Page 1
CITY OF DOVER PLANNING COMMISSION
AGENDA
Wednesday, December 16, 2015 – 7:00 P.M.
City Hall Council Chambers
15 Loockerman Plaza, Dover, Delaware
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
ADOPTION OF MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING of November 16, 2015
COMMUNICATIONS & REPORTS
1) Reminder: The next Planning Commission regular meeting is scheduled for TUESDAY,
January 19, 2016 at 7:00pm in the City Council Chambers.
2) Update on City Council Actions
3) Update on Planning activities
a. Welcome to new Planner: Eddie Diaz
4) Schedule of Deadlines and Meeting Dates for 2016
5) Education & Training Opportunities
OPENING REMARKS CONCERNING DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS
OLD BUSINESS
1) Requests for Extensions of Planning Commission Approval: None
NEW DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS
1) C-15-04 The Grande, Building 4: Planned Neighborhood Design – Senior Citizen Housing
Option – Public Hearing and Review of a Conditional Use Site Plan to establish a Planned
Neighborhood Design development of Senior Citizen Housing. The plan proposes
construction of a four story 62,240 SF apartment building of 48 units (Building 4) and other
associated site improvements at the existing apartment complex which consists of three
apartment buildings known as The Grande. With this project, the complex will consist of a
total of 192 apartment units of Senior Housing. The property is 6.7326 acres ± and is zoned
RG-5 (General Residence Zone for Mid-Rise Apartments) and subject to the COZ-1
(Corridor Overlay Zone). The property is located on the north side of Forrest Avenue (Route
8) just west of the Saulsbury Road intersection. The owner of record is Doveview Investors,
LLC. Property Addresses: 101-405 Doveview Drive. Tax Parcel: ED05-076.07-01-30.00-
000. Council District 1. Waiver Requests: Alternative Design Standards for Alternative
Page 2
City of Dover Planning Commission Agenda
Public Hearing: December 16, 2015
Page 2 of 2
Design Standards for Average and Minimum Lot Area, Building Spacing, Building Height &
Number of Stories, Lot Coverage, Number of Dwelling Units Per Building and Off-Street
Parking; and the Elimination of Rear Emergency Access Requirements. Project includes
review of an Active Recreation Plan.
2) S-15-15 Fordham & Dominion Brewery Building Addition (Phase 2) at 1284 McD Drive –
Public Hearing and Review of a Site Plan application to permit the construction of a 13,370
S.F. addition to the existing Fordham & Dominion Brewery and the associated site
improvements. The property is zoned IPM (Industrial Park Manufacturing Zone) and is
subject to the AEOZ (Airport Environs Overlay Zone): Noise Zones A and B and Accident
Potential Zone II. The subject area is located on the south side of McD Drive near the
intersection with Horsepond Road. The owner of record is William H. McDaniel, Inc.
Property Address: 1284 McD Drive. Tax Parcel: ED-05-077.12-01-13.00-000 (portion).
Council District 2. Waiver Requests: Elimination of Curbing, Reduction in Parking
Requirement, and Partial Elimination of Sidewalk. Application V-09-02 Fordham Brewery
approved a variance to construct the building additions in the floodplain.
3) Z-15-04 Lands of Whatcoat Community Development Inc. at 904-992 Whatcoat Drive:
Rezoning from RG-1 with COZ-1 to RG-2 with COZ-1 – Public Hearing and Review for
Recommendation to City Council on a rezoning application for a 4.282 acre +/- parcel. The
property is zoned RG-1 (General Residence Zone) and subject to the COZ-1 (Corridor
Overlay Zone). The proposed zoning is RG-2 (General Residence Zone) and subject to the
COZ-1 (Corridor Overlay Zone). The property is located on the east side of Saulsbury Road
and south of Whatcoat Drive. The owner of record is Whatcoat Community Development
Inc. and the equitable owner is Whatcoat Village Associates Inc. Addresses: 904, 910, 930,
950, 956, 970, 986, and 992 Whatcoat Drive. Tax Parcel: ED-05-067.19-02-11.00-000.
Council District 4. Ordinance #2015-23. A Public Hearing and Final Reading are scheduled
for action before the City Council on January 11, 2016.
4) MI-15-13 Text Amendment: Definitions of One-Family Dwelling and Manufactured Home
– Public Hearing and Review for Recommendation to City Council of Text Amendments to
Zoning Ordinance, Article 12 – Definitions to amend the definition of “one-family dwelling”
and to add a definition for “manufactured home.” Ordinance #2015-20. A Public Hearing
and Final Reading are scheduled for action before the City Council on January 11, 2016.
NEW BUSINESS
ADJOURN
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.
Posted Agenda: posted December 9, 2015
Page 3
CITY OF DOVER PLANNING COMMISSION
November 16, 2015
The Regular Meeting of the City of Dover Planning Commission was held on Monday, November
16, 2015 at 7:00 PM with Chairman Mr. Tolbert presiding. Members present were Mr. Holden, Mr.
Cregar, Colonel Welsh, Mr. Holt, Mr. Baldwin, Dr. Jones, Ms. Still and Mr. Tolbert. Mr. Ambruso
was absent.
Staff members present were Mrs. Townshend, Mr. Jason Lyon, Mrs. Dawn Melson-Williams and
Mrs. Mullaney. Also present were Mr. Joseph Petrosky and Mr. Jonathan Street. Speaking from the
public were Mr. Tim Gable, Mr. Jonathan White and Mr. Jerry Dunning.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Mr. Cregar moved to approve the agenda as submitted, seconded by Ms. Still and the motion was
unanimously carried 8-0 with Mr. Ambruso absent.
APPROVAL OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES OF OCTOBER
19, 2015
Colonel Welsh moved to approve the Planning Commission Meeting minutes of October 19, 2015,
seconded by Mr. Cregar and the motion was unanimously carried 8-0 with Mr. Ambruso absent.
COMMUNICATIONS & REPORTS
Mrs. Townshend provided an update on the regular City Council and Utility Committee meetings
held on October 26, 2015 and November 9, 2015.
Mrs. Townshend stated that the Commissioners had a listing of the University of Delaware’s
planning related training classes. December 4, 2015 is a class called Walk This Way: Creating ADA
Accessible Communities with Walk Appeal. She thinks it’s one of the first times that this class has
been offered so if any of the Commissioners are interested in attending, they can let Planning Staff
know and they can get them registered.
Mrs. Townshend stated that there is a flyer regarding Division Street Design Week. It is on-going
this week; she just came from the first of the public workshops. They will have public workshops
again tomorrow from 5:00pm to 7:00pm and Thursday will be the final presentation from 5:00pm to
7:00pm located at the Inner City Sankofa Cultural Arts Center. They had about twenty-five (25)
people attend tonight. They had a lot of really good dialogue and good group activities. The focus
tonight was existing conditions and the things that people like about the Division Street and Forrest
Street corridor and the things that people do not like about the corridor. They got that input and they
will be working on that tomorrow and then coming out with some potential vision ideas tomorrow
evening. If any of the Commissioners are able to join them, it would be wonderful.
Mrs. Townshend stated that the Quarterly Workshop Meeting scheduled for this month has been
cancelled.
Mrs. Townshend stated that the next Planning Commission meeting is scheduled for Monday,
December 21, 2015 at 7:00pm in the City Council Chambers.
1
Page 4
CITY OF DOVER PLANNING COMMISSION NOVEMBER 16, 2015
OPENING REMARKS CONCERNING DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS
Mrs. Townshend presented the audience information on policies and procedures for the meeting.
OLD BUSINESS
1) Requests for Extensions of Planning Commission Approval: None
NEW DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS
1) S-15-14 Creekstone Center Development on South Governors Avenue – Public Hearing and Site
Development Master Plan Review to permit construction of a commercial complex in Phases 1-4
consisting of two 2-story, 18,080 S.F. commercial/office buildings and one 5-story, 77,745 S.F.
commercial/office building. One existing 2-story 18,080 S.F. office building and associated site
improvements (shown as Phase 1) was previously constructed under Site Plan S-04-19. The area of
the site consists of 7.6493 acres ± which is also proposed to be subdivided into two lots: Lot 1 of
5.011 acres ± and Lot 2 of 2.6328 acres ±. The property is zoned C-2A (Limited Central
Commercial Zone). The subject property is situated on the west side of South Governors Avenue
near the intersection with Southbee Drive. The owner of record is Creekstone Development, LLC.
Property address: 1198 South Governors Avenue. Tax Parcel: ED-05-86.05-01-12.00-000. Council
District #2. Waivers Requested: Partial Elimination of Curbing, Elimination of Opaque Barrier
Requirement – Fence Component. A previous Site Development Plan S-04-19 Creekstone Center
Development was approved by the Planning Commission in June 2004 with Final Plan approval in
May 2005. The Site Plan expired due to lack of continual construction activity following completion
of the Phase 1 Building.
Representatives: Mr. Joseph Petrosky, Creekstone Development, LLC; Mr. Jonathan Street,
Becker Morgan Group
Mr. Holden recused himself from the application since his employer is the engineer on record.
Mrs. Melson-Williams stated that this is a Site Development Master Plan. It may look somewhat
familiar as it was a project that previously moved through this body back in 2004 and one of the
initial buildings and some of the residential portion was actually constructed. The project sits on the
west side of South Governors Avenue; there is an existing two story office building. This project
proposes a project of four phases with the first phase with Building 1 already being complete.
Phases 2 and 3 would replicate that two story building in the area back towards where there are
residential units and then Phase 4 is the southernmost portion of the site that would be proposed for
the construction of a five story commercial building. The main entrance to the site is from South
Governors Avenue; that interconnection with South Governors Avenue was constructed with the
2004 plan and is part of the street improvements for South Governors Avenue and Southbee Drive
in that area.
As mentioned, this is a project of four phases brought to the Commission in a Master Plan format
which allows for approval of the overall concept of the Master Plan and then each phase of
construction is allowed to move through an Administrative Site Plan review process once the
Master Plan is approved.
2
Page 5
CITY OF DOVER PLANNING COMMISSION NOVEMBER 16, 2015
The property is zoned C-2A (Limited Central Commercial Zone) which is one of the commercial
zones. It does allow for a variety of commercial, retail, service and office type uses. Any tenants in
the buildings that are proposed will have to comply in the uses that are permitted in the C-2A
(Limited Central Commercial Zone).
The project also includes a Subdivision Plan. Currently it is a tract of land of just over 7.60 acres.
They are proposing a Lot 1 area that would consist of Buildings 1, 2 and 3 and then a second lot
would be created that encompasses the area of Building 4 and its associated parking lot area. This is
dividing the large tract of land into two parcels.
The building architecture will continue to follow the concept that was initiated with the Phase 1
building. It is a two story building or a five story building with kind of a hipped roof system. The
exterior walls are clad with Dry-vit and stone veneer detailing and the first floor areas make use of
awnings over window openings.
Parking for the site is required based on a square footage of the building calculation. It is required to
have four hundred and forty (440) parking spaces. Their project plan is showing four hundred fifty-
four (454) parking spaces and the DAC Report outlined a table of parking by phase. It does meet the
requirements for each phase of the parking and then cumulatively overall for the site. The project
includes a series of loading spaces located on the south side of Building 4 as that building has a
loading space requirement. The project is required to have bicycle parking; they will need to
identify those locations on the site as well. Currently, the site has a street frontage sidewalk that
exists and there are portions of sidewalk that lead to Buildings 1 and 4. There are sidewalk areas
around Buildings 2 and 3.
There are two waivers to be considered with this project. The first is a curbing waiver and that is for
the partial elimination of curbing in the area between Buildings 2 and 3. This area is already
constructed as it gives access to the residences on adjoining parcels of land. The curbing relief is
sought by the applicant for stormwater management purposes. The second waiver is related to the
opaque barrier requirement. The waiver is for the elimination of the fence component. Where the
property is adjacent to residential uses, the opaque barrier is required that consists of a landscape
component and this opaque component which is typically presented as a fence. They are seeking
relief from construction of that fence area. The requirement for landscaping in the form of
evergreen trees or a hedge system remains on the plan and cannot be waived by the Planning
Commission.
The DAC Report also provides information about the comments from the other agencies including
the City’s Department of Public Works, the Electric Department, the Fire Marshal’s Office,
DelDOT, Kent Conservation District and the Dover Kent County MPO. She would bring attention
to the recommendations presented on page 7 of the report from the Planning Office. They provide
recommendations on the two waivers. Staff does recommend approval of the request for waiver of
the curbing and of the fence component for the opaque barrier. Related to pedestrian circulation,
Staff has identified while there are some sidewalks that lead into the site to Buildings 1 and 4, the
sidewalk network should be continued to ensure that pedestrians can easily reach Buildings 2 and 3
towards the rear of the property. They think that they are some opportunities for some design
changes to achieve that. The third recommendation is related to careful thinking about where they
place HVAC equipment in relation to the buildings and how that is viewed by the public.
3
Page 6
CITY OF DOVER PLANNING COMMISSION NOVEMBER 16, 2015
Colonel Welsh questioned if the applicant agrees with the recommendations of the Planning Staff?
Responding to Colonel Welsh, Mr. Petrosky stated yes.
Mr. Petrosky stated that he was the developer who took the project through in 2004. They were
fortunate to build the first building and then the recession hit so the market did not allow them to
complete this project. As Mrs. Melson-Williams pointed out, substantial if not a majority of the
infrastructure is already in place and the improvements for entrance, stormwater, utilities and all of
those types of things were built with the first building. Bottom line is yes; they concur with the
recommendations from the Planning Staff.
Colonel Welsh stated that he thinks it’s a nice looking plan.
Mr. Tolbert opened a public hearing.
