELLOW LINE. G-14 INSTALL PRIVACY FENCE. SEE LANDSCAPE PLANS FOR DETAIL, SHEET L-102.
DRAWN BY: J.M.P. PROJ. MGR.: G.V.M.
24x36 24x36
T-8 PROPOSED PAINTED "PIANO KEY" PEDESTRIAN CROSSWALK - 24" WIDE x 6' LONG SOLID WHITE LINES WITH 24" SPACING. G-15 INSTALL 4" THICK CONCRETE SIDEWALK, AS SHOWN HEREON. SEE SIDEWALK, EXPANSION JOINT AND CONSTRUCTION
SEE DETAIL, SHEET C-901. JOINT DETAILS, SHEET C-901. SHEET
T-9 INSTALL "FIRE DEPARTMENT CONNECTION" SIGN ON BUILDING. SEE DETAIL, SHEET C-901. G-16 INSTALL BITUMINOUS PAVEMENT AS SHOWN HEREON. SEE LIGHT DUTY PAVEMENT SECTION DETAIL, SHEET C-901.
24x36
T-10
T-11
INSTALL "STOP" SIGN. SEE DETAIL, SHEET C-901.
PROPOSED PAINTED STRIPING - 16" WIDE SOLID WHITE STOP BAR.
G-17
G-18
PROPOSED 8' x 8' PAD MOUNT UTILITY TRANSFORMER. REFER TO STRUCTURAL PLAN SET FOR PAD DETAILS.
PROPOSED 14' LONG x 7' WIDE PAD MOUNT EMERGENCY GENERATOR. REFER TO STRUCTURAL PLAN SET FOR PAD DETAILS.
C-201
COPYRIGHT 2017
24x36
F:\AutoCAD\Projects\2016\2016242\DWG\2016242-SITE-C3D15.dwg, Jan 31, 2018 - 10:59am
.PDF
24x36 24x36
2018-01-31
24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36
Page 111
Exhibit J
Zoning Ordinance , Article 5 §4.7
SIGN TABLE
Use Road Type Permitted Signs
Specific Sign Type Number Max. Size Max. % of Total Setback Exclusion
Permitted Height Wall Area (R.O.W.) Zone
Single-Family Detached
Residential Uses and
All Streets Signs permitted in § 4.5 only
Semi-Detached
Post or 1/entrance 12 S.F. 7 feet N/A 5 feet 20 feet
Nonresidential Uses in
Professional Office All Streets Monument
Wall 1/frontage 16 S.F. N/A < = 15% N/A N/A
Wall & 1/frontage 32 S.F. N/A < = 15% N/A N/A
Residential Districts
Subdivisions
Multi-Family Residential Uses All Streets
Mobile Home Parks
Monument or 2/entrance 32 S.F. 7 feet N/A 5 feet 20 feet
Post and Panel
Places of Worship Wall & 2/frontage 32 S.F. N/A < = 15% N/A N/A
Monument or 1/entrance 32 S.F. 7 feet N/A 10 feet 20 feet
Daycare Centers Post and Panel
Urban Principal OR
Nonresidential Uses Adjacent to
Arterial
Approved Conditional Uses Post** & 1/frontage 16 S.F. 7 feet N/A 5 feet 5 feet
Educational/ Institutional Pylon* 1/frontage 32 S.F. 30 feet N/A 30 feet 50 feet
Wall & 2/frontage 32 S.F. N/A < = 15% N/A N/A
Monument or 1/entrance 32 S.F. 7 feet N/A 5 feet 20 feet
Urban Minor
Post and Panel
All Other Approved Arterial
OR
Residential Districts or Uses
Nonresidential Uses Post** 1/frontage 16 S.F. 7 feet N/A 5 feet 10 feet
Wall & 2/frontage 32 S.F. N/A < = 15% N/A N/A
Urban Local/ Monument or 1/entrance 32 S.F. 7 feet N/A 5 feet 20 feet
Collector Post and Panel
OR
Post** 1/frontage 16 S.F. 7 feet N/A 5 feet 10 feet
Wall & 2/frontage No max N/A < = 15% N/A N/A
Monument or 1/entrance 100 S.F. 10 feet N/A 10 feet 20 feet
Urban Principal Post and Panel
Arterial &
Pylon OR * 1/frontage 100 S.F. 30 feet N/A 15 feet 50 feet
Nonresidential Uses in
Pylon* 1/frontage 150 S.F. 30 feet N/A 31 feet 50 feet
Wall & 2/frontage 64 S.F. N/A < =15% N/A N/A
Monument or 1/entrance 64 S.F. 7 feet N/A 5 feet 20 feet
Urban Minor
Nonresidential Uses Post and Panel
Arterial
OR
Nonresidential Districts
Post** 1/frontage 16 S.F. 7 feet N/A 5 feet 10 feet
Wall & 2/frontage 32 S.F. N/A < = 15% N/A N/A
Urban Local/ Monument or 1/entrance 32 S.F. 7 feet N/A 5 feet 20 feet
Collector Post and Panel
OR
Post** 1/frontage 16 S.F. 7 feet N/A 5 feet 10 feet
* Denotes that an additional wall sign may be permitted/added in lieu of a freestanding pylon sign.
** Post sign would be in lieu of a monument sign or post and panel sign.
Page 112
City of Dover
Board of Adjustment
December 19, 2018
V-18-11
Location: 127, 129, 133, and 135 Roosevelt Avenue
Applicant: Miller Investments, LLC
Owner: David Miller
Tax Parcels: ED-05-077.18-02-71.00-000, ED-05-077.18-02-72.00-
000, and ED-05-077.18-02-73.00-000
Application Date: October 12, 2018
Present Zoning: RG-2 (General Residence Zone)
Present Use: Two (2) one-family dwellings and two (2) multi-family
apartment buildings, total 10 dwelling units across all
four buildings
Proposed Use: One multi-family apartment building with 21 dwelling
units
Reviewed By: Eddie Diaz
Variance Type: Area Variance
Variances Requested: 1) To exceed the RG-2 zone’s maximum lot coverage of
60% and allow lot coverage of 75.7%
2) To allow accessory buildings to take up 56.1% of the
side and rear yards, exceeding the typical limit of 30%
3) To allow parking within 15 feet of a wall belonging to
a multi-family dwelling
Page 113
V-18-11 Lands of Miller Investments LLC at 127, 129, 133, and 135 Roosevelt Avenue
Board of Adjustment Report
Page 2 of 12
Previous Applications
On July 24, 2018, the applicant for this project submitted to the Planning Office an
application for rezoning of 127, 129, 133, and 135 Roosevelt Avenue (Application #Z-18-
01). The rezoning application proposed changing the zoning of these properties from the
then-designation of R-8 (One-Family Residence Zone) to a new designation of RG-2
(General Residence Zone). The Planning Commission held a Public Hearing for the rezoning
application on September 17, 2018 and recommended the rezoning to City Council for
approval. City Council held a Public Hearing and Final Reading of the application on
October 8, 2018 and approved the rezoning as ordinance #2018-08.
Project Description
The three (3) parcels addressed as 127, 129, 133, and 135 Roosevelt Avenue currently
contain a mix of one-family and multi-family residences, all operated as rental units. The
applicant proposes to increase the number of dwelling units on site from ten (10) units to
21 units by demolishing the four (4) existing structures, consolidating the three parcels
into one, and building one new three-story apartment building.
The new apartment building would be accompanied by 48 on-site parking spaces to meet
the minimum parking requirements of the Zoning Ordinance. Six (6) accessory buildings
are also proposed, which are intended to turn 38 of the parking spaces into covered
parking. The remaining ten (10) parking spaces would be located in an alcove on the first
floor of the apartment building, thus ensuring they are also covered, by the second floor.
A site plan showing the applicant’s proposed project is in Exhibit C.
In order to build the apartment building, required parking, and accessory buildings in the
format proposed by the applicant, the project would need three variances as follows:
1) Lot coverage: The project is in the RG-2 (General Residence) Zone, which for multi-
family dwellings sets a maximum lot coverage of 60%. The project as proposed
would have a lot coverage of 75.7%.
2) Accessory structures: The Zoning Ordinance sets a maximum area for accessory
structures in all residential zones, equal to 30% of the area given to the property’s
required rear and side yards. In this case, the covered parking would total 56.1% of
the required rear and side yards of the consolidated lot.
3) Parking near a wall: The Zoning Ordinance restricts parking near the walls of multi-
family dwellings. Specifically, cars cannot be parked within 15 feet of any wall
belonging to such a dwelling. This rule would ordinarily prevent putting parking in
an alcove of the first floor of the building in the way the applicant proposes.
Should these variances be granted, the project will be able to proceed toward the Planning
Commission’s Site Development Plan review process, subject to further refinement of the
design. The design shown in the site plan provided should be considered preliminary. The
project will need to be reviewed and approved by the Planning Commission before it can
Page 114
V-18-11 Lands of Miller Investments LLC at 127, 129, 133, and 135 Roosevelt Avenue
Board of Adjustment Report
Page 3 of 12
apply for a Building Permit and be constructed, and it will also need a Parcel Consolidation
Plan to combine the three lots into one parcel.
Adjacent Land Uses
A Zoning Map showing the zoning of the three parcels and the neighboring properties can
be found in Exhibit A. The property is located on the north side of Roosevelt Avenue, east of
South DuPont Highway. This section of Roosevelt Avenue exits only onto South DuPont
Highway and does not have any other road connections.
The project’s neighbors along Roosevelt Avenue include seven (7) one-family dwellings on
individual lots, zoned R-8 (One-Family Residence Zone). In addition, immediately to the
west of the property is a building zoned C-1 (Neighborhood Commercial Zone) which
appears to be a combined residential and commercial building. Immediately to the east of
the property is the Riverside Mobile Home Park, split-zoned between R-8 and the MH
(Manufactured Housing) Zone. The R-8 section contains eight (8) homes while the MH
section contains an estimated 32 additional homes. At the east end of Roosevelt Avenue is
the entrance to the Riverchase Apartments, which consists of 80 apartment units split
between six (6) multi-family apartment buildings. The Riverchase Apartments like the
subject property are zoned RG-2.
Several nonresidential uses are among the project’s neighbors on Roosevelt Avenue as
well. Across the street from the project is the Kent County Theater Guild, zoned R-8. West
of the project site on the north side of Roosevelt Avenue is a grass lot belonging to a martial
arts studio, whose main building is on South DuPont Highway. West of the grass lot is a car
wash at the corner of Roosevelt Avenue and South DuPont Highway. A multi-tenant
building containing a liquor store and salon completes the block of South DuPont Highway
between Roosevelt Avenue and Evergreen Drive, the next street to the north. These three
properties are zoned C-4 (Highway Commercial Zone). On the south side of Roosevelt
Avenue are a daycare center, zoned R-8, and an auto dealership at the corner with South
DuPont Highway, zoned C-4.
Finally, the project does have some neighbors which are not on Roosevelt Avenue. These
are the one-family residences located in the Morris Estates II subdivision immediately
adjacent to the north, zoned R-8. These residences front on Evergreen Drive and Evergreen
Circle, and three of them also back onto the project site.
Code Citations
RG-2 (General Residence Zone) and Lot & Bulk Standards
Zoning Ordinance Article 3 §2 outlines the permitted uses in the RG-2 Zone. These
permitted uses include what are called “garden apartments;” Garden Apartments are
defined in Article 12 of the Zoning Ordinance as follows:
Garden apartments: Multiple dwellings designed to provide maximum accessibility of
the dwelling units to the private open space. The dwelling units share a common lot
area which is the sum of the required lot areas of all dwelling units within the building.
Page 115
V-18-11 Lands of Miller Investments LLC at 127, 129, 133, and 135 Roosevelt Avenue
Board of Adjustment Report
Page 4 of 12
“Multiple dwellings” and “multi-family dwelling” are further defined as follows:
Dwelling, multi-family: (See "dwelling, multiple"—A building, or portion thereof,
containing more than two dwelling units).
Dwelling, multiple: A building, or portion thereof, containing more than two dwelling
units.