Mr. Walter Gable – 1222 South Governors Avenue Dover DE 19904
Mr. Gable stated that he was present for the first hearing to express his concern about the privacy
fence that would go along the front of his property and up the driveway. Reason being is that he
likes privacy and he has people walking through back there. Since the development has taken place,
he thinks it looks great and he uses the VA Center himself, but it’s provided a bit of a shortcut for
some people to come through and cut into some of the older neighborhoods. He has actually found
spots were people were sleeping in this area. He was unaware that they were even looking to waive
an opaque barrier; he is very upset to hear about that. He would just like to be put on record for
being opposed to the waiver for the opaque barrier and to have something put up, preferably prior to
construction. The only other comment that he had was that the HVAC was addressed and he just
wanted to ask where that was planned for at this time.
Mr. Petrosky questioned for which building? Responding to Mr. Petrosky, Mr. Gable stated for the
big building.
Mr. Petrosky stated that the building would be roof top units. He asked Mr. Gable if his property
was located in the City limits of Dover. Responding to Mr. Petrosky, Mr. Gable stated that the City
of Dover limit pretty much comes right up his driveway and makes a ninety degree turn towards the
Deats.
Mr. Petrosky further questioned if his property in the City limits? Responding to Mr. Petrosky, Mr.
Gable stated no.
Mr. Petrosky stated that the opaque fence that he thought they were talking about was the division
between the residential condominiums and the office park. When he envisioned this project it was a
mixed use project so there would be a mix of residential, office and light retail. He thinks that most
agencies encourage the cross utilization of sidewalks and to put a fence there just didn’t make any
sense. The people that live in those condominiums don’t want a fence separating the office park
from the residential areas. Responding to Mr. Petrosky, Mr. Gable stated that he agrees with that.
Mr. Petrosky stated that he’s not sure but he is there almost every day and on his property he
doesn’t have any problems. Responding to Mr. Petrosky, Mr. Gable stated that he is just referring to
the portion that the affects the property line that’s about three to four hundred (300-400) feet going
4
Page 7
CITY OF DOVER PLANNING COMMISSION NOVEMBER 16, 2015
north and south and about six hundred (600) feet going towards the road. Mr. Petrosky worked
really well with him before about tree branches and everything and he appreciates that. He has been
great to work with; he is very approachable.
Mr. Jonathan White – 1156 South Governors Avenue Dover DE 19904
Mr. White stated that he resides as 1156 South Governors Avenue which is a parsonage on the same
property as the Dover Church of Christ; it’s on the north end of this property plan. He wants to echo
what the gentleman before him said; it’s a very nice looking building that’s there right now and
more like that will be very aesthetically pleasing. His primary concern is with privacy given the
topographical nature. Building 2 all of the windows along that property line would have a direct eye
line sight into the entirety of his back yard and into his house. This is a concern for himself, his wife
and son. His request would be that when the property was initially put in there was a six (6) foot
privacy fence but because of topography at the land area where Building 2 is, is substantially higher
than the elevation of his house so far any building there, the first and second floor will have a direct
line of view directly into his back yard and house. He would request some trees; something taller or
higher that would be able to block the line of view. Already, when people are parked in the parking
lot they can see in his house and back yard. With increasing the use of that area, increasing people
and windows and such he would really appreciate some trees.
Mr. Petrosky stated that on that boundary line there is currently a six (6) foot fence and there’s
currently a tree line.
Mr. White used the display map to show Mr. Petrosky the area where his home is located. He stated
that building buildings there would allow for people to see directly into his yard and house.
Mr. Tolbert closed the public hearing.
Mr. Holt questioned if there was a Traffic Impact Study done on this property? Responding to Mr.
Holt, Mrs. Melson-Williams stated that the entrance design for this project occurred back with the
2004 project. At that time the South Governors Avenue street improvement project was in the
design phase and almost being built. At that point in time she believes that the applicant worked
directly with DelDOT knowing what the build-out of this site was going to be to design the entrance
seen there today. Also what happened in that area was Southbee Drive was re-configured which is
the intersecting street right across from this entrance. As to what types of studies DelDOT may have
done at that time, she is sure there were some traffic counts based on the proposed uses of the
project since it was known at that point in time.
Mr. Petrosky stated that this project was designed and approved exactly how it’s being presented
today. At the time, DelDOT was designing the Governors Avenue improvements so they had all
kinds of studies going on for Governors Avenue. The exact same square footage was analyzed at the
time. The deal that he made with DelDOT was that he gave them ten to fifteen (10-15) feet of right-
of-way so that they would build the entrance when the time came that they did the Governors
Avenue improvements. It’s kind of frustrating to him when he put all this money into this
development and there’s some criticism of items that were analyzed, constructed and paid for. The
only reason we are here is unfortunately because of the recession this project couldn’t continue
construction. The City of Dover doesn’t have a mechanism other than after two (2) years you have
5
Page 8
CITY OF DOVER PLANNING COMMISSION NOVEMBER 16, 2015
to start over again and that’s the shame of it for a person like him who has this kind of investment
already in the ground and to now be criticized about something that was approved a long time ago.
Colonel Welsh stated that he didn’t know that there was any criticism; he thinks it was just a
question. Responding to Colonel Welsh, Mr. Petrosky stated that he was sorry.
Mr. Holt stated that the stream in that area is a Puncheon Run stream that has kind of a history of
flooding or did have that a few years ago. Every time there was heavy rain, there was flooding in
the area. He guesses they have a retention pond that he is assuming would accommodate that large
amount of water during a flood stage or a storm.
Mr. Tolbert questioned if Mr. Holt is saying that flooding still occurs there? Responding to Mr.
Tolbert, Mr. Holt stated that he was wondering if the area was going to be able to handle this.
Mrs. Townshend stated that their improvements are outside the floodplain. The properties that have
continual problems with flooding are in the flood plain which is where the water goes. There’s been
development upstream of this area. There’s been significant over-management on construction
projects including the West Dover Connector, Eden Hill and those projects upstream of this site.
This is not expected to make that condition any worse and all of their improvements are above the
flood plain level.
Mr. Cregar moved to approve S-15-14 Creekstone Center Development Site Development Master
Plan, including the two waivers requested for the partial elimination of curbing and elimination of
the opaque barrier fence component in accordance with the DAC Report and all recommendations.
Additionally, the Master Plan proposes a Minor Subdivision which will also require a record plat
for recordation at some point. In making the motion for the approval of the Master Plan, it depicts
the general layout, the buildings, the streets, the open spaces, landscape and stormwater
management areas. This is a plan that was before the Planning Commission previously and meets
the requirements of the Zoning Ordinance, seconded by Colonel Welsh and the motion as
unanimously carried 7-0 by roll call vote with Mr. Holden recused and Mr. Ambruso absent. Mr.
Cregar voting yes. Colonel Welsh voting yes, for the reason that it was previously approved, little
or no change and he thinks it’s a very attractive plan and will serve the City well. Mr. Holt voting
yes, it has been approved and according to the plans he thinks it will be an improvement to the area
and will serve the City very well. Mr. Baldwin voting yes, for the reasons previously stated. Dr.
Jones voting yes, concurring with the previously stated comments and the recommendations of the
DAC. She thinks it’s a very attractive facility and will certainly add to Dover. Ms. Still voting yes,
concurring with all the previous comments in regard to the site and it’s compliance with the Code.
Mr. Tolbert voting yes, concurring with all the comments made. He also wants to thank the
applicants; having had a negative experience, they have been very easy to work with and they
appreciate their attitude and their compliance with what’s been requested of them so far.
2) MI-15-04 Text Amendment: RC Zone and Temporary Outdoor Activities – Public Hearing and
Review for Recommendation to City Council on Text Amendment to Zoning Ordinance, Article 2 –
District Regulations, Section 18 – Recreational and Commercial Zone (RC). The proposed
Ordinance revisions would establish the permitted uses in the RC zone including Temporary
Outdoor Activities and Temporary Camping Areas and set minimum requirements for such
activities and areas. The proposed Ordinance also outlines the uses in the RC zone subject to
6
Page 9
CITY OF DOVER PLANNING COMMISSION NOVEMBER 16, 2015
Conditional Use approval by the Planning Commission. The proposed Ordinance also deletes Dover
Code of Ordinances, Chapter 14 – Amusements and Entertainments which addresses Outdoor
Music Festivals. Ordinance #2015-17.
Representatives: None
Mrs. Townshend stated that this is an amendment to the Dover Code of Ordinances; most
importantly, the Zoning Ordinance. There are other portions that amend other aspects of the Code
but those are not under the purview of the Planning Commission. The first thing that this does is
eliminates Chapter 14 - Amusements and Entertainments of the Dover Code; that is the portion that
is outside of the Zoning Ordinance. That is an older section of Code that was used for outdoor
music festivals. The most significant portions of this draft ordinance are the changes to the RC
(Recreational and Commercial Zone). Most significantly is the addition of the temporary outdoor
activity and temporary camping areas which are covered on lines 80 through lines 167 of the
Ordinance. There are a few other cleanup things that they did while they were updating the
Ordinance. One change was removing “baseball, football or boxing stadiums or arenas” and just
putting “sports stadiums/arenas.” They added “auto, horse and motorcycle race tracks” and “indoor
and outdoor recreation and amusement establishments” as permitted uses. Under conditional uses,
they took out “auto, horse and motorcycle race tracks” because that would be added to the permitted
uses. They also cleaned up the language and the wording on the accessory uses.
There are fees that are listed as well. Those are actually in Appendix F; they are not actually in the
Zoning Ordinance. The Planning Commission is certainly welcome to weigh in on the fees but it’s
more the substance of the Ordinance that the recommendation to City Council would include.
She went through the DAC comments so she has amendments listed on the Staff Report that would
address those issued brought up in the DAC comments. The first amendment is actually something
that was brought to her attention by Mr. Jerry Dunning of Dover International Speedway. It’s that
the Ordinance does not have casinos listed and that’s supposed to be added to the draft and was
overlooked in her drafting. So one amendment would be to add “casinos” and re-letter things
accordingly. Lines 86 through lines 91 where it says “a plan is required” based on the Public Works
comments they would add “plans must also include water supply, wastewater disposal, sanitation,
erosion and sediment controls and maintenance of traffic as it relates to City streets.” So that’s what
Public Works would be looking for on a plan submission. On line 109 where it talks about
prohibited discharges, it says “no activity associated with a temporary outdoor activity shall be
permitted to discharge any substance including wash-water”; it would be “including but not limited
to”. On lines 112 and 113 regarding the temporary camping areas it says that they would be
permitted within all zones, that is a holdover from when they pulled the language from Article 6 and
since this is specific to the RC (Recreation and Commercial Zone) they wouldn’t want to put
something would be applicable to all zones. On line 149 under camping, a comment from the Fire
Marshal’s Office, for recreational vehicles the requirement of ten (10) feet between recreational
vehicles, the Fire Marshal has asked for the language to say that the ten (10) feet between the
vehicles shall include any bump-out so if there are bump-outs they are not coming right up against
another vehicle. An amendment on line 165 where the language would change to “including but not
limited to” as it relates to types of discharges.
7
Page 10
CITY OF DOVER PLANNING COMMISSION NOVEMBER 16, 2015
Mr. Holden questioned the language of “including” or “excluding” the bump-outs on recreational
vehicles? He sees from a procedural aspect somebody holding an event could say “if I’ve got fifteen
(15) foot trailers coming in I need twenty-five (25) foot wide spots.” The challenge for somebody
holding the event is how big the bump-outs on each vehicle are and how to address that? He doesn’t
know if Staff has had any of those discussions; he understands from a Fire Marshal’s standpoint he
wants to make sure he’s got access. Have there been any discussions relative to if it’s going to be
easily and cleanly applied or are they creating a problem and do they need more discussion on that?
Responding to Mr. Holden, Mrs. Townshend stated that she does not have the answer to that; Mr.
Dunning from the Speedway is here. Can we wait until the public hearing to see if that question gets
answered?
Mr. Holden stated absolutely, Mr. Dunning may have some comments. In the end, he understands
the intent behind the language change but he doesn’t want to create a problem. Responding to Mr.
Holden, Mrs. Townshend stated that she understands his point, that it takes away the predictability
of how wide the camping spaces need to be.
Mr. Holden stated that he wondered if the event holders know that information. Is it standard that
you know you can get a spot that with bump-outs you will have a certain width. He doesn’t want to
create an issue that may be resolvable through some added discussion on that point.
Mr. Cregar questioned if the minimum of thirty (30) days would be enough time? Responding to
Mr. Cregar, Mrs. Townshend stated that it’s currently sixty (60) days in the Code for camping and
they are finding that nobody turns them in sixty (60) days ahead of time. If we know that there’s a
big event coming, they know that they are going to get the applications so it’s been able to work. It
doesn’t make much sense to keep it at sixty (60) days when nobody is meeting that anyway.
Mrs. Townshend stated that ultimately these are the changes to the RC (Recreational and
Commercial Zone). Staff will look to bring forward in either Article 5 Supplementary Regulations
and/or Article 6 Parking, something that would kind of mirror this for other zones. When we have
large events, there is pretty much camping everywhere. Right now, there is the provision for
recreational vehicle parking that is specifically related to motorsports events but it specifically says
motorsports and recreational vehicles. What we find is that with a lot of these events, the tent
camping, especially with music festivals, is becoming more popular. Staff will need to go back and
change that portion of the Code as well and then there would be some provisions also for temporary
outdoor events that wouldn’t be quite as expansive as they are being presented in the RC
(Recreational and Commercial Zone). But there are special events like carnivals held at the Dover
Mall and things like that that they want to make sure they have a way to address in the Zoning
Ordinance. This was the higher priority because Staff is working with the Speedway to annex the
unincorporated areas.
Mr. Tolbert opened a public hearing.
Mr. Jerry Dunning – Dover International Speedway 1131 North DuPont Highway Dover, DE
19901
Mr. Dunning stated that he would do his best to attempt to answer the questions; however, he didn’t
realize or wasn’t informed that there was a DAC meeting held on this subject because he would
8
Page 11
CITY OF DOVER PLANNING COMMISSION NOVEMBER 16, 2015
have been there if he knew. He just received these comments tonight but there isn’t any great
concern with any of them.
Mr. Holden stated that he was curious on his thoughts on the Fire Marshal’s recommended language
change that would include bump-outs and require ten (10) feet of separation between the bump-out
and the adjacent vehicle. Responding to Mr. Holden, Mr. Dunning stated that it would be difficult.
Not necessarily will it affect the Speedway any differently than any other business or property
owner who is trying to park RVs. He doesn’t know standards that other property owners are being
held to but he knows that the Speedway’s parking spaces for RVs are twenty-five (25) feet wide as
it exists. He has noticed over time it’s getting better but there are not as many campers around for
race weekends as there used to be so it’s probably not as big of a problem. There used to be a lot of
places with parking much closer than that and he guesses that they were the first ones to do that out
of their own desire for safety. They have their own fire safety security employees and it just became
important to them so that’s how the standard got developed, that they were protecting the people
staying in the camp grounds. If an RV only had one bump-out and they are typically 30-36 inches, it
would not be a problem but in today’s world RVs have bump-outs on both sides in many cases so
now 6-7 feet has been added to the unit. There’s a possibility to get them to still be ten (10) feet
apart but it could present difficulties because people inadvertently park where they need to; they
will park on the line then the bump-out goes out and is in someone else’s space or vice versa. If it
goes both ways, it’s probably problematic. He doesn’t recall any conversations that took place
between the City’s Fire Marshal and the Speedway’s fire guys so he is puzzled by the language at
this point and what the Fire Marshal’s justification was for his recommendation.
Colonel Welsh questioned if this recommendation is set in stone? Responding to Colonel Welsh,
Mrs. Townshend stated that it’s a recommendation that’s not in the Ordinance so it would need to
be a separate action from the Commission to recommend it.
Colonel Welsh stated that it’s an excellent point but he thinks it is virtually impossible for the City
to enforce. He doesn’t see how we could expect Dover Downs or any other agency to enforce that.
When you accept a reservation, how do you know what the bump-out is and how do you know the
size of the bump-out on the camper parked next to you is?
Mr. Holden stated that he thinks it’s important to have a policy and an Ordinance that works and
that’s also protective to the public so he wonders if there is further discussion that might be had on
this. If there’s a standard width then maybe the Fire Marshal working with some of the entities that
do these types of events could come up with a path that alleviates how you police it. We don’t want
to create an Ordinance that is setting a booby trap.
Colonel Welsh stated that you can’t have someone out there with a tape measure. Something that’s
less specific and a little more general in nature like that the room between the campers including
bump-outs would be such that it would still provide safe passage. Responding to Colonel Welsh,
Mr. Dunning stated that the Ordinance does go on to say “an exception to this shall be subject to
review by the Fire Marshal upon determination that the safety objectives of this subsection are
achieved.” So that gives the Fire Marshal lee way to approve or not he guesses.
9
Page 12
CITY OF DOVER PLANNING COMMISSION NOVEMBER 16, 2015
Mrs. Townshend stated that one other option would be to just take out the sentence regarding bump-
outs so that it’s silent on bump-outs; she doesn’t know if that helps or hurts. Or the Ordinance could
be left as it is.
Mr. Holden stated that if it’s at a plan level that we are approving, we have no idea where the
campers are going to be parked and where the bump-outs are going to be. He thinks we should try
to address this concern in a different fashion versus instituting the language as it was recommended
to be included.
Mrs. Townshend stated that as it relates, there are six (6) proposed amendments. We can go through
the amendments one by one and have the Planning Commission make a recommendation on each
one and that can be reported with the Planning Commission action to City Council. She thinks there
is valid discussion here.
Mr. Dunning questioned if they would do that independent of this meeting or if the Commission
would do that tonight to keep things moving along? Responding to Mr. Dunning, Mrs. Townshend
stated that they would do it tonight. They do have a little bit of time so she would say after tonight,
they can re-group later this week after talking to Mr. Mullaney and Mr. Klima. If it ends up not
being an issue or they decide that a discussion needs to be had before it goes to Council, then they
can do that.
Mr. Dunning stated that he is open to however Mrs. Townshend wants to handle it. He is does quick
math, if a bump-out is a maximum of three (3) feet that would make the unit fourteen (14) feet. You
would actually have room theoretically. You would have room to always have ten (10) feet. It’s
based on the placement of the unit in the space. That could be somewhat subjective to people who
are parking.
Colonel Welsh stated that there should be at least five (5) feet on each side of the camper and the
neighboring camper should have at least five (5) feet on each side as well which would create ten
(10) feet of space between each camper. He thinks that they need to think in terms of generalities
and not specific feet. He thinks “to ensure safe passage” would probably be good verbiage. He
doesn’t think they need to tie Dover Downs or anybody else’s hands to be the enforcement agency
that ensures when somebody either makes a reservation or shows up at the track. He thinks that a lot
of times it’s first come first serve. Responding to Colonel Welsh, Mr. Dunning stated that some lots
are first come first serve and other lots are reserved in advance so it’s a mixed use.
Colonel Welsh questioned if there has been an issue in the past that has occurred? Responding to
Colonel Welsh, Mr. Dunning stated no, not that he is aware of.
Mr. Tolbert questioned if in the past, Dover Downs marked all spaces prior to the event?
Responding to Mr. Tolbert, Mr. Dunning stated yes, they always mark the spaces.
Mr. Tolbert further questioned if they continue to do that? Responding to Mr. Tolbert, Mr. Dunning
stated yes, it’s twenty-five (25) feet for RVs. They pretty much keep the same standard in
motorsports; everybody gets twenty-five (25) feet width with forty-five (45) feet of depth.
10
Page 13
CITY OF DOVER PLANNING COMMISSION NOVEMBER 16, 2015
Colonel Welsh stated that he can’t imagine that twenty-five (25) feet isn’t going to provide a safe
distance between vehicles whether it’s nine (9) feet or eleven (11) feet between each camper; it’s
going to be there.
Mr. Dunning stated that another thing that does happen, but it’s rare, is that you get combinations of
people with bump-outs side by side. Most of the time you have somebody with bump-outs and then
the next guy may be a pop-up camper. It’s just the way it is. Sometimes there are bump-outs on
units side by side but it’s probably more rare than not. Could that change in a higher valued lot?
Yes, but currently the Speedway doesn’t have any lots like that.
Mr. Holden stated that it sounds like the Commission could recommend that that the third
amendment not be included pending the Fire Marshal working with entities to come up with plan. It
seems like with the Fire Marshal, if there is a concern or has been issues can work on how the plan
is laid out and if twenty-five (25) foot width is appropriate versus trying to control positioning or
parking of each unit.
Mrs. Townshend stated like Mr. Dunning stated, she thinks the issue where you have things kind of
jammed in a little too close are in other locations, not on the Speedway property.
Mr. Holden stated that personally he doesn’t feel that the amendment is appropriate for what they
have talked about so maybe the Fire Marshal can work to help develop a width standard as Dover
Downs has done. Maybe a twenty-five (25) foot by forty-five (45) foot width for RV and trailers
that have bump-outs and that’s appropriate to allow for the variability in how people park. To him,
it reads as a booby trap for someone who shows up and starts to measure the distances between
campers and finds a couple that are nine (9) feet bump-out to bump-out.
Mrs. Townshend stated if it were modified to say recreational vehicle camping spaces shall be a
minimum of twenty-five (25) feet in width, will that work? Responding to Mrs. Townshend, Mr.
Dunning stated that was fine, that’s where they are now.
Mrs. Townshend stated that could be added to Line 144 before you get to the ten (10) feet issue.
Colonel Welsh questioned if anybody knows what the purpose of the ten (10) foot separation was?
Responding to Colonel Welsh, Mrs. Townshend stated that the issue is that there have been a
handful of occasions where there’s been a fire, typically propane related, and the ten (10) feet
provides spacing so that the fire doesn’t travel from one unit to another.
Colonel Welsh further questioned if it’s an egress access or any kind of emergency vehicle access
issue? Responding to Colonel Welsh, Mr. Dunning stated that it was done about 10-12 years ago
and the intent was to separate the flammable units. If a fire got started by some means, whether
somebody had a propane leak and a fire started, it helped to control the fire by them not being so
close together or igniting other units close by. They were part of that; they agreed to the process of
widening the spaces to twenty-five (25) feet. Their spaces prior to that were twenty (20) feet wide.
The requirement was kind of uniform throughout the City at that point.
Colonel Welsh stated that makes sense but to include the bump-outs, you are not going to put your
grill outside of the furthest bump-out that you have; you are going to have it up by the door.
11
Page 14
CITY OF DOVER PLANNING COMMISSION NOVEMBER 16, 2015
Responding to Colonel Welsh, Mrs. Townshend stated that from a practical standpoint, the way that
campers are set-up, you’ve got the camper and on one side of the camper you’ve got your social
area so you’re likely to have that space. At this point the Ordinance is just what you have in front of
you. Any of these amendments would be addressed through a motion so you could do a series of
motions to either recommend in favor of the amendment or recommend that Council does not
include a certain amendment.
Mr. Dunning stated that on lines 86-91 regarding the language pertaining to “Plans also must
include water supply, wastewater disposal, sanitation plan, erosion and sediment controls, and
maintenance of traffic as it relates to any City streets,” he doesn’t know what the plan is for some
parts of the RC (Recreational and Commercial Zone) even having a water or sewer requirement on
them. Where the Festival is right now, the Festival organizers haven’t asked for anything like that
because they are controlling everything by portable means. Responding to Mr. Dunning, Mr. Lyon
stated that basically what Public Works is looking for is if there’s anything that’s going to be
connected or used from the City, any sort of water tap they want to be aware of it just so they can
understand what kind of use is needed and if they need to turn on more wells. If it’s something that
is brought in, for Firefly the water was brought in it wasn’t through the City’s system, they could
just say not applicable and the Public Works Department would be fine with that.
Mrs. Townshend questioned if they could in their event permit indicate that water will be brought
in, wastewater will be removed from the site, they will handle all sanitation and that there is no land
disturbance so there is no erosion and sediment control and there’s no influence on City streets?
Responding to Mrs. Townshend, Mr. Lyon stated yes, it’s a resource issue; if it’s anything that has
to do with the City’s resources then they need to know ahead of time.
Mr. Dunning stated that he is not opposed to this language; he just wanted to understand the context
of why it was added in here. At some point, there may be a desire of the Festival management team
to put in a bathroom somewhere in which case then there is going to be water and sewer.
Responding to Mr. Dunning, Mrs. Townshend stated that would be a Site Plan because they are
going to look at that separately.
Mr. Dunning stated that unfortunately it seems like it shouldn’t be too early for them but it’s a little
early for them to decide if they are going to put permanent stuff on the site. He doesn’t know what
their true plans are. They are supposed to see their latest Site Plan next week or later this week and
it will still be in flux. What they’ve got so far, he doesn’t think there is anything that will require or
have the desire for permanent water supply but he doesn’t know for sure.
Mrs. Townshend stated that she thinks it’s cleaner if the Commission makes a motion on each text
amendment.
Colonel Welsh stated that he was curious on what was decided on lines 149. Responding to Colonel
Welsh, Mrs. Townshend stated that the way she sees it, the Commission could simply not accept the
amendment or they could accept the amendment or one thing that could be done is in lieu of that
amendment on line 144 “after parking recreational vehicles” you could insert “recreational vehicle
camping spaces shall be a minimum of twenty-five (25) feet in width.”
Colonel Welsh stated that he likes that suggestion.
12
Page 15
CITY OF DOVER PLANNING COMMISSION NOVEMBER 16, 2015
Mr. Holden stated that he thinks it works well with the specific instance that we are talking about in
terms of RVs that come into Dover Downs events. He doesn’t know that it works for all so he goes
back to if there hasn’t been an issue created by this piece of Code why do we change it before we
know what we need to change it to or what problem we are trying to resolve? Do pop-up trailers at a
smaller event need twenty-five (25) foot wide by forty-five (45) foot long spots? He is concerned to
make that blanket change; he would lean towards leaving it as is if this Code hasn’t caused a
problem and we get back to what problem they are trying to resolve.
Colonel Welsh stated that he would agree with that because if it’s not a problem he doesn’t want to
create a problem. Responding to Colonel Welsh, Mrs. Melson-Williams stated that she believed
during the DAC there was some concern that they were starting to see a lot more bump-outs and the
close proximity thereof. She doesn’t know that they cited a certain number but it was in looking at
this Code versus before it was more of a policy statement.
Mrs. Townshend stated that it’s in the Article 6; everything related to RVs comes right out of that
Article, the only change is the addition of tent camping.
Mr. Holden stated that maybe RVs with bump-outs need a specific citation. He is concerned to
make a change. Responding to Mr. Holden, Mrs. Townshend stated that one thing that could be
done would be to monitor it and if it needs to be changed in the future then it gets changed in the
future. The other question is they’ve got twenty-five (25) foot wide spaces. If the issue isn’t on
these sites is it on others? This could certainly be monitored.
Colonel Welsh questioned if the Fire Marshals were are present during the course of the weekend
looking at the various spots ensuring that nothing is unsafe? Responding to Colonel Welsh, Mr.
Dunning stated yes, the City of Dover’s Fire Marshal and assistants are out there all the time back
and forth; they are always welcome. They work with the Speedway’s guys on the safety side just to
make sure that if anyone spots something that they feel needs to be addressed then the Speedway
will address it.
Colonel Welsh further questioned if the Speedway’s guys were there on a daily basis, hour by hour
to inspect and enforce? Responding to Colonel Welsh, Mr. Dunning stated yes, to look at all those
things.
Mrs. Townshend stated that quite honestly, once the vehicles are parked they are parked. Unless
you see somebody put up something that blocks; it’s impractical to require somebody to move once
everything’s parked. Responding to Mrs. Townshend, Mr. Dunning stated that in some cases it’s
really tough.
Mrs. Townshend stated that’s where the City ends up working with the Speedway. That’s part of the
reason that they’ve added the standards for tents because there had been issues where tents weren’t
placed safely.
Mr. Dunning stated that a pop-up is still to them represents a trailer that someone’s living in so they
get a twenty-five (25) foot space as well. Any wheeled unit that comes in is going to get twenty-five
(25) feet of space.