The applicant’s project is considered a Garden Apartment because the common lot area is
the sum of the required lot areas of all dwelling units within the building; see the “Lot
area/Dwelling Unit” line in Table 1 below.
Zoning Ordinance Article 4 §4.3 gives the bulk standards for buildings in the RG-2 Zone.
These include separate standards for “one-family detached dwellings,” “one-family multiple
semi-detached and other two-family dwellings,” and “multiple dwellings,” the last category
of which garden apartments fall under. The standards for multiple dwellings, compared
with the project proposal, are listed below:
Table 1: Zoning Requirements and Requested Bulk Standards
V-18-11 Lands of Miller Investments LLC at 127, 129, 133, and 135
Roosevelt Ave
RG-2 (General Residence
Applicant's project
Zone)
Minimum required for
Standard: Proposed:
multiple dwellings:
Lot area/Dwelling Unit (sq. ft.) 1,700 1,718
Lot width (ft.) 100 235
Lot depth (ft.) 125 153
Front yard (ft.) 30 30
Side yard (ft.) 25 58.5
Total both side yards (ft.) 50 117
Rear yard (ft.) 30 47.75
Off-street parking spaces 2/Dwelling Unit* 2.25/Dwelling Unit
Maximum Permitted for
Standard: Proposed:
multiple dwellings:
Building height
Stories 3 3
Feet 40 <40
Floor area ratio none prescribed 0.85
Lot Coverage 60% 75.7%
Number of dwelling units in group of
attached dwellings or in multiple none prescribed 21
dwellings
Page 116
V-18-11 Lands of Miller Investments LLC at 127, 129, 133, and 135 Roosevelt Avenue
Board of Adjustment Report
Page 5 of 12
*Superseded by Zoning Ordinance Article 6 §3, which prescribes 2.25
spaces/Dwelling Unit for all apartment uses
Based on the bulk standards for multiple dwellings in the RG-2 Zone, the first variance
requested is for 75.7% lot coverage, exceeding the maximum 60%.
Accessory Buildings
Zoning Ordinance Article 5 §1.1 describes regulations for accessory buildings in residential
zones. Article 5 §1.1 reads in part as follows:
1.1 Accessory buildings. An accessory building may be located in any required side or
rear yard provided:
1.11 Such buildings shall not exceed 15 feet in height.
1.12 Such buildings shall be set back five feet from any lot line and shall not be
located less than ten feet from an adjoining principal structure.
1.13 All such buildings in the aggregate shall not occupy more than 30 percent
of the area of the required rear and side yard.
Note that the term “required rear and side yard” refers to the area between the property
line and the setback line in these yards, as opposed to the area between the property line
and the principal building. For instance, for this project the “required” rear yard is 30 feet
deep by code, but the actual rear yard is 47.75 feet.
According to Planning Staff measurements, the six (6) accessory buildings proposed by the
applicant have a combined total area of about 6,156 SF. The total area of the required rear
and side yards for the property comes to about 11,700 SF. This indicates that the accessory
buildings will take up about 52.6% of the required rear and side yards. This number is
close to the 56.1% requested by the applicant, which is likely the result of more accurate
measurements. Because more than 30% is proposed, this is the second variance requested.
Staff estimates that without the variance about 3,510 SF worth of accessory buildings could
be constructed, enough to cover about 21 parking spaces (as opposed to the proposed 38).
Parking Near the Wall of a Multi-Family Dwelling
Zoning Ordinance Article 6 §5.3 provides the following regulations:
5.3 Supplementary parking regulations for multiple dwellings. No parking space shall
be located in any front yard or within three feet of any lot line in side or rear yards. The
parking of motor vehicles within 15 feet of any wall or portion thereof, is prohibited.
Except for electric vehicle charging stations, no automobile service shall be permitted
to be extended to users of the lot, including sales, repair or fueling, and no gasoline, oil,
grease, or related supplies shall be stored or sold in any such lot or in any garage on
such lot.
The general purpose of these regulations is to reduce the impact of vehicles on site to the
people living in the dwelling units. They do not prohibit parking vehicles under the second
floor of the building. However, the site plan currently shows that the north wall of the first
Page 117
V-18-11 Lands of Miller Investments LLC at 127, 129, 133, and 135 Roosevelt Avenue
Board of Adjustment Report
Page 6 of 12
floor of the building would be right up against a 10-space parking area. In order to meet the
zoning code, this wall would have to be moved 15 feet to the south, away from the parking
spaces. The applicant does not want to do this, thus forming the basis of the third variance
request.
As previously stated, all three variances would be required for the applicant to build their
new apartment building the way their preliminary plan describes. If any of the variances
are not granted, substantial changes to the basic site layout will be required before the
project can be reviewed by the City’s Planning Commission. It should be also noted that if
the second and third variances are granted, the project will not be exempt from any
Building Code or Fire Code provisions related to the building construction and parking
design proposed. These codes may also require changes to the design and should be
addressed early in the design process.
Exceptional Practical Difficulties Tests
Zoning Ordinance Article 9 §2 dictates the specific powers and duties of the Board of
Adjustment with regard to granting variances. Specifically, the Board must determine:
2.1 Variance – The board shall have the authority to authorize variances from provisions of the Zoning
Ordinance that are not contrary to public interest where the board determines that a literal interpretation
of the Zoning Ordinance would result in undue hardship or exceptional practical difficulties to the
applicant. In granting variances, the board shall determine that the spirit of the Zoning Ordinance is
observed and substantial justice is done.
2.11 Area Variance. A variance shall be considered an area variance if it relates to bulk standards,
signage regulations, and other provisions of the Zoning Ordinance that address lot layout, buffers, and
dimensions. In considering a request for an area variance, the board shall evaluate the following criteria
and document them in their findings of fact:
(a) the nature of the zone in which the property lies;
(b) the character of the immediate vicinity and the contained uses therein;
(c) whether, if the restriction upon the applicant’s property were removed, such removal would
seriously affect neighboring properties and uses; and
(d) whether, if the restriction is not removed, the restriction would create unnecessary hardship or
exceptional practical difficulty for the owner in his efforts to make normal improvements in the
character of that use of the property that is a permitted use under the provisions of the Zoning
Ordinance.
Review of Application
As a part of the application, the applicant was asked to state how the requested variance
relates to the above four criteria. The applicant’s responses are provided below, along with
a staff assessment of the application in accordance with the required criteria.
1. The nature of the zone in which the property lies.
Applicant Response:
“The three parcels with four buildings under consideration for variance by the
Board of Adjustments were recently unanimously approved for rezoning to RG2 by
Page 118
V-18-11 Lands of Miller Investments LLC at 127, 129, 133, and 135 Roosevelt Avenue
Board of Adjustment Report
Page 7 of 12
the Dover Planning Commission and Dover City Council. RG2 permits Multi-family
apartment housing. Two of the buildings had previously been converted to
apartment buildings.”
Staff Response:
The RG-2 Zone in the City of Dover permits certain agricultural uses; one family
detached dwellings on 6,000 square foot lots; public buildings; and garden
apartments, as well as a variety of conditional uses. Other types of multiple
dwellings other than garden apartments are permitted conditionally in RG-2. The
RG-2 Zone is more appropriate for the two multi-family dwellings currently on site
than the previous R-8 Zoning. The RG-2 zoning also makes possible the applicant’s
proposed project.
2. The character of the immediate vicinity and the contained uses therein.
Applicant Response:
“The property lies in an area with an "eclectic" mix of uses. Multi-family housing is
across the street to the east at the end of Roosevelt Avenue, west of the property is
C-1 and C-4 zoning including a car wash and multi-tenant building, to the east is a
manufactured housing community and to the south of Roosevelt Avenue is
additional C-4 with Automobile dealerships. The area contains quite a mix of uses
with an apparent shift from historic single family residences toward multi-family
and commercial. The proposed redevelopment will follow this trend in making use
of the two dilapidated residences as well as two other dilapidated buildings
previously converted to Multi-family apartment buildings.”
Staff Response:
Staff generally concurs with the applicant’s description of the surrounding area. The
referenced multi-tenant building may be the building zoned C-1 or the salon and
liquor store building. There is only one automobile dealership in the immediate
area, though its size and the variety of cars it sells makes it appear to be multiple
dealerships. The applicant’s description of a shift from single-family uses toward
multi-family and commercial uses in the area appears to be true. The applicant’s
description of the existing structures on site as “dilapidated” is more debatable.
3. Whether, if the restriction upon the applicant’s property were removed, such
removal would seriously affect neighboring properties and uses.
Applicant Response:
“The applicant seeks to redevelop the properties as a single garden style apartment.
The proposed structure contains 21 units. The parking required by the City is 2 ¼
spaces per unit, which parking drives the variance requests. The request for a
variance in the lot coverage allows for adequate parking for the 21 units. The
request for a variance in the percent of accessory buildings is for the purpose of
permitting an upgraded amenity of covered parking. The final variance permits
parking under a portion of the structure. None of the requested variances, if
Page 119
V-18-11 Lands of Miller Investments LLC at 127, 129, 133, and 135 Roosevelt Avenue
Board of Adjustment Report
Page 8 of 12
granted, would have any negative impact on surrounding properties and in fact,
allows for construction of a higher quality project with amenities. It should be noted
that parking under a structure is not unusual in the City, as examples can be found
at the Schwartz Center for the Arts, Wesley College dorms as well as the office
building housing the Attorney General and at the Courthouse.
Permitting the redevelopment of this dilapidated section of Roosevelt Avenue would
in fact, represent a benefit to the neighboring properties.”
Staff Response:
The applicant states in the above response that there will be no negative impacts on
surrounding properties but offers little to support this besides the idea that the
project will be high-quality and have amenities. These are aspects which affect the
tenants more than they do the neighbors. Staff does believe there are some elements
of the site proposal which may negatively affect the neighbors if variances are
granted to permit them.
One potential impact is related to the density of the project. The Planning
Commission approved a zoning district that allows new multi-family uses on this
site, so some increase in density is to be expected. However, the applicant’s
proposed project would achieve a density of 25.6 units per acre. For comparison, the
other RG-2 zoned property on the street has a density of only 10.8 units per acre;
the manufactured home park has a density of 8.3 units per acre; and the ten units
currently on the project site have a density of 12.2 units per acre. The density and
design proposed do not allow the site to have the proportion of open space enjoyed
by the other properties on the street. The construction of the new apartment
building is therefore likely to change the street’s character, a prospect that
neighboring property owners may take issue with. As the applicant states, the
parking required for the requested number of units drives the first variance.
Reducing the density of the project would reduce the amount of required parking, in
turn causing a reduction in impervious surface on site so that a lesser variance or no
variance is needed.
Another potential impact may come from the proximity and number of accessory
buildings. While the covered parking does meet the minimum 5-foot setback for
accessory buildings, these structures are very large compared to the typical
accessory sheds and garages seen in residential zones. The immediate neighbors
will see these structures run parallel along most of their adjoining property lines.
The bulk of these structures could be hidden in various ways, such as through
fencing and landscaping, but it is not clear at this time that such things are proposed.
The effect could also be reduced by simply having fewer accessory buildings, thus
reducing the area they take in the rear and side yards so that the second variance is
not needed.
Planning Staff does not see likely negative impacts to neighbors from parking
against the wall of the apartment building underneath the second floor. In such a
Page 120
V-18-11 Lands of Miller Investments LLC at 127, 129, 133, and 135 Roosevelt Avenue
Board of Adjustment Report
Page 9 of 12
location, the parking spaces are well set back from neighboring properties and are
not visible from most angles. There may have been some negative impacts if the
parking spaces were both next to a wall and out in the open, which is the scenario
envisioned by the ordinance. However, such a parking configuration is not proposed
for this project.
4. Whether, if the restriction is not removed, the restriction would create unnecessary
hardship or exceptional practical difficulty for the owner in his efforts to make
normal improvements in the character of that use of the property that is a permitted
use under the provisions of the Zoning Ordinance.
Applicant Response:
“The proposed redevelopment of those run down properties represent a significant
improvement to an area of the City that badly needs such redevelopment.