13
Page 16
CITY OF DOVER PLANNING COMMISSION NOVEMBER 16, 2015
Mr. Tolbert closed the public hearing.
Mr. Holden questioned if it was best to address the text amendment as written and then the staff
amendments after? Responding to Mr. Holden, Mrs. Townshend stated that typically it would be the
opposite. It would be the amendments and then the Ordinance with the amendments as
recommended.
Mr. Holden moved to recommend approval to City Council for MI-15-04 specifically the
recommended amendment to Line 72 to add Item (h) Casinos and to re-letter subsequent items
accordingly, seconded by Colonel Welsh and the motion was unanimously carried 8-0 with Mr.
Ambruso absent.
Mr. Holden moved to recommend approval to City Council for MI-15-04 specifically the
recommended amendment to Lines 86-91 to add the following language “plans must also include
water supply, wastewater disposal, sanitation plan, erosion and sediment controls and maintenance
of traffic as it relates to any City streets,” seconded by Mr. Holt and the motion was unanimously
carried 8-0 with Mr. Ambruso absent.
Mr. Holden moved to recommend approval to City Council for MI-15-04 specifically the
recommended amendment to Line 109 to add the words “but not limited to” after “including,”
seconded by Colonel Welsh and the motion was unanimously carried 8-0 with Mr. Ambruso absent.
Mr. Holden moved to recommend approval to City Council for MI-15-04 specifically the
recommended amendment to Lines 112-113 to remove the words “within all zones,” seconded by
Colonel Welsh and the motion was unanimously carried 8-0 with Mr. Ambruso absent.
Mr. Holden moved to recommend to City Council for MI-15-04 specifically the recommended
amendment to Line 149 to keep the language as written pending further review by the Fire Marshal
in coordination with local entities, seconded by Dr. Jones and the motion was unanimously carried
8-0 with Mr. Ambruso absent.
Mr. Holden moved to recommend approval to City Council for MI-15-04 specifically the
recommended amendment to Line 165 to add the words “but not limited to” after “including,”
seconded by Ms. Still and the motion was unanimously carried 8-0 with Mr. Ambruso absent.
Mrs. Townshend stated that they need a motion for the recommendation on Ordinance #2015-17
with the amendments being addressed as previously specified.
Mr. Holden moved to recommend approval to City Council for MI-15-04 Text Amendments to the
RC (Recreational and Commercial Zone) in the Zoning Ordinance Article 3 District Regulations
Section 18 as previously discussed and including the recommendations for the reviewed
amendments, seconded by Ms. Still and the motion was unanimously carried 8-0 with Mr. Ambruso
absent.
Meeting adjourned at 8:15 PM.
Sincerely,
14
Page 17
CITY OF DOVER PLANNING COMMISSION NOVEMBER 16, 2015
Kristen Mullaney
Secretary
15
Page 18
CITY OF DOVER APPLICATIONS TO PLANNING COMMISSION FOR CONDITIONAL USE, SITE PLANS, SUBDIVISION, &
REZONING 11.10.2015
Schedule of APPLICATION DEADLINES, DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE meeting dates, PLANNING COMMISSION meeting dates, and CITY
COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING dates for 2016 filing deadlines. A Pre-Application Meeting must be conducted with Planning Staff prior to filing of an
Application. Application filing deadline is by 4:00 P.M. on designated dates.
January February March April May June July August September October November December
Application 12/2/16
Deadline 1/4/16 2/5/16 3/4/16 4/1/16 5/6/16 6/3/16 7/1/16 8/5/16 9/2/16 10/7/16 11/4/16 Rezoning
11/18/16
CITY COUNCIL –
Rezoning Ordinance 1/25/16 2/22/16 3/28/16 4/25/16 5/23/16 6/27/16 7/25/16 8/22/16 9/26/16 10/24/16 11/28/16 12/12/16
First Reading
D.A.C. MEETING
(STAFF ONLY) 1/27/16 3/2/16 3/30/16 4/27/16 6/1/16 6/29/16 7/27/16 8/31/16 9/28/16 11/2/16 11/30/16 12/28/16
D.A.C. MEETING
(APPLICANT) 2/3/16 3/9/16 4/6/16 5/4/16 6/8/16 7/6/16 8/3/16 9/7/16 10/5/16 11/9/16 12/7/16 1/4/17
PLANNING
COMMISSION - 2/16/16 3/21/16 4/18/16 5/16/16 6/20/16 7/18/16 8/15/16 9/19/16 10/17/16 11/21/16 12/19/16 1/17/17
Public Hearings,
Rezoning
Recommendations
CITY COUNCIL
Action on 3/14/16 4/11/16 5/9/16 6/13/16 7/11/16 8/8/16 9/12/16 10/10/16 11/14/16 12/12/16 1/9/17 2/13/17
Rezonings:
Consideration of PC
Recommendation and
Public Hearing/Final
Reading – Rezoning
Ordinance
***Planning Staff will advise applicant as to the Committee Meetings schedule if applicable to the Application submission.
For Information Contact:
City of Dover Department of Planning & Inspections, City Hall, 15 Loockerman Plaza P.O. Box 475, Dover DE 19903
(302)736-7196 Phone (302)736-4217 Fax www.cityofdover.com Email: planning@cityofdover.com
Page 19
City of Dover
DATA SHEET FOR CONDITIONAL USE SITE PLAN REVIEW
DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING OF December 9, 2015
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING OF December 16, 2015
Plan Title: The Grande, Building 4: Planned Neighborhood Design – Senior
Citizen Housing Option
Plan Type: Conditional Use Site Plan for PND
Property Location: West of Saulsbury Road and on the north side of Forrest Avenue
Property Addresses: 101-405 Doveview Drive
Owner/Applicants: Doveview Investors, LLC
Tax Parcel: ED-05-076.07-01-30.00-000
Present Zoning: RG-5 (General Residence for Mid Rise Apartments Zone)
COZ-1 (Corridor Overlay Zone)
Site Area: 6.7326 ac. +/-
Present Use: 3 Apartment Buildings (Total 144 units)
Proposed Use: Planned Neighborhood Design Senior Citizen Housing Option
4 Apartment Buildings (Total 192 units)
Building Areas: Existing Building 1 62,144 S.F.
Existing Building 2 61,992 S.F.
Existing Building 3 62,240 S.F.
Proposed Building 4 62,240 S.F.
TOTAL 248,616 S.F.
Off Street Parking: Required – 432 spaces
Proposed – 250 spaces
Sewer & Water: City of Dover
PND Considerations: Alternative Design Standards for PND:
Average Lot Area per Dwelling Unit
Minimum Lot Area per Dwelling Unit
Off-Street Parking Reduction
P. O. Box 475 Dover, DE 19903
Community Excellence Through Quality Service
Page 20
C-15-04 The Grande, Building 4: Planned Neighborhood Design Option – Senior Citizen Housing Option
DAC Report of December 9, 2015
Page 2
Building Spacing
Building Height
Number of Stories
Lot Coverage
Average Number of Dwelling Units Per Building
Waiver Requested: Elimination of Rear Emergency Access Requirement
Page 21
City of
Dover
CITY OF DOVER
Planning
Office
DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
APPLICATION REVIEW COMMENTARY
D.A.C. MEETING DATE: December 9, 2015
APPLICATION: The Grande, Building 4: Planned Neighborhood Design – Senior Citizen
Housing Option
FILE #: C-15-04 REVIEWING AGENCY: City of Dover Planning
CONTACT PERSON: Dawn Melson-Williams, AICP PHONE #: (302) 736-7196
PLAN SUMMARY:
This Conditional Use Site Plan Review is for The Grande, Building 4 to establish a Planned
Neighborhood Design development of Senior Citizen Housing. The plan proposes construction
of a four story 62,240 SF apartment building of 48 units (Building 4) and other associated site
improvements at the existing apartment complex which consists of three apartment buildings
known as The Grande. With this project, the complex will consist of a total of 192 apartment
units of Senior Housing. The property is 6.7326 acres ± and is zoned RG-5 (General Residence
Zone for Mid-Rise Apartments) and subject to the COZ-1 (Corridor Overlay Zone). The property
is located on the north side of Forrest Avenue (Route 8) just west of the Saulsbury Road
intersection. The owner of record is Doveview Investors, LLC. Property Addresses: 101-405
Doveview Drive. Tax Parcel: ED05-076.07-01-30.00-000. Council District 1.
Previous Applications
The site was previously approved as a Planned Neighborhood Design: Senior Citizen Housing
Option known as DoveView Senior Apartments (C-06-02) for four (4) buildings with 192
dwelling units.1 The C-06-02 plan was reviewed by the Planning Commission on August 22,
2006 and Final Plan Approval was granted on October 23, 2007. Construction commenced on
two of the proposed apartment buildings. Construction ceased on the site for more than a year
and the Site Plan and Building Permits expired leaving two partially constructed buildings on the
site.
The Planning Commission reviewed a rezoning request for the property from IO (Institutional
and Office Zone) to RG-5 (General Residence for Mid Rise Apartment Zone) and subject to
COZ-1 (Corridor Overlay Zone) on February 22, 2011 and City Council approved the rezoning
request on April 11, 2011. (MI-11-01/Z-11-03)
In order to resume the construction of the apartment complex, a new application as Site
Development Plan S-11-12 Doveview Apartments (Buildings 1-3) was submitted and
1
The property was initially proposed as a Planned Neighborhood Design – Senior Citizen Housing Option project
with Conditional Use Site Plan C-03-08 Fountainview Senior Housing Option in 2003-2004 but it expired prior to
Final Plan approval. The project scope was revised and resubmitted as application C-06-02.
Page 22
C-15-04 The Grande, Building 4: Planned Neighborhood Design – Senior Citizen Housing Option
DAC Report of December 9, 2015
Page 2
conditionally approved by the Planning Commission in August 2011. The project was proposed
for development under the provisions for mid-rise apartments in the RG-5 zone. The project
proposed completion of the two partially constructed apartment buildings and construction of a
third 4-story building for a total of 144 apartment units. The project received with Final Plan
approval in July 2012 and construction has been completed as proposed in Site Plan S-11-12.
CURRENT PROJECT
The current project proposes the development of a fourth apartment building at the complex
known as The Grande. The plan is seeking approval as a Planned Neighborhood Design – Senior
Citizen Housing Option. With this proposed 48 unit apartment building, the apartment complex
will consists of a total of 192 units.
Review Process for Planned Neighborhood Design: Senior Citizen Housing Option:
The Planned Neighborhood Design for the Senior Citizen Housing Option (see Zoning
Ordinance, Article 3, Section 24.1 (b)) involves a two or three-step review and approval process.
In the first step, the developer meets with the City Council and presents a general sketch plan to
determine whether or not the proposed project is of such a design and type that warrants further
review by the Planning Commission.
On April 14, 2014, the City Council reviewed project and determined that further review was
warranted (MI-14-06). The second step is a more detailed Conditional Use Site Plan review and
public hearing process before the Planning Commission. (Note: A third review step with the
Planning Commission may be required depending on the type, physical size, and complexity of the
project application. This is not required for this project.) The current application C-15-04 to the
Planning Commission represents the second step in the review process for The Grande: Building 4.
The PND: Senior Citizen Housing Option is permitted all zoning classifications (with the
exception of the M, IPM and C-4 zoning classifications) as a conditional use. Article 3 §24.1b
notes that “preference shall be given to those projects which are within close proximity to public
transit services and which are situated within one-quarter (1/4) mile of a grocery store,
pharmacy, restaurant, physician offices, senior center or similar convenience service
establishment.” The PND: Senior Citizen Housing Option is intended to “…encourage the
development of high quality housing opportunities design to accommodate the particular needs
of senior citizens” by allowing the Planned Neighborhood Design Option through the
Conditional Use process. The PND must present a community design that is in accordance with
the goals and policies of the Comprehensive Plan.
It is important to keep in mind that a PND proposal does not involve a rezoning of the land. The
Planned Neighborhood Design – Senior Citizen Housing Option is plan specific. The land would
remain zoned RG-5 (General Residence Zone for Mid-Rise Apartments). The PND option
allows for a greater variety of housing types and allows for commercial uses while requiring
open space. Also by the Zoning Ordinance provisions, in the PND-SCHO the units shall be deed
restricted to require that the head of household for each housing unit be at least 55 years of age
or older; a copy of document recorded 7/29/2015 restricts the property to older persons per the
Fair Housing Act (on file in Planning Office).
Comprehensive Plan Recommendations
The City of Dover 2008 Comprehensive Plan as amended recommends that this property be
Page 23
C-15-04 The Grande, Building 4: Planned Neighborhood Design – Senior Citizen Housing Option
DAC Report of December 9, 2015
Page 3
utilized for Residential High Density development. As described in the Comprehensive Plan,
High Density involves a development pattern of eight or more dwelling units (page 147-148).
The proposed The Grande, Building 4: PND-SCHO project involves a site density of 28.5
dwelling units per acre.
The Comprehensive Plan also establishes stated goals for various types of land uses within the
City limits. The stated goal for Residential Land Uses is “to develop and maintain an adequate
supply of housing of varying type, size, and densities that are aesthetically pleasing and located
within neighborhoods designed or redesigned to promote convenience, conservation, and access
to the greater community, but which are properly buffered through distance and landscaping
from incompatible land uses.”
The Comprehensive Plan also acknowledges the fact that the residents aged 65+ is a rapidly
growing segment of the population that will require more specialized services (page 23). This
trend was also identified in previous Comprehensive Plans and in response, a previous
Comprehensive Plan implementation strategy recommended the development of a Zoning Code
amendment permitting Senior Citizen housing developments near the community services and
transit routes that senior citizens depend upon. As a result, the Planned Neighborhood Design:
Senior Citizen Housing Option Ordinance was developed and adopted by City Council on July
14, 1997. Multiple projects have utilized these provisions.
Plan of The Grande PND-SCHO Site
This project proposes to develop 6.7326 acres +/- with a series of four (4) apartment buildings
for the senior citizen community. There are three (3) existing apartment buildings on the project
site. This continuation of The Grande project proposes the construction of a fourth apartment
building as the housing unit style. Overall, this complex would provide 192 dwelling units.
Site Layout:
The apartment buildings are arranged a quad of buildings facing a central open space where the
stormwater management pond is located. Surrounding the outside perimeter of the building quad
are the parking lot areas. A series of sidewalks and walking paths around the pond link the
buildings of the site. There are recreation areas at the northeast and southwest corners of the
building quad.
Project Density:
With the PND - Senior Citizen Housing Option the “project density shall be generally
compatible with the development pattern and existing or potential zone densities of the
surrounding area.” The Plan for this project shows a site density of 28.5 dwelling units/acre.
Article 3 §24.47 states that “the applicant shall demonstrate to the satisfaction of the planning
commission that the project density proposed is compatible with the development pattern and
density potential of the surrounding area.” The project adjoins the Modern Maturity Center on
the west, the site of the Dover Academy Charter School on the north, and commercial uses on
the east and south with retail, pharmacy, and a bank. To the northwest of the site is the
residential neighborhood of Bicentennial Village which primarily consists of single family
detached dwellings.
Planning Staff notes the following in comparison with other senior housing developments within
Page 24
C-15-04 The Grande, Building 4: Planned Neighborhood Design – Senior Citizen Housing Option
DAC Report of December 9, 2015
Page 4
the City: the Luther Towers complex on Kings Highway has a site density of 34.2 dwelling
units/acre and Luther Village PND-SCHO (only Phases 1-3 constructed to date) is proposed to
ultimately have a site density of 15.6 dwelling/units per acre.
Request for PND: Alternative Design Standards
The applicant is requesting adjustments to the required design standards of a Planned
Neighborhood Design: Senior Citizen Housing Option. Article 3 §24.5 of the Zoning Ordinance
permits the Planning Commission to grant such adjustments and reads as follows:
Article 3 §24.5. The design standards and dimensional requirements (bulk and parking
regulations) shall be in accordance with article 4, sections 4.10 and 4.11, except that the planning
commission may relax any of these requirements where the developer can demonstrate that such
action is desirable and consistent with the objectives of this ordinance and the comprehensive
plan.
The following table presents the Design Standards of the Zoning Ordinance for a Planned
Neighborhood Design in comparison to the applicant’s request for Alternative Design Standards
for The Grande. The Grande is being developed with the conventional housing type of
apartments thus Article 3 §24.52i refers to the bulk standards given in Article 4 § 4.11. The
Designs Standards where adjustments are requested are highlighted.
Housing Type Garden Style Apartments
Required Requested
1,800 S.F. per
Average Lot Area 1527.4 S.F. per dwelling unit
dwelling unit
1,800 S.F. per
dwelling unit 1527.4 S.F. per dwelling unit
Minimum Lot Area
1 acre per 1.68 acre per building
building
Lot Width 100’ per building >100’ per building
Lot Depth 125’ per building >125’ per building
1.25 per dwelling unit with parking for office based on
Off-Street Parking 2 square footage. See discussion of parking waiver
request.
Building Setback from >50 feet
50 feet
Street
Building Setback from
Property Line >50 feet
Front Yard Setback 50 feet Apartment Building #4: >50 feet
Side Yard Setback
Rear Yard Setback
Building Spacing 50 feet <50 feet (Approximately 37 feet and 40 feet)
Building Height 35 feet Unknown number of feet
Number of Stories 2 stories 4 stories
Lot Coverage 60% 72.5%*
Average Number of Average = 48
Dwelling Units Per 24 Each Building (as existing and the proposed building)
Building consists of 48 units
COZ-1: Corridor Overlay Zone
The subject site involved with this application is located within the COZ-1 (Corridor Overlay
Zone). The Zoning Ordinance details the requirements of the COZ-1 in Article 3 §26 and its
Page 25
C-15-04 The Grande, Building 4: Planned Neighborhood Design – Senior Citizen Housing Option
DAC Report of December 9, 2015
Page 5
subsections. The Corridor Overlay Zone as a planning and growth management tool is designed
to foster and attractive, efficient, and economically vibrant urban corridor along Route 8/Forrest
Avenue and Saulsbury/McKee Roads. To this end, more stringent standards are applied to
development taking place in the corridor. A discussion of the provisions of the COZ-1 which
apply to this application follows below.
The plan as presented is in compliance with the requirements listed below.
The COZ-1 specifies a required front yard setback (40 ft. minimum and 60 ft. maximum)
for residential properties in this segment of the corridor; however, the lot configuration
(drive aisle entry right-of-way) dictates a building setback much greater. Building 4 is
placed 60 feet from the southern property line of the main lot area.
The building must sit parallel to the road with the longest side facing the road; the design
achieves this concept. The long side of the building is parallel to Forrest Avenue.
Related to the parking lot layout/arrangement, since the existing conditions place the
parking lot location is closer to the street than the building the Planning Commission can
consider acceptance of this arrangement if the project is of “superior urban design.”
A landscaped buffer (varying width) and sidewalk combines to meet the minimum total
of 12 feet that is required between Building 4 and parking/drive aisles. Ensure sidewalk is
6 feet in width.
Building exceeds with the allowable number of stories in the COZ-1; however,
alternative bulk standards can be considered for the PND-SCHO project.
The proposal meets the requirement that 25% of the lot consist of landscaped open space.
As shown 27.5% of the lot is open space.
Non-frontages (side and rear yards) are required to have landscaped open space of 15 feet
when adjacent to residential uses and landscaped open space of 5 feet when adjacent to
non-residential uses and to provide one tree per 75 (seventy-five) feet.
The building shall have a corridor elevation with specific architectural features (See
Building Architecture discussion).
BUILDING ARCHITECTURE
A series of photographs presenting the elevations of the existing apartment buildings were
submitted noting that the proposed fourth building will replicate the same architecture. For these
four story buildings, the exterior finish begins with a stone veneer watertable. The stone veneer
is also located on the front faces of the stair towers/entry locations (3 locations per building
elevation). The exterior finish for the remaining wall surfaces is vinyl siding. Balconies will be
provided on floors 2-4 creating a covered patio area for the first floor unit. The pitched roof will
have asphalt shingles. There are gable roof elements located along the roof line at the balcony
locations. There are windows placed on all facades the building.
This building is subject to the Architectural Review requirements found in Article 3 §27.69 for
properties located within the Corridor Overlay Zone with specific architectural elements for the
corridor elevation of the building. As currently proposed, the corridor elevation (south elevation
of this apartment building includes a windows on each floor which qualify as functioning
windows and three sets of main entrance doors highlighted by a small pent roof over entry and
stone detailing. The plan as submitted begins to comply with the second requirement of the
corridor elevation (items a and c) by providing some tree plantings immediately adjacent to the
front of the building to meet a landscaping element and also providing a variety of architectural
Page 26
C-15-04 The Grande, Building 4: Planned Neighborhood Design – Senior Citizen Housing Option
DAC Report of December 9, 2015
Page 6
relief on the corridor façade (material changes, balconies, and appearance of multiple sections).
SITE CONSIDERATIONS
Delaware 8 Concept Plan and Operations Study
In 2007, the Dover/Kent County Metropolitan Planning Organization developed and approved
the Delaware 8 Concept Plan and Operations Study to identify circulation improvements along
the Route 8 corridor on the west side of Dover, from the railroad tracks to Artis Drive. The
study identifies a number of north/south connector roads to relieve traffic conditions along the
Route 8 corridor. The Study identifies the improvement of an interconnection between Dove
View and Modern Maturity Center (pages v, 7-4).
Entrance
The Grande PND-SCHO site has two points of ingress and egress. The main entrance for the
apartments is located off of Forrest Avenue and is known as Doveview Drive. This entrance is a
shared entrance between the apartments, bank, pharmacy, and the vacant parcel of land to the
west. The second entrance is located off of Saulsbury Road in the form of a drive aisle network
providing cross access among several properties. Cross access to the Modern Maturity Center
property to the west is shown as a wide walking path only.
PARKING SUMMARY
Request for PND Alternative Design Standards: Parking Reduction
For the housing type of apartments, the parking requirement is based on a rate of two parking
spaces per dwelling unit with one (1) parking space per 200 SF of office space and 0.25 parking
spaces per dwelling unit to serve as visitor spaces. Based on a total of 192 units, the project
requires 432 parking spaces. The Grande PND-SCHO Plan shows 250 parking spaces for the
entire complex with including handicapped parking spaces.
The applicant is seeking a reduction in the number of parking spaces and has proposed a rate of
1.25 parking spaces per dwelling unit. Parking for office area is proposed at one parking space.
The submission explains a rational for the proposed parking rate based on current experience at
the site related to the number of vehicles registered to residents and parking counts of actual
usage.
Bicycle Parking
The site is required to provide bicycle parking. The bicycle parking calculation is one for every
twenty parking spaces. Based on 250 parking spaces, thirteen (13) bicycle parking spaces would
be required. The plan proposes the location of twenty-four (24) bicycle parking spaces. The
locations of the bicycle racks are located throughout the site at the front entries of Buildings 1, 3,
and 4 and within the Shuffleboard and Swing Set area (Open Space Area #1) adjacent to
Building 2.
Sidewalks
Zoning Ordinance, Article 5 §18 requires sidewalks to be installed along the public street frontages
of a property. The site has existing sidewalks along the street frontage of Forrest Avenue and
along the main entrance drive of Doveview Avenue which leads to the complex from Forrest
Page 27
C-15-04 The Grande, Building 4: Planned Neighborhood Design – Senior Citizen Housing Option
DAC Report of December 9, 2015
Page 7
Avenue. Sidewalk is existing or proposed around all four apartment buildings with connections
into the site toward the walking path that surrounds the central stormwater management pond.
Dumpsters
Dumpsters for trash collection are required for the development of the site. Based on the number
of apartment units, eight (8) dumpster pads are required. The plan proposes eight (8) dumpsters
paired as two units in each enclosure throughout the site.
Lighting
Lighting is provided on the plan through a series of light poles in the perimeter of the parking lots.
Waiver Request: Elimination of Emergency Rear Access Requirement for Apartment Building
The Zoning Ordinance requires a 24 foot primary fire lane to provide emergency access to the rear
of the four story apartment buildings (Article 5 §17.5(a)). The Ordinance provides for
consideration of a waiver of the emergency access requirements; see Code citation as follows:
Article 5 Section 17. - Emergency access requirements.
(1) General purpose. The purpose of this section is to establish standards and requirements
for the fire protection of structures and inhabitants by providing emergency vehicle access
to structures that enable the City of Dover Bureau of Fire to approach and attack fires in
such a way that there is a reduced threat to the lives and safety of citizens.
(2) Waiver. Should the planning commission determine, after demonstration by an applicant,
that alternative means of fire protection can be provided which are equivalent to or greater
than the public safety protection provided by this ordinance, then the planning commission
may recommend to [the] city council to waive certain provisions of this ordinance that are
not required under other city or state laws.
The plan currently does not provide this rear fire lane; the applicant is requesting a waiver for the
elimination of this requirement. The building has fire protection requirements under the Fire
Codes including the following: required the building to be sprinklered (wet and dry fire
protection systems), fire alarms in the building and fire lane coverage of the building. A written
waiver request was submitted to the Planning Office for consideration by the Planning
Commission. Planning Commission will make a recommendation to the Safety Advisory and
Transportation Committee and City Council who has the final authority to grant the request for
the elimination of the emergency rear access for the apartments.
RECREATION/ OPEN SPACE:
As part of the Plan review process, the applicant prepared a Recreation Plan to illustrate how The
Grande: Building 4 development will provide recreation amenities. The Landscape and
Recreation Plan (sheet L-100) illustrates how the building will provide recreation amenities to
comply with the design specifications described in Article 5 §10 of the Zoning Ordinance.
See Active Recreation Area Plan Report.
Due to the property size and unit density, this project qualifies for active recreation area exemption
for small developments under Zoning Ordinance, Article 5 §10.514. The Active Recreation Area
for this project is required at a rate of 150 square feet per dwelling unit or 10,000 SF whichever is
greater. Based on a total of 192 dwelling units, 28,800 SF of active recreation area is required. The
Page 28
C-15-04 The Grande, Building 4: Planned Neighborhood Design – Senior Citizen Housing Option
DAC Report of December 9, 2015
Page 8
Plan indicates that 21,925 S.F. of land would be reserved as Active Recreation Area. This leaves
a deficiency of 6,875 SF of active recreation area for The Grande PND-SCHO project; the
applicant is considering the cash-in-lieu payment option to satisfy this deficiency.
The Active Recreation Areas are in central locations on the site. There are three areas of activity:
Shuffleboard and Swing Set area (Area #1); Walking Path area (Area #2); and Horseshoe Pit
area (Area #3). These existing amenities already constructed on the site include an area with a
shuffleboard court, gazebo, swing set, and picnic table; a walking path with benches and picnic
tables around the stormwater management pond; and area with horseshoe pits with picnic tables.
The Project Narrative with the plan submission also notes that each resident’s lease includes
payment of the annual membership fee to the adjacent Modern Maturity Center.
At their meeting of December 14, 2015 the Parks, Recreation and Community Enhancement
Committee will consider the Active Recreation Plan for The Grande project (part of C-15-04).
The Planning Commission must act upon the Active Recreation Plan as part of any motion
regarding this project, or as a separate motion if necessary.
TREE PLANTING AND LANDSCAPE PLAN
The submitted plan includes the Landscaping details. Based on the 293,272 S.F. property, a total
of 98 trees are required. The plan recognizes the planting of 95 existing trees with two (2)
existing trees to be relocated and three (3) new tree plantings proposed to meet the requirement.
The proposed new trees will be near Building 4. The existing trees are a mixture including
deciduous and ornamental trees; the existing planting locations are shown on the concept plan
(but not the tree varieties). All proposed tree planting locations should avoid conflicts with
existing and proposed utility lines and paved areas.