The most significant requested variance, lot coverage ratio, permits the construction
of a building containing 21 units. Without this variance the project would be limited
to 11 units (or a request to eliminate much of the parking, which would have a
negative impact on the surrounding properties). Absent a granting of this variance,
the project is not economically viable and will be abandoned. The variance request
more for accessory structure area is driven by the City's interpretation that covered
parking is considered the same as a garage or storage shed and thus the limitations.
The granting of this variance permits an attractive amenity to the project allowing it
to be more marketable with higher probability of being commercially competitive
and successful.
In, Kwik-Check Realty v. New Castle, several instructive points were made by the
Court. The Court noted when considering an "area" variance cases (such as
applicable here), the proper test in Delaware is the less burdensome one of the
exceptional practical difficulty (as opposed to the higher standard of unnecessary
hardship). The Court allowed that exceptional practical difficulty may be met, under
appropriate weighing of the other impacts, in a desire to upgrade a business, remain
competitive and increase responses herein to profits. The balanced approach
adopted by the Court is reflected in question 3 and this question 4 which poses a
balance between any negative impact on neighboring properties against either the
benefit and potential negative impact of granting or not granting the variances.
It is respectfully submitted that the redevelopment of these properties, which
granting of these variances permits, result in both a higher likelihood of a successful
project as well as a significant improvement (rather than detriment) to the
neighboring properties and the surrounding area.”
Staff Response:
Staff concurs that the inability to improve a property, or stay competitive as a result
of area limitations, may be a legitimate exceptional practical difficulty that would
justify granting a variance. The applicant claims a difficulty that is economic in
Page 121
V-18-11 Lands of Miller Investments LLC at 127, 129, 133, and 135 Roosevelt Avenue
Board of Adjustment Report
Page 10 of 12
nature, saying that the project would not be viable if they had to reduce the number
of units to eleven (11). However, it is not clear how they arrived at this number
being the total they could build with no variances. This is only one unit more than
what already exists on the site.
It is important to note that while a variance may be granted to ensure the applicant
can realize a return on investment and thus build the project, the purpose of the
variance should not be to maximize the applicant’s return on investment by
permitting a use greatly more intensive than what’s allowed under the Zoning
Ordinance’s design requirements. In this case the balancing test cited by the
applicant must be used. The intensive use proposed for the property may pose a
negative impact on neighboring properties which outweighs the negative impact
imposed on the property owner if the variances are not granted. Absent more
explanation from the applicant as to why there will be no negative impacts, or why
they believe their building capabilities to be so limited, one must look to the
potential issues caused by the project’s density and the size of its accessory
buildings.
Variance Recommendations
Staff recommends denial of the first variance for lot coverage, for reasons as follows:
• This variance request is driven by parking, which in turn is driven by the proposed
density (unit count) of the development. While the RG-2 Zone does not specify a
maximum density, the project density may still be considered greatly more
intensive than that allowed by zoning based on how much it causes the project to
exceed maximum lot coverage. A greatly intensive use is more likely to negatively
impact surrounding properties.
• It is not clear why the applicant believes only (11) units can be built on the property
if no variances are granted. It is not known how many units the applicant needs for
the project to be viable.
• Because the number of units needed to make the project viable is not known, it is
not clear the project passes the balancing test of the exceptional practical difficulty
standard; i.e. it is not clear the potential harm to the applicant outweighs the
potential harm to neighboring property owners.
Staff recommends denial of the second variance for accessory building coverage, for
reasons as follows:
• The size of the accessory structures combined with their proximity to the property
lines of the site is likely to cause negative impacts on the immediate neighbors,
absent mitigating features such as fences or landscape screening. It is not clear from
the applicant’s designs whether such features are proposed.
• While covered parking as an amenity could make the project more attractive to
potential tenants, it is not clear that the project’s economic viability depends on it. If
the first variance was granted and this second one was not, the applicant could still
Page 122
V-18-11 Lands of Miller Investments LLC at 127, 129, 133, and 135 Roosevelt Avenue
Board of Adjustment Report
Page 11 of 12
build some covered parking up to the 30% limit, which the applicant could then
distribute among the tenants as they see fit.
Staff recommends approval of the third variance for allowing parking within 15 feet of a
wall. Staff further recommends this variance be limited to any parking located underneath
or partially underneath the building. The recommendation is given for the following
reasons:
• No negative effects on neighboring properties would be expected from granting this
variance.
• If this variance is not granted, the parking under the building will have to be
relocated or removed. This would mean either increasing the magnitude of the other
two requested variances or reducing the number of dwelling units without the
benefit of an accompanying impervious surface reduction.
• Limiting the variance to parking spaces under the building will give the applicant
the flexibility they need to design this parking area as they see fit (subject to
Building and Fire Code requirements), while keeping parking away from the
exterior walls of dwelling units as is the purpose of the ordinance.
Advisory Comments to the Applicant
• If granted, variances become null and void if work has not commenced within one
(1) year of the date the variance was granted. At present there is no provision for
extension.
• Improvements to the property are subject to Site Development Plan approval
processes and appropriate permits from the City of Dover Department of Planning &
Inspections and other agencies.
• Granting of a variance does not waive the applicant’s requirement to adhere to all
City Building and Fire codes when designing and constructing the project.
• The site plan depicts balconies which project from the main body of the building.
The applicant previously stated that these would be redesigned so they are recessed
into the building. Absent this redesign, a fourth variance for the building’s front yard
setback would be needed. Fire Code requirements for the site may also be impacted
by these balconies.
Page 123
V-17-09 Lands of Margaret Johnson at 1310/1324 Forrest Avenue
Board of Adjustment Report
APPENDIX/ATTACHMENTS
GUIDE TO ATTACHMENTS
Exhibit Description/Author # Pages
A Zoning Exhibit Map (Staff) 1
B Applicant responses to variance criteria 3
C Site Plan (Applicant) 1 (24” x 32”)
Page 124
City of Dover Exhibit A
Application No.: V-18-11
Department of Planning & Inspections
R- R-8
8
C-4 C-4
R-8
Eve
rgre
en Ev
Dr
er
gr
ee
y
Hw
n
Ci
Du
po r
nt
MH
C-4
C-1
Site
RG-2
R-8
Roosevelt Ave
River Chase Dr
R-8
C-4
RG-2
Title: Lands of David Miller Investments LLC
Address: 127, 129, 133, & 135 Roosevelt Ave
Parcel ID: ED-05-077.18-02-71.00-000, ED-05-077.18-02-72.00-000, Legend
and ED-05-077.18-02-73.00-000
Zoning: RG-2 (General Residence Zone) Subject Property
Owner: David Miller Investments LLC Dover Parcels
Date: 12/5/2018
Zoning
2012 Buildings
Kent County Parcels
« 0 100 200 400 Feet Dover Boundary
Page 125
Exhibit B
THE MALMBERG FIRM LLC 30 The Green
Attorney at Law Dover, DE 19901
Tel: (302) 672-5600
Constantine F. Malmberg, III Fax: (302) 672-5609
cmal111berg@themalmbergfirm.com
November 29, 2018
Mrs. Dawn Melson-Williams, AICP
Principal Planner
City of Dover, Delaware
RE: Roosevelt Avenue Apartments
Dear Mrs. Melson-Williams:
Below, we are addressing the BOA AREA Variance requirements criteria:
1. The nature of the zone in which the property lies:
The three parcels with four buildings under consideration for variance by the
Board of Adjustments were recently unanimously approved for rezoning to
RG2 by the Dover Planning Commission and Dover City Council. RG2 permits
Multi-family apartment housing. Two of the buildings had previously been
converted to apartment buildings.
2. The character of the immediate vicinity and the contained uses therein.
The property lies in an area with an "eclectic" mix of uses. Multi-family
housing is across the street to the east at the end of Roosevelt Avenue, west
of the property is C-1 and C-4 zoning including a car wash and multi-tenant
building, to the east is a manufactured housing community and to the south of
Roosevelt Avenue is additional C-4 with Automobile dealerships. The area
contains quite a mix of uses with an apparent shift from historic single family
residences toward multi-family and commercial. The proposed redevelopment
will follow this trend in making use of the two dilapidated residences as well as
two other dilapidated buildings previously converted to Multi-family
apartment buildings.
3. Whether, if the restriction upon the applicant's property were removed, such
removal would seriously affect neighboring properties and uses.
Page 126
The applicant seeks to redevelop the properties as a single garden style
apartment. The proposed structure contains 21 units. The parking required by
the City is 2 ¼ spaces per unit, which parking drives the variance requests. The
request for a variance in the lot coverage allows for adequate parking for the
21 units. The request for a variance in the percent of accessory buildings is for
the purpose of permitting an upgraded amenity of covered parking. The final
variance permits parking under a portion of the structure. None of the
requested variances, if granted, would have any negative impact on
surrounding properties and in fact, allows for construction of a higher quality
project with amenities. It should be noted that parking under a structure is
not unusual in the City, as examples can be found at the Schwartz Center for
the Arts, Wesley College dorms as well as the office building housing the
Attorney General and at the Courthouse.
Permitting the redevelopment of this dilapidated section of Roosevelt
Avenue would in fact, represent a benefit to the neighboring properties.
4. Whether, if the restriction is not removed, the restriction would create
unnecessary hardships or exceptional practical difficulty for the owner in his
efforts to make normal improvements in the character of that use of the
property that is permitted uses under the provisions of the Zoning Ordinance.
The proposed redevelopment of those run down properties represent a
significant improvement to an area of the City that badly needs such
redevelopment.
The most significant requested variance, lot coverage ratio, permits the
construction of a building containing 21 units. Without this variance the
project would be limited to 11 units (or a request to eliminate much of the
parking, which would have a negative impact on the surrounding properties).
Absent a granting of this variance, the project is not economically viable and
will be abandoned. The variance request more for accessory structure area is
driven by the City's interpretation that covered parking is considered the same
as a garage or storage shed and thus the limitations. The granting of this
variance permits an attractive amenity to the project allowing it to be more
marketable with higher probability of being commercially competitive and
successful.
In, Kwik-Check Rea11y__y_,__New Castle, several instructive points were made by
the Court. The Court noted when considering an "area" variance cases (such
as applicable here), the proper test in Delaware is the less burdensome one of
the exceptional practical difficulty (as opposed to the higher standard of
Page 127
unnecessary hardship). The Court allowed that exceptional practical difficulty
may be met, under appropriate weighing of the other impacts, in a desire to
upgrade a business, remain competitive and increase responses herein to
profits. The balanced approach adopted by the Court is reflected in question 3
and this question 4 which poses a balance between any negative impact on
neighboring properties against either the benefit and potential negative
impact of granting or not granting the variances.
It is respectfully submitted that the redevelopment of these properties, which
granting of these variances permits, result in both a higher likelihood of a
successful project as well as a significant improvement (rather than detriment)
to the neighboring properties and the surrounding area.
Constantine F. Malmberg, Ill
Page 129
City of Dover
Board of Adjustment
December 19, 2018
V-18-12
Location: 1738 Forrest Avenue, Dover, DE
Applicant: Louise Warren on Behalf of Dover Christian Church
Owner: Dover Christian Church Inc.
Tax Parcel: ED-05-075.00-01-04.00-000
Application Date: November 15, 2018
Present Zoning: R-10 (One Family Residence Zone)
COZ-1 (Corridor Overlay Zone)
Present Use: Place of Public Assembly
Proposed Use: No Change
Reviewed By: Eddie Diaz, Planner I
Variance Type: Area Variance
Variance Requested: Variance to increase the maximum allowed sign area by 20 SF in
order to permit a 32 SF monument sign.
Page 130
V-18-12 Dover Christian Church signage at 1738 Forrest Avenue, Dover DE
Board of Adjustment Report
Page 2 of 8
Previous Applications
This property is the site of a Conditional Use Site Plan (C-13-11) for a then-9,600 SF church
originally approved by the Planning Commission on October 21, 2013. The project was granted a
one-year extension of approval by the Commission on August 17, 2015, before coming in to the
Commission again on March 21, 2016 for a series of extensive plan revisions, principally a
reduction in the building size to 3,850 SF. The plan attained Final Plan Approval on July 21,
2016, and a permit for construction was approved on September 16, 2016. Construction on the
church continued until June 20, 2018, when a Certificate of Occupancy was issued for the
building. The Sign Permit Application for the sign subject to this variance was submitted to the
Planning Office on September 10, 2018.