COZ-1 Landscaping Requirements
The COZ-1 (Corridor Overlay Zone –1) requires that a minimum of 25% of the site be
landscaped open space. For this site approximately 27.5% is open space. Article 3 §27.53 C
requires a landscaped buffer area of twelve (12) feet in width between the building and the
parking lot or drive areas inclusive of a minimum six (6) foot wide sidewalk. The COZ-1 also
includes the specific tree planting requirements along property lines of one tree per 75 feet on the
non-frontage perimeters.
THE SUBJECT PROPOSAL HAS BEEN REVIEWED FOR CODE COMPLIANCE, PLAN
CONFORMITY, AND COMPLETENESS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS AGENCY’S
AUTHORITY AND AREA OF EXPERTISE.
CITY AND STATE CODE REQUIREMENTS:
1) The Planning Commission must determine the appropriateness of the proposed density for
the PND-SCHO project site as part of their review process. The burden is upon the
applicant to demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Planning Commission through the
Conditional Use process that the project density proposed will be compatible.
2) The project must comply with the bulk standards for apartments in the PND unless waivers
Alternative Design Standards for the PND-SCHO are granted by the Planning Commission
Page 29
C-15-04 The Grande, Building 4: Planned Neighborhood Design – Senior Citizen Housing Option
DAC Report of December 9, 2015
Page 9
for the following (see written request in Project Narratives from the applicant):
a. Average Lot Area per Dwelling Unit
b. Minimum Lot Area per Dwelling Unit
c. Off-Street Parking Reduction
d. Building Spacing
e. Building Height
f. Number of Stories
g. Lot Coverage
h. Average Number of Dwelling Units Per Building
3) The project must comply with the requirements for the emergency rear access provisions for
the apartment units unless a waiver is granted. Significant redesign of the development
project will be required if this waiver is not granted. A written waiver request was submitted
for the elimination of the emergency rear access for consideration by the Planning
Commission.
4) The project must comply with the requirements for the parking requirements unless a waiver
is granted. A written waiver request was submitted for the reduction in parking for
consideration by the Planning Commission.
5) The proposed plan presents a series of existing areas of amenities constructed with the three
existing Apartment Buildings as the Active Recreation Area for this project overall. With the
addition of Building 4, the plan is required to provide 28,800 SF of Active Recreation
Area and it is currently shown as proposing 21,925 SF of Active Recreation Area. The
project is deficit 6,875 S.F. of Active Recreation Area.
a. The deficiency of Active Recreation Area must be satisfied. There are multiple options
to achieve this including, but not limited to, a reduction in the project unit count and/or
size of the proposed building to increase outdoor open space availability, the addition of
interior recreation space, or a cash-in-lieu donation for the recreation area.
6) The Final Plan set must include notes indicating the action taken by the Planning
Commission in regards to any PND Alternative Design Standards, waivers and listing any
additional conditions of approval. The plan set is be revised to reflect all changes
recommended by the Planning Commission.
7) Cover Sheet F-100:
a. Update contact number for Public Works Office.
b. Site Data Column:
i) Clarify proposed building size versus building footprint area under Proposed Use and
Building Area listings.
ii) List building height in feet.
8) A number of the handicapped accessible parking spaces do not following the appropriate
format for striping in order to provide the access aisle adjacent to the parking space.
a. Identify accessible parking space locations for Building 4 that do not involve
crossing of the drive aisle to reach the building.
b. Add marked crosswalk on the east side of Doveview Drive at the intersection with
Page 30
C-15-04 The Grande, Building 4: Planned Neighborhood Design – Senior Citizen Housing Option
DAC Report of December 9, 2015
Page 10
the parking lot drive aisle loop.
9) Landscape Plan:
a. The plan must present the information and certifications as required in Zoning
Ordinance, Article 5 §16.81 specific to this site.
b. Existing trees to be retained/preserved must be identified by species.
c. Additional landscaping is required between Building 4 and the sidewalk (on the south
elevation) to satisfy the corridor elevation requirements of the COZ-1.
d. Ensure the southeast property line area (adjacent to bank) complies with the COZ-1 tree
planting requirement of one tree per 75 feet.
10) Recreation Area Plan:
a. Updates to the plan set as identified in the Summary Report of the Active Recreation
Area Plan component (Report for 12/14/2015 PRCE Meeting) and as per
recommendations of the Planning Commission.
11) Provide construction details sheet for items including the following items but not limited to:
barrier free sidewalk, curbing, paving section, bicycle racks, lighting fixtures, etc.
a. Sidewalk is required to be six (6) feet in width per the COZ-1 requirements.
12) Ensure barrier free access ramps are installed at all intersections of sidewalks with the
roadways and parking areas.
a. Confirm accessibility of walking path connection to the Modern Maturity Center.
b. Add designated marked crosswalk to this path connection from the apartment
complex’s internal sidewalk network.
13) Ensure plan set reflects paving striping/markings for traffic control measures such as stop
signs, stop bars, crosswalks, fire lane markings, etc.
14) Any Erosion & Sediment Control Plans and the Stormwater Management Plans granted
approval by the Kent Conservation District must reflect the Site Plan layout and design
conditionally approved by the Planning Commission and be in compliance with the Zoning
Ordinance and technical review requirements of other agencies.
15) Staff notes that architecture for the building will be evaluated at time of Building Permit
application for compliance with architecture as approved by the Planning Commission. The
building architecture may be required to come before the Planning Commission for
additional review if significant design changes to the buildings’ exterior finishes in form and
materials.
16) Any proposed signage is subject to the Sign Regulations of the Zoning Ordinance.
RECOMMENDATIONS SUGGESTED AS CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL TO MEET CODE
OBJECTIVES:
1) Staff Recommendations on Waiver Requests:
a) Alternative Design Standards for PND-SCHO: Staff recommends approval the series of
Page 31
C-15-04 The Grande, Building 4: Planned Neighborhood Design – Senior Citizen Housing Option
DAC Report of December 9, 2015
Page 11
Alternative Design Standards for the PND: SCHO pertaining to the lot area; building
elements of spacing, height, stories, and unit count; and lot coverage. These Alternative
Design Standards will allow for expansion of an existing apartment complex in an urban
setting where existing infrastructure already exists and adjacent properties are
commercial in function. It also places Senior Citizen Housing in a location within
proximity to service needs. The Lot Coverage Alternative as proposed at 72.5% continues
to comply with the COZ-1 limitations.
b) Reduction in Parking: Staff recommends approval of the reduction in number of parking
spaces to a minimum rate of 1.25 parking spaces per dwelling unit with additional
parking spaces provided to accommodate any office space or meeting rooms in the
building. The applicant has shown the current vehicle registration levels and parking
usage to be compatible with such parking rate based on occupancy as Senior Citizen
Housing. Staff encourages the project development to ensure access to other modes of
transportation i.e. transit, bicycle, and pedestrian are available to the residents via
sidewalk and multi-modal path systems.
2) Recommendations on Waivers Requested:
a) Emergency Rear Access Requirement – Staff recommends approval of the Waiver
Request to eliminate the 24 foot rear fire lane requirement. The existing and the proposed
Building #4 are (or proposed to be) sprinklered and include fire alarm systems. The Fire
Marshal’s Office has provided comments regarding compliance with fire protection
regulations. Staff recommends approval of this waiver request finding that the building
will be sprinklered and will include the other required fire lane coverage per NFPA and
State Fire Prevention Regulations.
3) Staff notes the recommendations of the Delaware 8 Concept Plan and Operations Study and
the COZ-1 (Corridor Overlay Zone) provisions of Article 3 § 27.64 (d) Cross access which
recommend interconnections/cross access between properties to provide linkages as an
alternative to re-entering the Route 8 (Forrest Avenue) corridor.
a) Currently, only a pedestrian (and golf cart) path exists from the DoveView apartment
complex to the Modern Maturity Center. There is an existing cross access easement of 20
feet in width at this location.
b) The Study and provisions recommend design of a connection between the DoveView and
Modern Maturity Center properties to also accommodate vehicular access. The applicant
and the adjacent property owner oppose such access due to pedestrian safety and cut-thru
traffic concerns.
c) In 2011 related to consideration of the rezoning of the DoveView property to RG-5, the
Planning Commission voted to remove a requirement for a vehicular cross access
between the Modern Maturity Center and the DoveView site (PC Meeting of 7/21/2011:
Vote 7-1) but retained the requirement to provide a cross access between the sites for golf
carts and pedestrians.
4) Staff recommends that any outside HVAC Equipment be designed to minimize the impact on
adjacent property owners and adjacent buildings, adequately screened from public view and
the overall visible impact. Consideration must also be given to equipment placement in
proximity to public facades of the buildings.
Page 32
C-15-04 The Grande, Building 4: Planned Neighborhood Design – Senior Citizen Housing Option
DAC Report of December 9, 2015
Page 12
ADVISORY COMMENTS TO THE APPLICANT:
1) The Planning Commission should act upon the waiver requests as part of any motion to
approve this Site Plan, or as a separate motion if necessary. Note: The recommendation
for this waiver is at the discretion of the Planning Commission. The Commission may
approve or deny waiver requests.
2) The Planning Commission should provide recommendations to City Council in regards to
the elimination of the rear emergency rear access. The City Council and associated
Committee meeting will be scheduled to review this request.
3) In the event, that major changes and revisions to the Site Plan occur in the finalization of
the Plan contact the Planning Office. Examples include reorientation of the
complex/buildings, relocation of site components, and increases in floor area or unit
count. These changes may require resubmittal for review by the Development Advisory
Committee, Planning Commission, or other agencies and commissions making
recommendations in regards to the plan.
4) In the event, that there are changes to the architecture, building footprints, layout or
square footage of the buildings contact the Planning Office. These changes may require
review by the Planning Commission.
5) The applicant is reminded of the requirements for construction phasing of the recreation
area as associated with the development of the residential units.
Article 5 §10.6 Construction Phasing. The recreation and open space areas shall be
completed in a proportion equal to or greater than the proportion of residential dwelling
units completed, except that one hundred (100) percent of the recreation and open space
areas shall be completed prior to issuing building permits for the final twenty (20) percent
of the dwelling units proposed. Building permits shall not be issued for dwelling units
unless the requirements of this section are met.
6) There shall be provisions which insure that the common open space land shall continue as
such and be properly managed and maintained. The developer shall either retain
ownership and responsibility for maintenance of such open land; or provide for and
establish one (1) or more organizations for the ownership and maintenance of all
common open space i.e. a Homeowners Association. The organization shall be
responsible for maintenance, insurance and taxes on the common open space.
7) Other agencies and departments which participate in the Development Advisory
Committee may provide additional comments related to their areas of expertise and code
requirements.
8) Following Planning Commission approval of the Conditional Use Site Plan, the Plan
must be revised to meet all conditions of approval from the Development Advisory
Committee or as otherwise noted.
9) For building new construction, the requirements of the building code and the fire code
must be complied with. Consult with the Chief Building Inspector and City of Dover Fire
Marshal for these requirements. The resolution of these items may impact the site design
Page 33
C-15-04 The Grande, Building 4: Planned Neighborhood Design – Senior Citizen Housing Option
DAC Report of December 9, 2015
Page 13
including such items as building dimensions and height, building openings, and fire
protection needs, etc.
10) The applicant/developer shall be aware that prior to any ground disturbing activities on
the site the appropriate Site Plan approvals, Pre-Construction meetings, site inspections
and permits are required.
11) Construction will have an effect on the adjacent buildings on the site and site access.
Any work requiring the closing or rerouting of residents or visitors to the adjacent
buildings, and site access shall be coordinated as to offer the least amount of
inconvenience.
12) The applicant shall be aware that Site Plan approval does not represent a Sign Permit, nor
does it convey permission to place any sign on the premises. Any proposed site or
building identification sign may require a Sign Permit from the City of Dover prior to
placement of any such sign in accordance with Zoning Ordinance Article 5 §4.
13) The applicant shall be aware that Site Plan approval does not represent a Building Permit
and associated construction activity permits. A separate application process is required
for issuance of a Building Permit from the City of Dover.
If you have any questions or need to discuss any of the above comments, please call the
above contact person and the Planning Department as soon as possible.
Page 34
C ITY OF DOVER
DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
A PPLICATION R EVIEW C OMMENTARY
S TAFF D.A.C. MEETING DATE: DECEMBER 2, 2015
A PPLICATION : THE G RANDE , BUILDING 4 : PLANNED
N EIGHBORHOOD DESIGN – SENIOR CITIZEN
HOUSEING O PTION
FILE #: C-15-04
R EVIEWING AGENCY : City of Dover Electric and Public Works Departments
CONTACT PERSON: Paul Waddell - Electric
Jason A. Lyon, P.E. – Public Works
CONTACT PHONE #: ELECTRIC - 302-736-7070 / PUBLIC WORKS – 302-736-7025
T HE S UBJECT P ROPOSAL HAS BEEN R EVIEWED FOR C ODE C OMPLIANCE , P LAN C ONFORMITY AND C OMPLETENESS IN
A CCORDANCE WITH THIS A GENCY ’ S A UTHORITY AND A REA OF E XPERTISE .
T HE F OLLOWING I TEMS HAVE BEEN I DENTIFIED AS E LEMENTS W HICH N EED TO BE A DDRESSED BY THE A PPLICANT :
C ITY AND STATE CODE R EQUIREMENTS
ELECTRIC
1. Owner is responsible for following the requirements outlined in the City of Dover’s Electric Service Handbook. The
handbook is now available on the website at the following link: http://www.cityofdover.com/Public-Documents-4017/.
2. The roadway and curbing must be in.
3. The right-of-way must be within 6" of final grade.
4. The property corners must be staked.
5. Owner is responsible for locating all water, sewer, and storm sewer lines.
6. Owner is responsible for installing all conduits and equipment pads per the City of Dover Engineering Department
specifications.
7. Owner is responsible for site and/or street lighting.
8. Meter locations will be determined by City of Dover Engineering Department.
9. Load sheets and AutoCAD compatible DXF or DWG diskettes of site plans, including driveways, are required prior to
receiving approved electrical construction drawings.
10. Any relocation of existing electrical equipment will be engineered by the City of Dover Electric Department. Developer
may be required to perform a quantity of the relocation. Any work performed by the City of Dover will be at the
owner’s expense.
11. Prior to construction, owner is responsible for granting an easement to the City of Dover Electric
Department. Easement forms will be furnished and prepared by the City of Dover Electric Engineering Department.
12. Fees will be assessed upon final site plans. The owner will be responsible for fees assessed prior to
construction. Owner is required to sign off plans prepared by the Electric Department.
13. Must maintain 10' clearance around all electrical equipment, unless pre-approved by the City of Dover Electric
Engineering Department.
14. Prior to the completion of any/all designs and estimates, the owner is responsible for providing the Electric
Engineering Department with a physical address of the property.
Page 35
The Grande, Building 4: PND – Senior Citizen Housing Option
File #: C-15-04
December 2, 2015
Page 2 of 5
15. All Engineering and design for Dover Electric will be engineered upon final approved plans. All Engineering work will
be furnished by the City’s Electric Engineering Department.
WATER
1. All water utility components must meet the requirements of the Water Wastewater Handbook, effective date March 22,
2010. Please contact our office for more information.
2. The following notes must be added to the plans:
a. Hydrant connections by the contractor are prohibited. This method may not be utilized during any phase of the
project.
b. Any existing water lines not to be utilized by the proposed facility must be properly abandoned at the mains in
accordance with the City of Dover Department of Public Works specifications and requirements.
c. The site contractor shall contact the City of Dover Public Works Construction Manager at (302) 736-7025 prior to
the start of construction. A representative from the City of Dover Department of Public Works must observe and
approve all City owned water and sanitary sewer interconnections and testing. All water taps must be performed
by a City of Dover approved contractor. The proposed location for the water connection may need to be adjusted
in the field due to conditions of the existing main. Possible conditions that would require tapping relocation
include proximity to pipe joints, other taps, concrete encasements, conflict with other utilities, and the like. Test
holes must be performed by the contractor to determine the best tapping location. The City of Dover will not be
held responsible for field conditions requiring adjustment of the tapping location or for any work required by the
contractor to make an appropriate and lawful connection.
3. The size, type, and location of all proposed and existing water lines and valves must be shown on the plan.
4. Water usage projections (peak demand or plumbing fixtures) must be submitted to our office to correctly determine
the size of the domestic and irrigation (if applicable) water meter for the proposed building. These projections must be
submitted prior to approval so the meter size can be placed on the final site plan. The proposed water meter must be
installed in a pit per City of Dover requirements and manufacturer’s recommendations. Also, a dual check valve is
required downstream of the meter.
5. The domestic service, fire main connection and valves must be clearly shown for each building. A valve must be
installed at the tee to isolate combined fire and domestic water service to the building from the water loop. Typically
this valve is installed at the tee or an acceptable distance from the building. A valve must be provided on the
domestic water service, which must be tapped off of the combined eight-inch (8”) fire/domestic service outside of the
building. The domestic water tap and valve should be as close to the building as possible. Typically, the domestic tap
and valve are located within five feet (5’) to ten feet (10’) of the building. A blow up detail of this layout is
recommended.
6. Provide a construction detail for the proposed restraining system for the fire main located within the buildings. The
Department of Public Works will test and inspect all fire mains to a blind flange located inside the buildings. The blind
flange with tap is used for hydrostatic pressure testing (200 psi for two (2) hours) and dechlorination. The flange must
be restrained in the direction of the pipe entering the facility. A pipe entering horizontally through a wall sleeve shall
be restrained with rods through the wall. A pipe entering vertically through a slab shall be restrained through the floor
to the ninety degree (90) bend and thrust block. All rods shall be a minimum of ¾” all thread. All pipes through walls
and slabs must be Class 52 cement lined ductile iron pipe. Confirm particulars to meet this requirement with
mechanical designer.
WASTEWATER
1. All wastewater utility components must meet the requirements of the Water Wastewater Handbook, effective date
March 22, 2010. Please contact our office for more information.
2. The following notes must be added to the plans:
a. Any existing sanitary sewer lines not to be utilized by the proposed facility must be properly abandoned at the
mains in accordance with the City of Dover Department of Public Works specifications and requirements.
b. Part II, Chapter 180, Article III, Section 180-10 of the Code of Kent County requires that “no person shall
discharge or cause to be discharged any stormwater, surface water, uncontaminated groundwater, roof runoff,
subsurface drainage, uncontaminated noncontact cooling water or unpolluted industrial process waters to any
sanitary sewer”, this shall include condensate. Sec. 110-231 of the City of Dover Code defines storm sewer as
Page 36
The Grande, Building 4: PND – Senior Citizen Housing Option
File #: C-15-04
December 2, 2015
Page 3 of 5
“…any system used for conveying rain water, surface water, condensate, cooling water or similar liquid wastes,
exclusive of sewage.” The contractor, developer, owner and designers shall ensure during construction that no
illegal discharges to the sanitary sewer system are created with the site improvements.
3. The size, length, slope, type and flow directions must be shown on all existing and proposed sanitary sewer lines.
Rim and invert elevations must be labeled on all sanitary structures.
4. Cleanouts must be installed on sanitary sewer laterals within five feet (5’) of the building, one foot (1’) outside of the
right-of-way and at all bends. Any cleanout located within a traffic bearing location shall be installed with a heavy duty
cast iron frame and cover to prevent damage to the cleanout and lateral.
5. Sizing (flow) calculations must be submitted for all sanitary sewer laterals (other than for single-family dwellings)
showing that velocity and all other requirements are met.
6. The minimum size of all sanitary sewer laterals shall be six-inch (6”).
7. If kitchen facilities are proposed a minimum 1,000 gallon, two chamber grease trap, meeting all Kent County
ordinance requirements, must be provided. A construction detail for the proposed grease trap, as well as the
proposed location, must be provided on the plan.
STORMWATER
1. Final site plan approval will not be granted until a copy of the approved Stormwater/Erosion and Sediment Control
Plan from Kent Conservation District is submitted to our office.
2. The size, length, slope, type and flow directions must be shown on all existing and proposed storm sewer lines. Rim
and invert elevations must be labeled on all stormwater structures.
STREETS
1. Final site plan approval will not be granted until a copy of the approved entrance plan, signed by DelDOT is submitted
to our office.
SANITATION / GROUNDS
1. None
GENERAL
1. All existing utilities shall be adjusted to final grade in accordance with current City of Dover requirements and
practices. This must be included as a note on the plan.
2. The final site plan must be submitted in the following compatible digital formats:
a. AutoCAD 2004 (.dwg format).
b. Adobe Reader (.pdf format).
RECOMMENDATIONS SUGGESTED AS CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL TO MEET CODE OBJECTIVES
ELECTRIC
1. Owner must give the City of Dover Electric Department three (3) months’ notice prior to construction. Owner is
responsible for following the requirements outlined in the City of Dover’s Electric Service Handbook. The handbook is
now available on the website at the following link: http://www.cityofdover.com/departments/electric/documents/.
WATER / WASTEWATER / STORMWATER / STREETS / SANITATION / GROUNDS / GENERAL
1. None
Page 37
The Grande, Building 4: PND – Senior Citizen Housing Option
File #: C-15-04
December 2, 2015
Page 4 of 5
ADVISORY COMMENTS TO THE APPLICANT
ELECTRIC
1. Owner/Electrical Contractor (E.C.) to fill out Electrical Load Sheet & return to Electric Department. Owner may be
responsible for additional fees associated with upgrade of existing transformer. Existing 300 kVA 208Y/120 volt
transformer No. 1178/1T811 may need to be replaced based on requested load requirements.
2. E.C. to extend customer-owned secondary conductors & connect in transformer 1T811 (new upgraded transformer) if
necessary.
3. E.C. to install customer-owned secondary conductors from transformers 1T808 & 1T811 to meter assembly on
Building No. 4. All “House” meter sockets must contain lever-operated by-pass.
4. Any relocation of existing utility required will be at the owner’s expense.
WATER
1. The City of Dover water system is available to this site. The developer is responsible for all costs associated with
extending and providing service to the proposed development.
2. Prior to plan approval, the water system plans must be submitted to the Division of Public Health, Office of Drinking
Water for review and approval. The owner/developer will be responsible for providing all completed forms and plan
sets to the City of Dover as required for submission to the Office of Drinking Water. Plans will not be submitted to the
Office of Drinking Water until review has been completed by our office.
3. Hydrant flow testing is currently only performed during the spring and fall. The applicant must call the Department of
Public Works directly to schedule these tests. This applies to both existing hydrants as well as those proposed for the
site.
4. Water Impact Fees will be required for this project.
WASTEWATER
1. The City of Dover sanitary sewer system is available to this site. The developer is responsible for all costs associated
with extending and providing service and capacity to the proposed development.
2. Prior to plan approval, the sanitary sewer system plans must be submitted to the DNREC, Division of Water
Resources, Surface Water Discharges Section for review and approval. The owner/developer is responsible for
providing all application fees, completed forms and plan sets directly to DNREC.
3. Profiles of the sanitary sewer main must be provided with the construction plans. All water, sanitary sewer and storm
sewer crossings must be shown on the profiles.
4. Wastewater Impact Fees will be required for this project.
STORMWATER / GROUNDS / STREETS
1. None.
SANITATION
1. This site shall be served by a private solid waste removal company.
GENERAL
1. The applicant is advised that depending upon the size of the existing water service and sanitary sewer lateral to be
abandoned, flowable fill may be required.
2. Construction plans will not be reviewed by our office unless all previous comments have been clearly addressed
within the plan set and accordingly identified within an itemized response letter and with the Water/Wastewater Initial
Plan Submission Checklist, which can be obtained from the following website: https://imageserv9.team-
logic.com/mediaLibrary/198/WaterWastewaterHandbookFinal_1.pdf, page 88.
Page 38
The Grande, Building 4: PND – Senior Citizen Housing Option
File #: C-15-04
December 2, 2015
Page 5 of 5
I F Y OU H AVE A NY Q UESTIONS OR N EED TO D ISCUSS ANY OF THE A BOVE C OMMENTS , P LEASE C ALL THE A BOVE
C ONTACT P ERSON AND THE P LANNING D EPARTMENT AS S OON AS P OSSIBLE .
Page 39
C F
I I
C-15-04 T
Y
R
E
CITY OF DOVER
O M
DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE F A
R
APPLICATION REVIEW COMMENTARY D S
O H
D.A.C. MEETING DATE: December 9, 2015 V A
E L
R
APPLICATION: The Grande, Building 4: Planned Neighborhood Design-Senior Citizen Housing
Option
FILE #: C-15-04 REVIEWING AGENCY: City of Dover, Office of the Fire Marshal
CONTACT PERSON: Matthew Brown, Deputy Fire Marshal PHONE #: (302) 736-4457
THE SUBJECT PROPOSAL HAS BEEN REVIEWED FOR CODE COMPLIANCE, PLAN CONFORMITY, AND
COMPLETENESS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS AGENCY’S AUTHORITY AND AREA OF EXPERTISE.
THE FOLLOWING ITEMS HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED AS ELEMENTS WHICH NEED TO BE ADDRESS BY THE
APPLICANT:
CITY AND STATE CODE REQUIREMENTS:
1. Proposed building is a 4 story Apartment building. Primary fire lanes are required to be 24 feet
wide and cover the side of the building that has the primary entrance and exit. Fire lanes can be
no closer than 10 feet to the building and no farther than 50 feet from the building. Fire lanes
shall cover 35% of the proposed building.
2. Emergency access to rear building areas compliant with City of Dover Code (Article 5-
Supplementary Regulations, Section 17); all four stories and greater buildings require 24ft fire
lane at the rear. All two to three story apartment structures require an 18ft Secondary Fire Lane
at the rear. All townhouses (3-8 units) with no fire protection require a 16ft alley at the rear.
3. The closest edge of fire lanes shall not be located further than 50ft from the exterior wall if one or
two stories in height; 40ft if three or four stories in height; or 30ft if over four stories in height.
4. Building Access shall be no further than 50 feet from a primary entrance. Where buildings are
provided with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with NFPA 13, access shall
be no further than 100 feet from the primary entrance.
5. Speed Reduction devices or any other like device used to reduce vehicle speed are prohibited per
City of Dover Code of Ordinances.
6. Fire Lanes shall have an unobstructed vertical clearance of not less than 13ft 6in.
7. All Fire Lanes shall be marked in accordance with the adopted Delaware State Fire Prevention
Regulations. All fire lane markings shall be in the color of “yellow”.
Page 40
8. Perimeter access will be 75% and clearly shown on the plans. Perimeter Access minimum width
shall be 15ft measured from the face of the building at grade with a maximum slope of 10%.
Plantings and utility services shall be permitted within the perimeter access and shall not
interfere with emergency services fire ground operations.
9. Address numbers of at least 12 inches in height must be placed on the street side of the building
visible from the street. Label all suites if applicable.
10. Any natural or LP gas bottles, meters, values, regulators, etc., must have impact protection per
City of Dover Code of Ordinances.
11. Full building and fire plan review is required.
12. Building cannot be occupied or construction or renovations started until completion of building
and fire plan review.
13. All required means of egress shall have an exit discharge consisting of a non slip surface, and
leading to and terminating at a public way.
14. Sprinkler system required. System is to be monitored by an approved Fire Alarm System.
15. Fire Department Connection is to be located within 50 feet of main entrance. Access to the Fire
Department Connection must be clear unobstructed access as defined by the AHJ.
16. Fire Department Connection to be located within 300 feet of fire hydrant, measured as hose
would come off the fire equipment.
17. Fire Alarm System required per occupancy code requirements.
18. Knox Box required on all buildings.
19. Standpipes required.
20. Elevator cars to meet the interior dimensions set forth in the Delaware State Fire Prevention
Code.
21. Buildings over 25,000 Sq. Ft are to have radio performance testing done by Delaware State
Communications prior to Final CO.