A Site Plan showing how the site was ultimately developed is included in Exhibit F. It shows the
church building, the parking lot, the site entrance, the sidewalks, the bioretention facility, and the
approximate location of the proposed sign.
Project Description
The property is located at 1738 Forrest Avenue and is occupied by Dover Christian Church, a
newly-established place of worship. Before the church was constructed the property was
occupied by a one-family detached residence, now demolished. The use of the property as a
place of worship is a Conditional Use within the R-10 (One Family Residence) Zone.
The sign the applicant proposes is a monument sign. It would be located on frontage of an Urban
Minor Arterial street and within a residential zoning district. A rendering of the proposed sign is
given in Exhibit D. The maximum size for such a sign, under the Zoning Ordinance Article 5
§4.7 is 12 SF, but the applicant would like to have a sign that is 32 SF in size.
Note that the 32 SF sign area applies only to the main sign panel and the 3 lines of 8-inch
changeable copy on the body of the sign. The cross and outline of an open book at the top of the
sign are architectural features not required to be included in the sign area. Also of note, the 3
lines of changeable copy meet the restrictions on changeable sign area given in Zoning
Ordinance Article 5 Section 4.4(E), representing less than 70% of the sign face. The sign is
currently depicted in Exhibit D as being 8 feet tall, but the applicant has agreed to reduce the
height of the sign, so it meets the 7-foot tall limit under the zoning. Based on the compliance of
these other factors of the sign design, the variance for 32 SF of sign area is the only variance
required for this sign.
Adjacent Zoning and Land Use
The subject property is zoned R-10, and it lies also within the COZ-1 (Corridor Overlay Zone).
This overlay zone includes regulations for building and site design that apply to new
development, but there are no provisions in it directly related to signage.
The property lies on the south side of Forrest Avenue, near to the City limits. The nearest cross-
street is Dover High Drive. Adjacent to the east of the property is the site of the Dover High
School, also zoned R-10. Adjacent to the west and south is property of the Leander Lakes
Page 131
V-18-12 Dover Christian Church signage at 1738 Forrest Avenue, Dover DE
Board of Adjustment Report
Page 3 of 8
Apartments, zoned RM-2 (Medium Density Residence Zone). West of the apartment property is
land belonging to another church known as Destiny Christian Church. This property is also
zoned R-10. Finally, across the street from Dover Christian Church are a handful of residential
and agricultural uses as well as a building contractor’s yard. These properties are located in Kent
County and are zoned AC (Agricultural Conservation) and IG (Industrial General) respectively.
A Zoning Map exhibit (Exhibit A) prepared by staff is attached to this report showing the subject
property location and surrounding zoning.
Code Citations
The City of Dover sign regulations found in Zoning Ordinance Article 5 §4 determine the
allowable number, type and dimensional characteristics of signage on a property according to:
● The type of use
● Proximity to residential uses
● Classification of roads on which the property has frontage
The subject property is considered a conditional, non-residential use located in a residential zone
as defined by Article 3 §1.14 of the Zoning Ordinance. R-10 is among the residential zones:
Residence zones: R-20, R-15, R-10, R-8, R-7, RM-1, RM-2, RG-1, RG-2, RG-3, RG-4,
RG-5, RGO, or MH zone.
The City of Dover sign regulations distinguish three (3) types of roads for purposes of
determining allowable signage. Forrest Avenue is an “Urban Minor Arterial” as defined by
Article 5 §4.3.
The entire Sign Table from Zoning Ordinance Article 3 §4.7 is presented in Exhibit B. The
section pertaining to this project is at the top of the table and colored with a light blue
background. This section is what applies to “Residential Uses and Nonresidential Uses in
Residential Districts” as shown in the vertical text on the left. It shows the maximum number,
sign area, height, and minimum required setbacks and exclusion zones for signs on “All Streets,”
which would include Urban Minor Arterials.
Referring to the listing of specific uses found in this section, one finds that the Code does not
specifically address here places of worship as a Conditional Use. Conditional Uses including
places of worship are instead addressed in the second section of the table colored in light purple,
“Nonresidential Uses Adjacent to Residential Districts or Uses.” Under this section a 32 SF
monument sign would be permitted; however, this section would only be applicable if the church
was in a nonresidential zone. Because the church is in a residential zone, it must use the 12 SF
limit given for the only nonresidential use specified in the light blue section of the table
(professional office).
Page 132
V-18-12 Dover Christian Church signage at 1738 Forrest Avenue, Dover DE
Board of Adjustment Report
Page 4 of 8
Exceptional Practical Difficulties Tests
Zoning Ordinance Article 9 §2 dictates the specific powers and duties of the Board of
Adjustment with regard to granting variances. Specifically, the Board must determine:
2.1 Variance – The board shall have the authority to authorize variances from provisions of the
Zoning Ordinance that are not contrary to public interest where the board determines that a literal
interpretation of the Zoning Ordinance would result in undue hardship or exceptional practical
difficulties to the applicant. In granting variances, the board shall determine that the spirit of the
Zoning Ordinance is observed and substantial justice is done.
2.11 Area Variance. A variance shall be considered an area variance if it relates to bulk
standards, signage regulations, and other provisions of the Zoning Ordinance that address lot
layout, buffers, and dimensions. In considering a request for an area variance, the board shall
evaluate the following criteria and document them in their findings of fact:
(a) the nature of the zone in which the property lies;
(b) the character of the immediate vicinity and the contained uses therein;
(c) whether, if the restriction upon the applicant’s property were removed, such removal
would seriously affect neighboring properties and uses; and
(d) whether, if the restriction is not removed, the restriction would create unnecessary
hardship or exceptional practical difficulty for the owner in his efforts to make normal
improvements in the character of that use of the property that is a permitted use under
the provisions of the Zoning Ordinance.
Review of Application
As part of the application, the applicant was asked to summarize how the requested variance
relates to the criteria. The applicant submitted new responses in conjunction with their request
for a Revised variance.
1. The nature of the zone in which the property lies.
Applicant Responses:
“The property; Dover Christian Church is zoned R10 which allows us to have a 12 square
foot sign. However, the code allows a 32 square foot sign in all other zoning districts that
are adjacent to residential.”
Staff Response:
As previously noted by Staff, places of worship are not expressly specified in the section
of the Sign Table in Exhibit B pertaining to this property, but Staff would generally
interpret the permitted maximum sign area to be 12 SF. The applicant correctly notes that
if their property were merely adjacent to residential instead of zoned residential, they
would be able to install the sign they want without a variance.
Page 133
V-18-12 Dover Christian Church signage at 1738 Forrest Avenue, Dover DE
Board of Adjustment Report
Page 5 of 8
Places of worship are permitted in residential districts through a Conditional Use review
process. Such uses are consistent with the nature of the R-10 zone, and it is common for
churches to be found in residential zones around the City.
2. The character of the immediate vicinity and the contained uses therein.
Applicant Responses:
“The 32 sq ft sign will not change the character of the surrounding area. The properties
near Dover Church Christian all have signs that are larger than 32 sq ft, such as Dover
High School, Destiny Church and a large pole sign across the road.”
Staff Response:
The limits on sign area imposed by code are parcel-specific according to road frontage,
type of use, and proximity to residential uses, so staff do not look at existing signs on
neighboring properties when determining what the limits are for signage. However, it is
worth noting here that the Dover Christian Church property is the only parcel in the
immediate area currently subject to a limitation of 12 SF. The parcels across the street in
Kent County are not subject to the City’s sign regulations, and indeed one property owner
has taken advantage of this to put up a billboard. The Leander Lakes Apartments, as a
multi-family residential use, are permitted a 32 SF monument sign. The Dover High
School is subject to a Unified Comprehensive Sign Plan (US-14-01) approved by the
Planning Commission, which allows them among other signs the 131 SF monument sign
at the corner of Forrest Avenue and Dover High Drive. Finally, Destiny Christian
Church, while also limited to 12 SF, currently enjoys a nonconforming 32 SF sign put up
before its property was annexed into the City. This other church would be limited to a 12
SF sign if they wanted to replace their current sign.
Photos of some of the surrounding signs taken by the applicant are shown in Exhibit G.
3. Whether, if the restriction upon the applicant’s property were removed, such removal
would seriously affect neighboring properties and uses.
Applicant Responses:
“No. All signs within 200 feet are larger than 32 square feet. Dover High School, Destiny
Church and a large pole sign.”
Staff Response:
Staff does not believe that the proposed sign would have a negative impact on
neighboring properties or uses. Though there are several residential uses in the
surrounding area, most of them are set back much farther from Forrest Avenue than the
church, meaning residents would not typically see the sign from their houses or
apartments. Staff estimates that the nearest residence would be about 200 feet from the
sign.
Page 134
V-18-12 Dover Christian Church signage at 1738 Forrest Avenue, Dover DE
Board of Adjustment Report
Page 6 of 8
The sign should also not set a precedent for other properties in the area to request larger
signs. Between the apartment complex and the high school, the area within City limits is
very well built out and little future development is expected. Meanwhile the existing uses
in the area already have signs that are the same size or larger than the applicant’s
requested sign; none of these larger signs were previously authorized through granting of
a variance.
4. Whether, if the restriction is not removed, the restriction would create unnecessary
hardship or exceptional practical difficulty for the owner in his efforts to make normal
improvements in the character of that use of the property that is a permitted use under the
provisions of the Zoning Ordinance.
Applicant Responses:
“If the restriction is not removed it will create a hardship on Dover Christian Church in
promoting church activities for the community, as well as identifying
who we are. The property is located on Forrest Ave in Dover which is a busy street.
Oncoming traffic would have a difficult time seeing the name of the Church and the
information on the message board.
The allowable 12 square feet sign will only allow a two (2} line message board with 6
inch lettering with approximately 20 characters. Whereas the 32 square feet sign will
have a three (3} line message board 8 inch lettering with approximately 60 characters.
The Name of Dover Christian Church on a 12 square feet sign, is 3.6" which is readable
at a distance of 30ft. Whereas the 32 square feet sign, is 6.2" readable distance of 60ft.”
Staff Response:
In the present case staff agrees with the applicant that the maximum size of the sign
presents an exceptional practical difficulty, because the small size of the letters at 12 SF
would make it difficult for oncoming motorists to read the sign. Most residentially-zoned
places of worship in Dover are along local streets which have a much lower speed limit
than Forrest Avenue. If the letters on the sign are too small to see from a fast vehicle on
the road, the sign will likely prove a distraction to passing motorists rather than a useful
guidepost.
It is also worth noting that the monument sign is proposed to be set back 5 feet from the
edge of the right-of-way, which is the minimum setback for such a sign under the zoning.
As such the sign cannot be made more readable by moving it closer to the road. The size
and placement also make it useful for passing pedestrians.
Though not mentioned in the applicant’s written response, staff and the applicant did
discuss the possibility of using the property’s wall sign allowance, either instead of a
monument sign or to supplement a 12 SF sign. The applicant’s response to this was that
the church was designed with very little exterior wall space for signs. The 16 SF
Page 135
V-18-12 Dover Christian Church signage at 1738 Forrest Avenue, Dover DE
Board of Adjustment Report
Page 7 of 8
limitation on the two wall signs they could have would not be much better for visibility
than a 12 SF monument sign, given the distance of the church building from the street.
Staff believes the proposed sign area at 32 square feet would not be out of character with
the use of the property as a place of worship, or with the Urban Minor Arterial road type.
Many such places throughout Dover have similar signs that display the name of the
facility, hours, and also include a changeable sign area to display messages,
announcements of events, etc.
Variance Recommendations:
Staff recommends approval of the variance to permit a 32 SF monument sign, for reasons as
follows:
● The proposed sign is in character with the immediate surroundings and would not
seriously impact surrounding uses.
● The sign regulations are generally based on a relationship between the classification of
street and its typical traffic conditions. Staff believes that a 32 square feet monument sign
presents a legible sign design that could be safely read but not be distracting. Limiting the
sign area to 12 SF may impose a hardship on the property because such a sign would be
undersized relative to the prevailing speeds on the street.
● The restriction placed on the property is currently unique to it, with other properties
nearby having avoided a 12 SF limitation through legal means despite their same or
similar zoning.
Advisory Comments to Applicant:
● Variances become null and void if work has not commenced within one (1) year of the
date the variance was granted. At present there is no provision for extension of variance
approvals.
● In accordance with staff’s agreement with the applicant, the submitted Sign Permit
Application will be amended by staff to reduce the base of the sign by one foot, thereby
decreasing the overall height of the sign from 8 feet to 7 feet. The permit will be issued if
the variance application is successful, and will be subject to the provisions of the variance
granted.
Page 136
V-17-02 Whatcoat UM Church Signage at 341 Saulsbury Road
Revised Board of Adjustment Report
APPENDIX/ATTACHMENTS
GUIDE TO ATTACHMENTS
Exhibit Description/Author # Pages
A Zoning Exhibit Map 1
(Staff)
B Sign Table reproduced from Zoning Ordinance 1
Article 5 §4.7
(Staff)
C Applicant’s responses to variance criteria 1
D Renderings of proposed sign (applicant) 1
E Plot plan of property from before church
development (applicant) 1
F Site Plan sheet excerpted from C-13-11 Final Plan 1 (11”x17”)
(staff)
G Photos of nearby signs (applicant) 1
Page 137
City of Dover Exhibit A
Application No.: V-18-11
Department of Planning & Inspections
R-10
F a l m o u th
R-10
Tu c
ke t Ci r
W ay
R-10
A R-
10
Yarm o u t
h
W
ay
Forrest Ave
Site
R-10
rH
ve
Do
igh
Dr
R-10
RM-2
RM-1
Title: Lands of David Miller Investments LLC
Address: 127, 129, 133, & 135 Roosevelt Ave
Parcel ID: ED-05-077.18-02-71.00-000, ED-05-077.18-02-72.00-000, Legend
and ED-05-077.18-02-73.00-000
Zoning: RG-2 (General Residence Zone) Subject Property
Owner: David Miller Investments LLC Dover Parcels
Date: 12/5/2018
Zoning
2012 Buildings
Kent County Parcels
« 0 250 500 1,000 Feet Dover Boundary
Page 138
Exhibit B
Zoning Ordinance , Article 5 §4.7
SIGN TABLE
Use Road Type Permitted Signs
Specific Sign Type Number Max. Size Max. % of Total Setback Exclusion
Permitted Height Wall Area (R.O.W.) Zone
Single-Family Detached
Residential Uses and
All Streets Signs permitted in § 4.5 only
Semi-Detached
Post or 1/entrance 12 S.F. 7 feet N/A 5 feet 20 feet
Nonresidential Uses in
Professional Office All Streets Monument
Wall 1/frontage 16 S.F. N/A < = 15% N/A N/A
Wall & 1/frontage 32 S.F. N/A < = 15% N/A N/A
Residential Districts
Subdivisions
Multi-Family Residential Uses All Streets
Mobile Home Parks
Monument or 2/entrance 32 S.F. 7 feet N/A 5 feet 20 feet
Post and Panel
Places of Worship Wall & 2/frontage 32 S.F. N/A < = 15% N/A N/A
Monument or 1/entrance 32 S.F. 7 feet N/A 10 feet 20 feet
Daycare Centers Post and Panel
Urban Principal OR
Nonresidential Uses Adjacent to
Arterial
Approved Conditional Uses Post** & 1/frontage 16 S.F. 7 feet N/A 5 feet 5 feet
Educational/ Institutional Pylon* 1/frontage 32 S.F. 30 feet N/A 30 feet 50 feet
Wall & 2/frontage 32 S.F. N/A < = 15% N/A N/A
Monument or 1/entrance 32 S.F. 7 feet N/A 5 feet 20 feet
Urban Minor
Post and Panel
All Other Approved Arterial
OR
Residential Districts or Uses
Nonresidential Uses Post** 1/frontage 16 S.F. 7 feet N/A 5 feet 10 feet
Wall & 2/frontage 32 S.F. N/A < = 15% N/A N/A
Urban Local/ Monument or 1/entrance 32 S.F. 7 feet N/A 5 feet 20 feet
Collector Post and Panel
OR
Post** 1/frontage 16 S.F. 7 feet N/A 5 feet 10 feet
Wall & 2/frontage No max N/A < = 15% N/A N/A
Monument or 1/entrance 100 S.F. 10 feet N/A 10 feet 20 feet
Urban Principal Post and Panel
Arterial &
Pylon OR * 1/frontage 100 S.F. 30 feet N/A 15 feet 50 feet
Nonresidential Uses in
Pylon* 1/frontage 150 S.F. 30 feet N/A 31 feet 50 feet
Wall & 2/frontage 64 S.F. N/A < =15% N/A N/A
Monument or 1/entrance 64 S.F. 7 feet N/A 5 feet 20 feet
Urban Minor
Nonresidential Uses Post and Panel
Arterial
OR
Nonresidential Districts
Post** 1/frontage 16 S.F. 7 feet N/A 5 feet 10 feet
Wall & 2/frontage 32 S.F. N/A < = 15% N/A N/A
Urban Local/ Monument or 1/entrance 32 S.F. 7 feet N/A 5 feet 20 feet
Collector Post and Panel
OR
Post** 1/frontage 16 S.F. 7 feet N/A 5 feet 10 feet
* Denotes that an additional wall sign may be permitted/added in lieu of a freestanding pylon sign.
** Post sign would be in lieu of a monument sign or post and panel sign.
Page 142
24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36
24x36 24x36
SITE DATA
24x36 24x36
1. OWNER OF RECORD: DOVER CHRISTIAN CHURCH, INC.
C/O WALTER GORDON, TRUSTEE
.R T. 8) 1156 SOUTH GOVERNORS AVENUE
24x36
(DEL DOVER, DELAWARE 19904 24x36
2. ENGINEER / SURVEYOR: BECKER MORGAN GROUP INC.
309 SOUTH GOVERNORS AVE.
DOVER, DE. 19904
E. (302) 734-7950
24x36 24x36
V
STA 3. PROPERTY MAP NUMBERS: ED-05-075.00-01-04.00-000
E 4. ZONING CLASSIFICATION: EXISTING: R-10 / COZ-1
RR SITE
24x36
FO PROPOSED: R-10 / COZ-1
24x36
5. DEED SUMMARY: DEED BOOK: 3620 PAGE: 191
7. PRESENT USE: RESIDENTIAL HOUSE
PROPOSED USE: CHURCH
24x36
8. PROPERTY AREA:
Dover, DE 24x36
9. IMPERVIOUS COVERAGE: EXISTING : 4,180 S.F. (0.10 AC) - 0.06% 309 S. Governors Ave.
PROPOSED : 32,655 S.F. (0.75 AC) - 48.15% Dover, DE 19904
MAXIMUM LOT COVERAGE: 75% Ph. 302.734.7950
24x36
10. SETBACKS: R-10 / COZ-1 R-10 (NON-RESIDENTIAL) COZ-1 Fax 302.734.7965 24x36
FRONT: 50 FT. NONE
SIDE: 25 FT. (25' TOTAL FOR BOTH) NONE Salisbury, MD
REAR: 25 FT. NONE
24x36
312 West Main St. Suite 300 24x36
11. BUILDING: EXISTING : 1,232 S.F. (TO BE REMOVED)
PROPOSED : 3,850 S.F.
Salisbury, MD 21801
. HEIGHT ALLOWED: 35' Ph. 410.546.9100
HEIGHT PROPOSED : 35' FROM TOP OF STEEPLE Fax 410.546.5824
24x36
LOCATION MAP SCALE : 1" = 400' LOT COVERAGE ALLOWED: 20% 24x36
LOT COVERAGE PROPOSED: 10% Wilmington, NC
CONSTRUCTION TYPE: TYPE II (000) (NFPA CONST. TYPE) 3205 Randall Parkway, Suite 211
SPRINKLER SYSTEM: YES Wilmington, North Carolina 28403
24x36 24x36
12. UTILITIES (SOURCE) : WATER: CITY OF DOVER Ph. 910.341.7600
SEWER: CITY OF DOVER Fax 910.341.7506
GAS: CHESAPEAKE UTILITIES
24x36
ELECTRIC: CITY OF DOVER www.beckermorgan.com 24x36
13. PREDOMINANT SOILS : FgA : FALLSINGTON LOAM 0 TO 5 PERCENT SLOPES
UlB : UNICORN LOAM, 2 TO 5 PERCENT SLOPES
14. PARKING CALCULATIONS : EXISTING 2
24x36
REQUIRED : 1 PER 4 SEATS = 128 / 4 = 32 24x36
DEL. RT. 8 PROPOSED : 40 SPACES
HANDICAPPED PARKING REQUIRED : 3 SPACES (1 VAN)
. HANDICAPPED PARKING PROVIDED : 3 SPACES (1 VAN)
A VE SITE BICYCLE PARKING REQUIRED : 40 / 20 = 2.0 = 2
ST
24x36 24x36
E BICYCLE PARKING PROVIDED : 4
RR
FO 15. LOADING CALCULATIONS : LOADING BERTHS REQUIRED : 1
16. SIGNAGE : FUTURE PERMIT SUBMISSION
24x36
I VE 17. OUTDOOR LIGHTING : LIGHTING SHALL BE 1.5 FOOT CANDLES MIN. AT GRADE 24x36
DR 18. TREE PRESERVATION : EX. WOODLAND AREA: 0 S.F.
S
TI WOODLANDS TO BE CLEARED: 0 S.F. (0%)
AR TOTAL WOODLANDS REMAINING: 0 S.F. (0%)
24x36
TOTAL NON-WOODLAND AREA: 67,850 S.F - 0 = 67,850 S.F s.f 24x36
67,850 S.F / 3000 = 22.6 23 TREES REQUIRED
EXISTING TO BE RETAINED: 0
PROPOSED TREES: 31
24x36
TOTAL TREES: 23 24x36
19. SURVEY BENCHMARK: NGS MONUMENT: COLLEGE
. VERTICAL: NAVD88
HORIZONTAL: NAD83
24x36
VICINITY MAP SCALE : 1" = 1200' 20. WATER DEMANDS: PLUMBING FIXTURES UNITS: 16
24x36
21. SANITARY SEWER DEMANDS: PEAK FLOWS: 2.31 GPM
AVERAGE DAILY FLOWS: 0.52 GPM
HbB OtA VELOCITY: 2.86 FPS
24x36
WoA SaB HbB 24x36
WoA HbB WoA FgA
OtA Lo
HbB
24x36
FgA FgA GENERAL NOTES : 24x36
CoA WoB 1. TOPOGRAPHIC SURVEY DATA SHOWN HEREON WAS PREPARED BY BECKER MORGAN GROUP, DOVER, DE,
FgA SaB FzB FgA IN JUNE 2012. VERTICAL DATUM IS BASED ON NAVD 88. HORIZONTAL DATUM IS BASED ON
WoA DELAWARE STATE PLANE NAD 83.
24x36
Lo 24x36
WoA 2. THE EXISTING UTILITIES SHOWN WERE TAKEN FROM THE BEST AVAILABLE RECORDS. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL CONTACT
HbB SaB
OtA
MISS UTILITY OF DELMARVA (1-800-282-8555) TO VERIFY THEIR EXACT LOCATION PRIOR TO THE START OF ANY
HbB CONSTRUCTION. ANY DAMAGE INCURRED TO ANY UTILITIES SHALL BE REPAIRED IMMEDIATELY AT THE CONTRACTORS
FgA SaB
EXPENSE. IF THE CONTRACTOR RELIES ON THE UTILITY LOCATIONS SHOWN HEREON, HE DOES SO AT HIS OWN RISK AND
24x36 24x36
Lo UlA WILL NOT BE ENTITLED TO ADDITIONAL COMPENSATION DUE TO TIME DELAYS FROM SAID RELIANCE.
HbB
HbB
SaB 3. THE PROJECT AREA IS NOT LOCATED WITHIN THE ONE HUNDRED YEAR FLOOD PLAIN, BASED ON FIRM MAP
WdA
FgA
UlB 10001C0162H, PANEL 162 OF 435, DATED MAY 5, 2003.
UlB
Lo WoA
24x36
PyA 4. BECKER MORGAN GROUP, INC. CERTIFIES THAT THERE ARE NO FRESH WATER WETLANDS LOCATED ON THE PROJECT SITE. 24x36
HbB HbB PROJECT TITLE
SITE UlB 5. ALL ROADS, PARKING AND OTHER PAVED AREAS WILL BE PRIVATELY OWNED AND MAINTAINED AND ARE NOT INTENDED
FOR DEDICATION.
PROPOSED
PyA UlB PyA
24x36 UlA CaA 6. DELAWARE REGULATIONS PROHIBIT THE BURIAL OF CONSTRUCTION DEMOLITION DEBRIS, INCLUDING TREES AND STUMPS 24x36
ON CONSTRUCTION SITES. ANY SOLID WASTE FOUND DURING EXCAVATION MUST BE REMOVED AND PROPERLY DISCARDED.
24x36
HbB CoA
FgA
HbB
CaA
UlB
7. ALL HANDICAPPED PARKING DEMARCATION, STALLS, AND BUILDING ACCESSIBLE ROUTES SHALL COMPLY WITH THE
"AMERICAN WITH DISABILITIES ACT" AND ANSI A117.1-1998 " ACCESSIBLE AND USABLE BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES" DOVER 24x36
A FgA
WoA OtA UlB
8. THIS DRAWING DOES NOT INCLUDE NECESSARY COMPONENT FOR CONSTRUCTION SAFETY. ALL CONSTRUCTION MUST BE
DONE IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ACT OF 1970 AND ALL RULES AND REGULATIONS CHRISTIAN
Wo THERETO APPURTENANT.
24x36
SOIL SURVEY MAP SCALE : 1" = 1,667'
9. BEFORE THE CONTRACTOR CAN BEGIN CONSTRUCTION HE MUST OBTAIN THE PROPER PERMITS AND/OR APPROVALS FROM
THE CITY OF DOVER (C.O.D.), DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL (DNREC), DELAWARE
CHURCH 24x36
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (DELDOT) , KENT CONSERVATION DISTRICT (KCD) AND ALL APPROPRIATE STATE AND
SOIL MAP TAKEN FROM "NRCS WEB SOIL SURVEY" COUNTY AGENCIES.
24x36 24x36
FgA : FALLSINGTON LOAM, 0 TO 2 PERCENT SLOPES 10. ALL CONSTRUCTION METHODS AND MATERIALS SHALL BE ACCORDING TO THE CITY OF DOVER PUBLIC WORKS
UlB : UNICORN LOAM, 2 TO 5 PERCENT SLOPES DEPARTMENT AND THE STATE OF DELAWARE (DELDOT) STANDARDS AND CONSTRUCTION SPECIFICATIONS.
11. ALL FIRE LANE DEMARCATION AND FIRE LANE SIGNS SHALL BE IN ACCORDANCE WITH ALL STATE FIRE PREVENTION
24x36
REGULATIONS. 24x36
12. ALL WORK WITHIN CITY MAINTAINED ROAD RIGHT-OF-WAYS SHALL MEET THE REQUIREMENTS AS SET FORTH IN THE 1738 FORREST AVE.
CURRENT REVISION OF THE STANDARD SPECIFICATION FOR ROAD AND BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION, BY THE DELAWARE
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND ALL CITY OF DOVER REQUIREMENTS. CITY OF DOVER
24x36 24x36
13. TRAFFIC AND SAFETY CONTROL SHALL BE MAINTAINED DURING CONSTRUCTION IN CONFORMANCE WITH THE CURRENT KENT COUNTY, DELAWARE
VERSION OF THE DELAWARE MANUAL ON UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES FOR CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE
OPERATIONS. SHEET TITLE
24x36
14. STORMWATER MANAGEMENT AND SEDIMENT / EROSION CONTROL SHALL BE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CURRENT VERSION 24x36
DELAWARE SEDIMENT AND STORMWATER REGULATIONS BY THE DELAWARE KENT CONSERVATION DISTRICT
15. CONTRACTOR SHALL REFER TO ARCHITECTURAL/STRUCTURAL DRAWINGS OF PROPOSED STRUCTURES FOR ALL DIMENSIONS COVER SHEET
OF BUILDINGS AND FOUNDATIONS. PROPOSED BUILDING FOOTPRINTS, AS SHOWN ON SITE PLAN, SHOULD ONLY BE USED AS
24x36
A REFERENCE TO THE ABOVE MENTIONED PLANS. . 24x36
FIRE MARSHAL GENERAL NOTES
16. HYDRANT CONNECTIONS BY THE CONTRACTOR ARE PROHIBITED. THIS METHOD MAY NOT BE UTILIZED DURING ANY PHASE OF
THE PROJECT. .
24x36
1. ALL FIRE LANES, FIRE HYDRANTS, AND FIRE DEPARTMENT CONNECTIONS SHALL BE MARKED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE
DELAWARE STATE FIRE PREVENTION REGULATIONS (DSFPR).
17. ALL EXISTING SANITARY SEWER LINES, STORM DRAINS, AND WATER LINES NOT USED FOR THE PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION
MUST BE PROPERLY ABANDONED AT THE MAINS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CITY OF DOVER DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
. 24x36
REQUIREMENTS PRIOR TO ISSUANCE OF A CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY.
2. ALL BUILDING WITH SPRINKLER SYSTEMS SHALL BE MONITORED AND KNOX BOXES SHALL BE PROVIDED AND INSTALLED
24x36
ADJACENT TO THE MAIN ENTRANCE DOOR. 18. PART II, CHAPTER 180, ARTICLE III, SECTION 180-10 OF THE CODE OF KENT COUNTY REQUIRES THAT "NO PERSON SHALL 24x36
3. ADDRESS NUMBERS OF AT LEAST 12 INCHES IN HEIGHT MUST BE PLACED ON THE STREET SIDE OF THE BUILDING DISCHARGE OR CAUSE TO BE DISCHARGED ANY STORMWATER, SURFACE WATER, UNCONTAMINATED GROUNDWATER, ROOF
VISIBLE FROM THE STREET. RUNOFF, SUBSURFACE DRAINAGE, UNCONTAMINATED NONCONTACT COOLING WATER, CONDENSATE, OR UNPOLLUTED
INDUSTRIAL PROCESS WATERS TO ANY SANITARY SEWER". THE CONTRACTOR/DEVELOPER SHALL ENSURE DURING
4. ANY NATURAL OF LP GAS BOTTLES, METERS, REGULATORS, ETC. MUSH HAVE IMPACT PROTECTION.
24x36
CONSTRUCTION THAT NO ILLEGAL DISCHARGES TO THE SANITARY SEWER SYSTEM ARE CREATED WITH THE SITE 24x36
5. ANY GAS FIRED HVAC EQUIPMENT MUST BE EQUIPPED WITH EMERGENCY CUT OFF SWITCHES REMOTELY LOCATED. IMPROVEMENTS.
6. FIRE DEPARTMENT CONNECTION TO BE 5" STORZ TYPE CONNECTION. 0 10 20 40
19. THE SITE CONTRACTOR SHALL NOTIFY THE CITY OF DOVER DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS CONSTRUCTION MANAGER AT
7. PROPOSED BUILDING SHALL MEET THE LARGE AREA BUILDING REQUIREMENTS OF THE DSFPR - REGULATION 702, CHAPTER 5, (302) 736-7025 PRIOR TO THE START OF CONSTRUCTION. A REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE CITY OF DOVER DEPARTMENT OF
24x36
SECTION 3. PUBLIC WORKS MUST OBSERVE ALL CITY OWNED WATER AND SANITARY SEWER INTERCONNECTIONS AND TESTING. ALL 24x36
8. PROPOSED BUILDING SHALL HAVE HORIZONTAL STANDPIPES INSTALLED IN ACCORDANCE THE DSFPR AND NFPA 14. WATER TAPS MUST BE PERFORMED BY A CITY OF DOVER APPROVED CONTRACTOR. THE PROPOSED LOCATION FOR THE
WATER TAP MAY NEED TO BE ADJUSTED IN THE FIELD DUE TO CONDITIONS OF THE EXISTING MAIN. POSSIBLE CONDITIONS
9. PROPOSED BUILDING SHALL BE PROTECTED BY AUTOMATIC SPRINKLERS IN ACCORDANCE WITH NFPA 13.
THAT WOULD REQUIRE TAPPING RELOCATION INCLUDE PROXIMITY TO PIPE JOINTS, OTHER TAPS, CONCRETE ENCASEMENTS,
SCALE : 1" = 20'
24x36
CONFLICT WITH OTHER UTILITIES, AND THE LIKE. TEST HOLES MUST BE PERFORMED BY THE CONTRACTOR TO DETERMINE 24x36
THE BEST TAPPING LOCATION. THE CITY OF DOVER WILL NOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR FIELD CONDITIONS REQUIRING ISSUE BLOCK
LEGEND ADJUSTMENT OF THE TAPPING LOCATION OR FOR ANY WORK REQUIRED BY THE CONTRACTOR TO MAKE AN APPROPRIATE
ITEM EXISTING PROPOSED ITEM EXISTING PROPOSED AND LAWFUL CONNECTION.
24x36 24x36
CONCRETE CURB & GUTTER SANITARY GRAVITY SEWER LINE, EX. 10"S 10" S 20. IF THE APPROVED PLAN NEEDS TO MODIFIED DUE TO ERRORS OR OMISSIONS OR FIELD CONDITIONS, ADDITIONAL SEDIMENT 7 6-23-16 FINAL DELDOT SUBMISSION
SIZE & FLOW DIRECTION AND STORM WATER CONTROL MEASURES MAY BE REQUIRED AS DEEMED NECESSARY BY THE KENT CONSERVATION
CONCRETE SIDEWALK, SLAB / PAVING 6 5-31-16 REVISED PER AGENCY REVIEW
SANITARY SEWER FORCE MAIN, SIZE DISTRICT (KCD).
EX. 10" F.M. 12" F.M.
IMPERVIOUS SURFACED ROAD, DRIVE & FLOW DIRECTION
24x36
OR LOT 21. THE KENT CONSERVATION DISTRICT (KCD) RESERVES THE RIGHT TO ENTER PRIVATE PROPERTY FOR PURPOSES OF 5 5-12-16 REVISED PER AGENCY REVIEW 24x36
SANITARY SEWER MANHOLE (S.M.H.) PERIODIC SITE INSPECTION.
INDIVIDUAL TREE OR BUSH N/A 4 4-14-16 REVISED PER AGENCY REVIEW
WIRE FENCE
EVERGREEN
X X
DECIDUOUS
X X X X
SANITARY SEWER CLEANOUT SHEET INDEX OWNERS CERTIFICATION 22. ALL WATER AND WASTEWATER UTILITY COMPONENTS MUST MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE CITY OF DOVER PUBLIC
WORKS WATER/WASTEWATER HANDBOOK. 3 3-1-16 REVISED PER AGENCY REVIEW
24x36
CHAINLINK FENCE
WATER MAIN & SIZE EX. 10" W 12" W C-001 COVER SHEET WE, DOVER CHRISTIAN CHURCH, INC., HEREBY CERTIFY THAT WE ARE THE OWNER OF THE PROPERTY 24x36
STOCKADE FENCE C-101 EXISTING CONDITIONS / DEMOLITION PLAN DESCRIBED AND SHOWN ON THIS PLAN, THAT THE PLAN WAS MADE AT OUR DIRECTION, AND THAT WE 23. ALL EXISTING UTILITIES SHALL BE ADJUSTED TO FINAL GRADE IN ACCORDANCE WITH CURRENT CITY OF DOVER
FIRE HYDRANT F.H. F.H. 2 9-24-15 REVISED PER AGENCY REVIEW
C-201 SITE / SIGNAGE & STRIPING PLAN ACKNOWLEDGE THE SAME TO BE OUR ACT AND DESIRE THE PLAN TO BE DEVELOPED AS SHOWN IN REQUIREMENTS AND PRACTICES.
WATER VALVE (W.V.) OR METER (W.M.)
C-301 UTILITY PLAN ACCORDANCE WITH ALL APPLICABLE LAWS AND REGULATIONS. 24. TRASH COLLECTION SHALL BE BY PRIVATE HAULER. THE CITY OF DOVER WILL NOT PROVIDE TRASH SERVICE TO THIS 1 7-27-15 REVISED PER AGENCY REVIEW
STRUCTURE (CONCRETE, WOOD,
24x36
METAL, ETC.)
W.M. W.V. W.M. W.V. PROJECT. 24x36
STORM DRAIN MANHOLE (S.D.M.H.)
C-401 GRADING PLAN MARK DATE DESCRIPTION
DRAINAGE DITCH OR SWALE C-500 SEDIMENT & STORMWATER MANAGEMENT COVER SHEET 25. AT IT'S MEETING ON OCTOBER 21, 2013, THE CITY OF DOVER PLANNING COMMISSION GRANTED CONDITIONAL APPROVAL OF LAYER STATE : C-001
C-501 PRE-CONSTRUCTION SEDIMENT & STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PLAN WALTER GORDON, TRUSTEE DATE THE SITE FOR THIS PLACE OF WORSHIP. AT IT'S MEETING ON AUGUST 17, 2015, THE CITY OF DOVER PLANNING COMMISSION
EMBANKMENT SIDESLOPES (DOWN)
STORM DRAIN LINE (CMP OR RCP)
GRANTED A ONE YEAR EXTENSION FOR THE CONDITIONAL USE SITE PLAN, APPLICATION C-13-11.
PROJECT NO.: 2012072.00
24x36
C-502 CONSTRUCTION SEDIMENT & STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PLAN 24x36
CONTOUR 49 55 CATCH BASIN
C-503 CONSTRUCTION SEDIMENT & STORMWATER MANAGEMENT, FACILITY 1 ENGINEERS CERTIFICATION DATE: 6/19/15
ELEVATION SPOT SHOT 43.55 25.50 T.C. C-504 EROSION & SEDIMENT CONTROL DETAILS
25.15
25.00 B.C.
UTILITY POLE W/ OVERHEAD SERVICE
(TELEPHONE OR ELECTRIC OR BOTH) I, GREGORY V. MOORE, HEREBY CERTIFY THAT I AM A REGISTERED ENGINEER IN THE STATE OF DELAWARE, SCALE: 1" = 20'
BENCH MARK C-505 EROSION & SEDIMENT CONTROL DETAILS THAT THE INFORMATION SHOWN HEREON HAS BEEN PREPARED UNDER MY SUPERVISION AND TO MY BEST
DRAWN BY: R.J.M. PROJ. MGR.: J.S.F.
24x36 24x36
N/A
PROPERTY OR RIGHT-OF-WAY LINE
UNDERGROUND ELECTRIC U.E. U.E. C-601 ENTRANCE PLAN KNOWLEDGE AND BELIEF REPRESENTS GOOD ENGINEERING PRACTICES AS REQUIRED BY THE APPLICABLE
UNDERGROUND TELEPHONE U.T. U.T. C-602 ENTRANCE PLAN LAWS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. SHEET
CENTERLINE
C-901 CONSTRUCTION DETAILS
UNDERGROUND GAS MAIN EX. 2" G 2" G
24x36
LIGHT POLE
CONSTRUCTION NOTE N/A
PAVEMENT TO BE REMOVED N/A
C-902
L-101
CONSTRUCTION DETAILS
LANDSCAPE PLAN GREGORY V. MOORE P.E. NO. 9311 DATE
C-001
COPYRIGHT 2013
24x36
F:\AutoCAD\Projects\2012\2012072\DWG\2012072-SITE-C3D15.dwg, Jun 23, 2016 - 8:33am
.PDF
24x36 24x36
24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36 24x36
Page 144
City of Dover
Board of Adjustment
December 19, 2018
V-18-13
Location: 101 Ipswich Court (East of Bay Road and adjacent to Blue Hen
Boulevard, within the Blue Hen Apartment Complex behind Blue
Hen Corporate Center)
Applicant/Owner: Blue Hen Apartments, LLC
Tax Parcel: ED-05-077.00-01-01.00-000
Application Date: November 15, 2018
Present Zoning: RG-2 (General Residence Zone)
Current Use: Apartments (Apartment Building under construction
Reviewed By: Julian Swierczek, Planner I
Variance Type: Area Variance
Variance Requested: To reduce the minimum 30-foot setback required for a multiple
unit dwelling structure in the RG-2 (General Residence Zone).
Applicant is nearing completion of a building which has been
built 29.8 feet (29 feet 9.5 inches) from the lot line. This request
only pertains to the one apartment building (numbered as
Building 24 on the Site Plan).
Page 145
V-18-13 Blue Hen Apartments at 101 Ipswich Ct.
Board of Adjustment Report
Page 2 of 8
Project Description
The applicant is requesting a variance from Zoning Ordinance, Article 4 §4.3 Bulk and Parking
Regulations applying to the RG-2 (General Residence Zone), to allow for a decrease in the
minimum front yard setback requirements for multiple dwelling unit apartment building in a
residential zone.
This current application V-18-13 is proposing to reduce the minimum front yard setback required
for a multiple dwelling unit residential building in the RG-2 zone from 30 feet to 29 feet 9.5
inches to accommodate a nearly completed apartment building which has been located within the
setback. The multiple dwelling unit structure (numbered 24 on Exhibit C) on the site of the Blue
Hen Apartment Complex as constructed encroaches into the front yard setback. The foundations
were built the required 30 feet away from the lot line; however, once the walls were put up and
the brick veneer, balcony supports, vinyl siding, and corner trim put in place, the structure
instead measures only 29.8 feet (29 feet 9.6 inches) away from the lot line. The structure was
built as close to the 30-foot setback as possible to accommodate the 15 feet required by Code in
Article 6 § 5.3 to be between the parking lot and the apartment building.
It should be noted that the application cites two slightly different figures for the variance request.
The application form and map list a front yard setback of 29.8 feet (variance of 0.20 feet), which
translates to 29 feet 9.6 inches. The Criteria Response document requests a reduction of 2 ½
inches meaning the variance requested is to reduce the setback to 29 feet 9.5 inches. For this
application, the Board should consider the greater reduction requested to allow for a front yard
setback of 29 feet 9.5 inches.
The Applicant has provided a series of Exhibits with their application. A Site Plan, highlighting
the apartment building (Number 24) can be found in Exhibit C. A series of photographs showing
the apartment building subject to this Area Variance request (5 pages) is to be found in Exhibit
D. The Apartment building has a specific address (for 911 response) of 101 Ipswich Court.
Adjacent Land Uses
A Zoning Map Exhibit (Exhibit A) prepared by staff is attached to this Report. It shows the
subject property location and surrounding zoning.
The properties to the southeast of the apartment complex are zoned IPM (Industrial Park and
Manufacturing Zone) and contain the new Chesapeake Utilities Dover Campus. The properties to
the southwest are zoned SC-2 (Shopping Center Development) and contain a Day Care facility
and the Blue Hen Corporate Center. The property to the northwest is zoned IO (Institutional and
Office Zone) and is the site of East Dover Elementary School. Immediately adjacent to the site to
the northeast is the Schoolview subdivision of one-family detached dwellings, which are zoned
R-8 (One-Family Residence Zone). The subject site itself was developed as apartments in phases
from 2007 through 2018.
Code Citations
Zoning Ordinance, Article 4 §4.3 gives the required minimum setbacks for multiple dwelling
unit buildings in the RG-2 zone. Highlighted is the setback requirement from which the applicant
is asking a variance:
Page 146
V-18-13 Blue Hen Apartments at 101 Ipswich Ct.
Board of Adjustment Report
Page 3 of 8
Table 1: Bulk and Parking Regulations for general residence zone (RG-2)
One-Family
Multiple
One-Family
Semi-Detached Multiple
• Dwellings
and Other Dwellings
Detached
Two-Family
Dwellings
Minimum required:
(Same requirements as for
Lot area/DU (sq. ft.) 1,700
dwellings in RG-1 zone)
Lot width (ft.) 100
Lot depth (ft.) 125
Front yard (ft.) 30
Minimum side yard (ft.) 25
Total both side yards (ft.) 50
Rear yard (ft.) 30
Off-street parking
2
spaces
Maximum permitted:
Building height
Stories 3
Feet 40
Floor area ratio —
Lot coverage 60%
Number of dwelling units in group of attached None
dwellings or in multiple dwellings prescribed
Zoning Ordinance, Article 12 defines the following:
Dwelling, multiple: A building, or portion thereof, containing more than two dwelling units.
Setback: The distance between the street line and the setback line.
Setback line: A line extending between the two side lot lines of a lot or a parcel of land, which is
parallel to, and a stated distance from, a street line.
Article 6 §5.3 provides supplementary parking regulations for multiple dwellings:
No parking space shall be located in any front yard or within three feet of any lot line in side or rear
yards. The parking of motor vehicles within 15 feet of any wall or portion thereof, is prohibited.
Except for electric charging stations, no automobile service shall be permitted to be extended to
users of the lot, including sales, repair or fueling, and no gasoline, oil, grease, or related supplies
shall be stored or sold in any such lot or in any garage on such a lot.
Exceptional Practical Difficulties Tests
Page 147
V-18-13 Blue Hen Apartments at 101 Ipswich Ct.
Board of Adjustment Report
Page 4 of 8
Zoning Ordinance Article 9 §2 dictates the specific powers and duties of the Board of
Adjustment with regard to granting variances. Specifically, the Board must determine:
2.1 Variance. The board shall have the authority to authorize variances from provisions of the
Zoning Ordinance that are not contrary to public interest where the board determines that a literal
interpretation of the Zoning Ordinance would result in undue hardship or exceptional practical
difficulties to the applicant. In granting variances, the board shall determine that the spirit of the
Zoning Ordinance is observed and substantial justice is done.
2.11 Area Variance. A variance shall be considered an area variance if it relates to bulk
standards, signage regulations, and other provisions of the Zoning Ordinance that address lot
layout, buffers, and dimensions. In considering a request for an area variance, the board shall
evaluate the following criteria and document them in their findings of fact:
(a) the nature of the zone in which the property lies;
(b) the character of the immediate vicinity and the contained uses therein;
(c) whether, if the restriction upon the applicant’s property were removed, such removal
would seriously affect neighboring properties and uses; and
(d) whether, if the restriction is not removed, the restriction would create unnecessary
hardship or exceptional practical difficulty for the owner in his efforts to make normal
improvements in the character of that use of the property that is a permitted use under
the provisions of the Zoning Ordinance.
Review of Application
As part of the application, the applicant was asked to summarize how the requested variance
relates to the above criteria. The applicant’s responses are provided below along with a Staff
assessment of the application in accordance with the required criteria. The applicant’s responses
are also provided in Exhibit B.
1. The nature of the zone in which the property lies.
Applicant Response:
“The property is in the RG-2, General Residence zone, which allows a mix of
commercial and residential uses.”
Staff Response:
Staff notes that the RG-2 (General Residence) zone allows for certain agricultural uses
and public buildings, as well as a variety of residential uses including one-family-
residences, multiple dwellings, and Garden Apartments. Garden Apartments are
considered a type of multiple dwelling. In the RG-2 zone commercial uses are slightly
limited in scope, being only conditionally allowed after a review and approval by the
Planning Commission.
2. The character of the immediate vicinity and the contained uses therein.
Applicant Responses:
Page 148
V-18-13 Blue Hen Apartments at 101 Ipswich Ct.
Board of Adjustment Report
Page 5 of 8
“The adjoining property on which the side of the non-conformity exists is zoned IO,
Institutional/Office, and is used as a recreational field. There is landscaping between the
building and Blue Hen Mall Road, negating the appearance of the non-conformity. The
other use near the project is the Schoolview subdivision that is zoned R-8. The rear of the
residential houses face the building and there is a large landscaped buffer and wood fence
between the properties.”
Staff Response:
Staff concurs with the applicant’s description and notes that their description pertains to
the properties to the northwest and northeast of the site in question, which are the
properties nearest to the apartment building subject to this variance request. The
apartment building is adjacent to Blue Hen Boulevard on its north and Haslet Street (the
entrance drive to the complex) on the east. To the northwest is East Dover Elementary
School with its recreational fields being closest to the apartment building in question. To
the northeast, across the apartment complex entrance drive (Haslet Street) are a series of
single family residences zoned R-8 (One-family Residence Zone). These homes are part
of the Schoolview subdivision. The rear yards of these homes are landscaped and there is
a wooden fence largely blocking the view of the subject site from the houses. The
properties to the southwest of the apartment complex are zoned SC-2 (Shopping Center
Development zone) and contain a Daycare building and The Blue Hen Corporate Center
with the various offices and facilities. Staff further notes that areas to the southeast are
zoned IPM (Industrial Park and Manufacturing Zone); this is where the newly built
headquarters of Chesapeake Utilities is located.
3. Whether, if the restriction upon the applicant’s property were removed, such removal
would seriously affect neighboring properties and uses.
Applicant Response:
“There would not be any effect on the adjoining property. There is landscaping between
the building and the Blue Hen Mall Road which creates a uniform setting. The
nonconformity is 0.20’ (2½”) which is not noticeable given the layout of the site and the
landscaping. The land directly adjoining the building is a recreational field, so no
neighbors are affected by granting the variance.”
Staff Response:
Planning Staff agrees with the assessment of the applicant in that the part of the site
where the apartment building in question is located, sits across from the recreational
fields of a neighboring school. The area between the apartment building and the adjacent
road, Blue Hen Boulevard, is landscaped. As the variance is relatively minor in scale, no
neighboring properties would be seriously affected if the variance were approved.
4. Whether, if the restriction is not removed, the restriction would create unnecessary
hardship or exceptional practical difficulty for the owner in his efforts to make normal
improvements in the character of that use of the property that is a permitted use under the
provisions of the Zoning Ordinance.
Page 149
V-18-13 Blue Hen Apartments at 101 Ipswich Ct.
Board of Adjustment Report
Page 6 of 8
Applicant Response:
“The hardship was caused by the existing parking area which affected the original layout
of the apartment complex. The corner of the building would need to be removed and
reconstructed 0.20’ (2½”) closer to the site which would be an economic hardship on the
owners of the property.”
Staff Response:
Staff notes that the Applicant sought to build the apartment building as close to the lot
line on Blue Hen Boulevard as possible, so as to ensure that the building was at least 15
feet from the parking lot as required in Zoning Ordinance Article 6 §5.3. They also note
that the only reason they encroached into the 30 ft setback was an oversight. They put the
foundations where required by Code but accidentally did not account for the exterior wall
cladding, which would slightly overhang the foundation by 2.5 inches. The applicant has
stated that, were the variance not to be approved, they would incur an economic hardship
as they would not be able to utilize the nearly completed apartment building and would
have to partly demolish the part (northern wall) of the structure and reconstruct so as to
be compliant with the 30-foot front yard setback. Planning Staff would agree with this
being an unnecessary hardship.
Variance Recommendations
Staff recommends approval of the variance to allow decreasing the minimum front yard setback
for a multiple-dwelling unit structure in the RG-2 zone to 29 feet and 9.5 inches, as pertaining
specifically to Building 24 (Addressed as 101 Ipswich Court). Staff recommends approval for
reasons as follows:
• The decrease in minimum setback requirements is not significant enough to pose any
detrimental affect on the neighboring properties. The current minimum allowed front
yard setback for a multiple dwelling unit building in the RG-2 zone is 30 ft. and the
applicant is proposing reducing this minimum for just one of their apartment buildings to
only 29 ft. 9.5 inches. This is a total reduction of only 2.5 inches. The applicant has stated
that they were built so close to the lot line for the purpose keeping the required minimum
of 15 ft. away from the parking lot on the other side of the building. While the apartment
building foundations were placed at the 30 ft. minimum setback, once the exterior wall
cladding materials were placed, the structure ultimately was 29 feet 9.5 inches from the
lot line. It was error made in calculating for the siding and trim that were added at later
stages of wall construction that created the non-conformity.
• To the northwest of the subject Apartment Building is the recreational field for East
Dover Elementary School. The apartment building is screened from the adjacent road and
school property by landscaping. To the northeast are single family-dwellings which are
further screened from the site by a wooden fence and landscaping. These site elements,
together with the relatively small scale of the variance, minimize any impacts that
neighboring properties may incur were the variance to be granted.
Page 150
V-18-13 Blue Hen Apartments at 101 Ipswich Ct.
Board of Adjustment Report
Page 7 of 8
• As the building is nearly completed, Staff believes it would be an unnecessary hardship
for the applicant to not have this variance request approved.
Advisory Comments to the Applicant
• Approval of a variance does not constitute a Building Permit. A Building Permit must be
received from the City of Dover prior to the start of any construction work. In this case,
documentation of the action on the variance would need to be added to the Building
Permit already issued for this apartment building and its compliance evaluated as part of
the Final Inspections for the building.
Page 151
V-18-13 Blue Hen Apartments at 101 Ipswich Ct.
Board of Adjustment Report
APPENDIX/ATTACHMENTS
GUIDE TO ATTACHMENTS
Exhibit Description/Author # Pages
A Zoning Exhibit Map 1
(Staff)
B Criteria Responses (Applicant) 2
C Site Plan identifying the apartment building 1 (36” x 24”)
subject of Variance request (Applicant)
D Series of photos showing the garages which are the 5
subject of this application
Page 152
City of Dover Exhibit A
Application No.: V-18-13
Department of Planning & Inspections
ROS RG-3 RG-3 Little Creek Rd
C-1
C-1A
R-8
IO R-8
l Ct
lvd Bar
nB
He
Ot
e
D
Blu
is
CPO
C
r
vy
Le C-3
L o n g Isla C t
er
ou
rt Ln
owl
Cr F
d
Ct Ct
f
rt a
n
aw
n be
rto sle R-8 Ro
be
ord
Ha
Ki t Av e
m tS Av e
Site
RG-2
K ea rs R-8
t
t AS
SC-2 eC
y
ne Ct
m ag M
Plu
Blu e
nM
He
all
C-4
yR
Ba
SC- ec t
o
2 Hwy 1 r
d
on
IPM
n
n nC
yL State
ir e rg
Ru
C En
ion
eo
at
n
p ort IO nc
ns
h
Tra
Pu
C-4
vd
Bl
er
ov
St
Title: Lands of Blue Hen Apartments LLC
Address: 101 Ipswich Ct, Legend
Parcel ID: ED-05-077.00-01-01.00-000
Subject Property
Zoning: RG-2 (General Residence Zone)
Owner: Blue Hen Apartments LLC Dover Parcels
Date: 12/11/2018 Zoning
2012 Buildings
Kent County Parcels
« 0 250 500 1,000 Feet Dover Boundary
Page 153
November 15, 2018
Ms. Dawn Melson-Williams
Mr. Eddie Diaz
City of Dover Department of Planning
P.O. Box 475
Dover, DE 19903
RE: BLUE HEN APARTMENTS – BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT APPLICATION
Dear Dawn/Eddie:
We would like to make an application for an area variance request for the above referenced project. We
are requesting a variance from Article 4, Section 4.3 of the City of Dover Zoning Ordinance which requires
a setback for all structures. Building 24 was constructed over the setback line with the minimum setback
being 29.8’ for a variance of 0.20’.
Building 24 was constructed on an undeveloped portion of the original Blue Hen Apartments as an infill
development. The building was pushed to the front yard setback line due to meeting the requirement for
Article 6, Section 5.3 that required 15’ spacing from the parking lot to the building windows. We could
not move the existing parking therefore to maintain the required spacing we shifted the building toward
the setback line.
The building in question have a foundation that was placed on the 30’ setback line. Unfortunately, the
vinyl siding and corner trim extend beyond the foundation, creating the non-conformity. The maximum
non-conformity is a 0.20’ encroachment into the setback.
The Area Variance shall be evaluated on the following criteria:
1. The nature of the zone in which the property lies: The property is in the RG-2, General Residence
zone, which allows a mix of commercial and residential uses.
2. The character of the immediate vicinity and the contained uses therein: The adjoining property
on which side the non-conformity exists is zoned IO, Institutional/Office, and is used as a
recreational field. There is landscaping between the building and Blue Hen Mall Road, negating
the appearance of the non-conformity. The other use near the project is the Schoolview
subdivision that is zoned R-8. The rear of the residential houses face the building and there is a
large landscaped buffer and wood fence between the properties.
Page 154
3. Whether, if the restriction upon the applicant’s property were removed, such removal would
seriously affect the neighboring properties and uses: There would not be any effect on the
adjoining property. There is landscaping between the building and Blue Hen Mall Road which
creates a uniform setting. The non-conformity is 0.20’ (2½“) which is not noticeable given the
layout of the site and the landscaping. The land directly adjoining the building is a recreational
field so no neighbors are affected by granting the variance.
4. Whether, if the restriction is not removed, the restriction would create unnecessary hardship or
exceptional practical difficulty for the owner in his efforts to make normal improvements in the
character of that use of the property that is permitted uses under the provision of the zoning
ordinance: The hardship was caused by the existing parking area which affected the original
layout of the apartment complex. The corner of the building would need to be removed and
reconstructed 0.20’ (2½“) closer to the site which would be an economic hardship on the owners
of the property.
We appreciate your consideration in this variance request. Please review this information and call me if
you have any questions.
Sincerely,
LARSON ENGINEERING GROUP, INC.
Douglas J. Liberman
Vice President
Page 155
HASLET STREET
24 25
(PRIVATE R.O.W. WIDTH
BLUE HEN BLVD.
IPSWICH COURT
LONG ISLAND
EXISTING EXISTING
3 STORY
VARIES)
3 STORY
APARTMENT APARTMENT
COURT
BUILDING BUILDING
KIMBERTON COURT
PLUMAGE COURT
ZONED: RG-2
ZONED: SC-2
ZONED: RG-2
LONG ISLAND KIMBERTON COURT KEARSNEY COURT
ZONED: SC-2 CT.
30 3 STORY
BUILDING
6 APT.
UNITS
EXETER COURT
26 27 28 29 31 32 33 35
EXISTING EXISTING EXISTING EXISTING EXISTING EXISTING EXISTING EXISTING
3 STORY 3 STORY 3 STORY 3 STORY 3 STORY 3 STORY 34 3 STORY EXISTING
3 STORY
APARTMENT APARTMENT APARTMENT APARTMENT APARTMENT APARTMENT APARTMENT APARTMENT 3 STORY
BUILDING BUILDING BUILDING BUILDING BUILDING BUILDING BUILDING BUILDING APARTMENT
BUILDING
SHREWSBURY COURT SHREWSBURY COURT SHREWSBURY COURT
36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46
ZONED: RG-2
ZONED: SC-2
28 83 54
30 42 40 56
30 42 40 56
7 11 14 16 18 22 56
21 56
8
56
55
GRAPHIC SCALE
( IN FEET )
1 inch = 60 ft.
DATA COLUMN
SHEET NO. :1 OF 1 CADD FILE:BOAPlan-Bldg-24_BHA
SITE
BLUE HEN APARTMENTS - PHASE 2
VICINITY MAP SCALE: 1"=2000'
·
Notice: These drawings and design are the exclusive property
of Larson Engineering Group, Inc., and shall not be
used, altered or copied without written permission.