22. Project to be completed per approved Site Plan.
23. Multiple Access Roads shall be provided when a fire department access road (fire lane) is
determined by the Fire Marshal to be impaired by vehicle congestion, condition of terrain,
climatic conditions, or other factors that could limit access such as placement of fire hose from
fire equipment.
ADDITIONAL / SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS TO OBTAIN APPROVAL:
1. Impact protection required for Natural Gas Meters. Protection on existing buildings
does not meet current City of Dover code.
Page 41
2. Provide updated plans showing 35% Fire Lane coverage
3. Provide updated plans showing 75% Perimeter access. The 35% used for Fire Lane
coverage can be used towards the perimeter access, leaving an additional 40% required.
4. Please provide waiver in regards to the Rear Emergency Access as defined by the City of
Dover code. This office received no objection from the Dover Fire Department in
regards to the waiver. Therefore, this office will consider a waiver when officially
received.
5. Plans shall provide compliance as specified in the “City and State Code requirements”
section of this document. Provide verbiage or show compliance for each specified area
that applies.
APPLICABLE CODES LISTED BELOW (NOT LIMITED TO):
2012 NFPA Life Safety Code (NFPA; National Fire Protection Association)
2009 IBC (International Building Code)
Latest editions of all other NFPA Codes as defined by the Delaware State Fire Prevention Regulations
2012 Delaware State Fire Prevention Regulations
City of Dover Code of Ordinances
*If you have any questions or need to discuss any of the above comments, please call the above
contact person listed.
Page 42
CITY OF DOVER D
E
DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
L
APPLICATION REVIEW COMMENTARY D
O
D.A.C. MEETING DATE: December 2, 2015 T
===============================================================
APPLICATION: The Grande, Building 4: Planned Neighborhood Design
Senior Citizen Housing Option
FILE#: C-15-04 REVIEWING AGENCY: DelDOT
CONTACT PERSON: Waylon Sprowl PHONE#: 760-2262
===============================================================
THE SUBJECT PROPOSAL HAS BEEN REVIEWED FOR CODE COMPLIANCE, PLAN CONFORMITY AND COMPLETENESS IN
ACCORDANCE WITH THIS AGENCY'S AUTHORITY AND AREA OF EXPERTISE.
THE FOLLOWING ITEMS HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED AS ELEMENTS WHICH NEED TO BE ADDRESSED BY THE APPLICANT:
CITY & STATE CODE REQUIREMENTS:
• In accordance with Section 3.4 of the Development Coordination Manual, a
record plan shall be prepared prior to issuing “Letter of No Objection”. The
following information will be required for the “Letter of No Objection” review:
Copy Initial Stage Fee Calculation Form
Copy Initial Stage Review Fee
Gate-Keeping Checklist – Site Plan
Record Plan Review Design Checklist
Auxiliary Lane
Sight Distance Spreadsheet
Site/Record Plan
Conceptual Entrance Plan
Submission of the Area-Wide Study Fee (If applicable)
• Referring to Section 3.4.1 of the Development Coordination Manual, if the
proposed development would generate more than 200 vehicle trips per day, a Pre-
Submittal Meeting is required before plans are submitted for review. The form
needed to request this meeting is available
http://www.deldot.gov/information/business/subdivisions/Meeting_Request_Form
.pdf.
Page 43
• Referring to Section 3.4.2 of the Development Coordination Manual, the Initial
Stage review fee shall be assessed to this project.
• If roadway improvements are warranted, then referring to Section 4.3 of the
Development Coordination Manual, the Construction Stage review fee shall be
assessed to this project.
• Again, if roadway improvements are warranted, then referring to Section 4.3 of
the Development Coordination Manual, an entrance plan shall be prepared prior
to issuing entrance approval. The following information will be required for
Entrance Plan review:
Copy of the Construction Stage Fee Calculation Form
Copy of the Construction Review Fee
Gate-Keeping Checklist – Entrance Plan
Entrance Plan Review Checklist
Entrance Design Checklist
Application for Commercial Entrance Permit
Pipe/Angle Spreadsheet (if applicable)
Entrance Photo
Entrance Plan
SWM Report, Calculations and DA Maps
Sediment & Stormwater Management Project Design & Review Checklist
ADVISORY COMMENTS TO THE APPLICANT:
Please be advised that as of August 1, 2015, all new plan submittals and re-
submittals, including major, minor and commercial plans, shall be uploaded via
the PDCA (Planning Development Coordination Application) with any review
fee paid online via credit card or electronic check. Guidance on how to do this is
available at http://www.deldot.gov/information/business/subdivisions/.
A Traffic Impact Study (TIS) will be required for this project if the proposed
development exceeds 50 VPH (Vehicle per Hour) or 500 VPD (Vehicle per
Day). When the study is completed, DelDOT will review it and send the
recommendations of the improvements to the City. The improvements contained
in the study will be implemented by the developer per DelDOT's discretion. To
set up a scoping meeting for this project, please contact Mr. Troy Brestel at (302)
760-2167 or via e-mail at Troy.Brestel@state.de.us.
Please check to determine whether any utilities will need to be relocated as part of
this project
Please Note- Future comments will be added when the above referenced project
goes through official plan review.
If you have any questions or need to discuss any of the above comments, please call the
above contact person and the planning department as soon as possible.
Page 44
CITY OF DOVER
DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
APPLICATION REVIEW COMMENTARY
December 2015
APPLICATION: The Grande Building 4
FILE #: C-15-04
REVIEWING AGENCY: Kent Conservation District
CONTACT PERSON: David C. Cahill PHONE #: 741-2600 ext.3
THE SUBJECT PROPOSAL HAS BEEN REVIEWED FOR CODE COMPLIANCE, PLAN CONFORMITY AND
COMPLETENESS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS AGENCY’S AUTHORITY AND AREA OF EXPERTISE. THE
FOLLOWING ITEMS HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED AS ELEMENTS WHICH NEED TO BE ADDRESSED BY THE
APPLICANT:
Source: 2014 Delaware Sediment and Stormwater Regulations
CITY AND STATE CODE REQUIREMENTS:
1. The Kent Conservation District has no objection to the conditional use approval of the above referenced
site.
ADVISORY COMMENTS TO THE APPLICANT:
1. If at any time expansion or earth disturbing activity (clearing, grubbing tree clearing etc.) takes place and
exceeds 5000 square feet; a detailed Sediment and Stormwater Management Plan must be submitted to,
reviewed by and approved by The Kent Conversation District.
2. The DAC plans submitted provide an existing and proposed impervious cover in percentage. The
impervious coverage provided could not be verified. Upon project closeout, the impervious is listed at
64.5%. The DAC submittal has the existing impervious as 74.0%.
Page 45
CITY OF DOVER Dover/Kent
County
Metropolitan
DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
APPLICATION REVIEW COMMENTARY Planning
Organization
D.A.C. MEETING DATE: December 2, 2015
APPLICATION: The Grande, Building 4: Planned Neighborhood Design-Senior Housing
Option
FILE #: C-15-04 REVIEWING AGENCY: Dover/Kent County MPO
CONTACT PERSON: Jim Galvin, AICP PHONE #: (302) 387-6030
The MPO requested the opportunity to bring the recommendations on issues of our concern to the City of Dover.
The MPO will limit comments to projects to development proposals and applications that may lead to new
development. Issues of concern to the MPO are effective transit, reducing the amount of vehicle emissions by
shortening or eliminating trips, and facilities for alternative modes of transportation, including bicycle and
pedestrian access. The MPO considers the bicycle facilities required by the City of Dover to be the standard for all
applications, not to be waived.
City of Dover Planning Commission 12/16/2015
Project Review
C-15-04 The Grande Building 4
The proposal for the overall project site was previously reviewed. The elements the MPO cited have been
addressed before the Planning Commission. This new building removes a substantial amount of parking.
Those previous reviews were based on the revised model that the units would be considered market rate,
open to any tenant. The use for The Grande has reverted to a 55+ apartment community. The plans for
the use originally intended use (approved in 2006) offered reduced parking requirements, allowed
increased density and included a requirement for a driveway between The Grande (as it’s previous
incarnation as Doveview). This interconnection was suggested by the Route 8 Concept Plan as approved
by the MPO Council in March 2008 and presented to the City of Dover Planning Commission in March
2009. Among the recommendations of the report were changes in how local traffic might access
properties in their vicinity:
Interconnections between properties along Route 8 - The longer-term
improvement option that should be explored would be a continuous service road
connection between Mifflin Road all the way through to Independence Boulevard.
This would allow local trips to use this service road to access businesses without
the need to use Route 8. As redevelopment occurs the following connections
should be made:
• A 2-way connection between McDonald’s and the signal to Kenton Road.
Page 46
• An interconnecting street from Independence Boulevard to Mifflin Road. The
street would be a City street and designed to city street standards.
• An interconnection between Independence Blvd and Bennington Street.
• An interconnection between Dove View and Modern Maturity Center
• Interconnection between Heatherfield Way and Stoney Drive; and Heatherfield
and Cranberry Run
This Recommendation of the Plan, endorsed by the MPO, should be considered by the Planning
Commission as a requirement with approval of the fourth building which is only allowed under the
conditional use Planned Neighborhood Design-Senior Citizen Housing Option. Traffic controls to
dissuade ‘cut-through’ drivers may be required on or adjacent to the site.
The location of the apartments is currently served by transit. There are three stops that serve the complex,
only one, however, offers access on the adjoining major roads without crossing them. The bus stop on
Saulsbury Road at the driveway directly east of the buildings and across from Carver Rd has a stop
immediately south of the intersection. The other two stops are on the other side of the arterials. The
primary bus stop for residents, therefore is the previously mention Saulsbury Road stop. Residents have
no safe means of accessing the stop because there is no sidewalk along the east driveway. The Planning
Commission should consider a sidewalk and related crosswalk in the parking lot as essential for transit
riding residents. When the building is complete, a crosswalk on Doveview Drive connecting the east side
of the Division Street entrance to the new sidewalk should be provided.
Please contact Tremica Cherry of DTC Planning to develop other proposals. She can be reached at
Tremica.Cherry@state.de.us or at (302) 739-3278, the main line for DTC Dover.
Please contact me if there are any questions at james.galvin@doverkentmpo.org or 302.387.6028.
Page 47
The Grande
Project Narrative / Waiver Request
December 9, 2015
Average Lot Area and Minimum Lot Area
We hereby request an alternative to Article 3 Section 24 – Planned Neighborhood Design (PND) Option and
Article 4 – Zoning Bulk and Parking Regulations, requiring that the Average Lot Area = 1,800 s.f. per dwelling
unit and the Minimum Lot Area = 1,800 s.f. per dwelling unit be reduced to 1,527.4 s.f. per dwelling unit. The
proposed Building #4 will replicate the existing Building #3 on the site with an additional 48 age-restricted
dwelling units in the building.
Building Spacing
We hereby request an alternative to Article 3 Section 24 – Planned Neighborhood Design (PND) Option and
Article 4 – Zoning Bulk and Parking Regulations, requiring that the Building Spacing = 50 feet be reduced to
approximately 37 feet between proposed Building #4 and existing Buildings #1 and #3.
Lot Coverage
We hereby request an alternative to Article 3 Section 24 – Planned Neighborhood Design (PND) Option and
Article 4 – Zoning Bulk and Parking Regulations, requiring that the Lot Coverage = 60% be increased to allow
the Lot Coverage to be 72.5% after the construction of Building #4.
102 Larch Circle, Suite 203 Newport, Delaware 19804 phone: 302-992-9881 fax: 302-658-0618
Page 48
The Grande
Project Narrative / Waiver Request
November 6, 2015
The original approved Site Plans for Doveview were prepared by Larson Engineering, Inc. in 2006. The Larson
Plans were approved with 4 buildings utilizing the Senior Housing Option in place at that time, which required
that the head of household must be at least 55 years of age.
Those plans were superseded by the Becker Morgan Group and then Northpoint Engineering plans renamed The
Grande. The plans proposed 3 buildings and were compliant with the current City of Dover Code at the time for
apartments. There was no age restriction put on the site due to uncertainty in the housing market at the time. The
Final Site Plan application for The Grande (S-11-12) was approved by the City of Dover Planning Commission
on August 15, 2011. The site was constructed to those approved plans with 3 buildings compliant with the
apartment regulations.
The apartments are fully leased with a waiting list. A Declaration of Restrictions was recorded on July 29, 2015
to restrict the age of the residents of the units. The Declaration of Restrictions is revocable as it stands.
Once construction was completed, the Site was finalized. Therefore any changes to the site – such as adding a
4th building – will require a new complete application and will follow the procedure for new plans in the City of
Dover.
A Conceptual Sketch Plan - Application MI-14-06 The Grande Planned Neighborhood Design – Senior Citizen
Housing Option was submitted in 2014.
Dwelling Units / Building and Building Height
The three (3) existing buildings on the site are 4-story with 48 dwelling units / building. The buildings each have
3 elevators per building, with each elevator serving 4 dwelling units per floor.
We hereby request an alternatives to Article 3 Section 24 – Planned Neighborhood Design (PND) Option and
Article 4 – Zoning Bulk and Parking Regulations, requiring that the Maximum Building Height = 2 stories, and
Maximum Dwelling Units per Building = 24. We propose to construct a 4th building on the site, 4 stories in
height with 48 dwelling units, to be similar to existing Building #3 on the site, with 3 elevators in the building to
serve 4 units per floor.
Parking
Parking for the Approved Plans in effect at this time require 2.25 spaces / dwelling unit (144 DU’s) = 325
spaces. There are currently 325 spaces provided on the site.
We hereby request an alternatives to Article 3 Section 24 - Planned Neighborhood Design (PND) Option and
Article 4 – Zoning Bulk and Parking Regulations, to provide 1.25 spaces / dwelling unit (192 DU’s) = 240
spaces. Our plan proposes 250 spaces on the site.
The apartments are fully leased and 131 vehicles are registered to those residents at this time. Parking counts
were conducted from October 31 thru November 2 and the results are as shown below.
102 Larch Circle, Suite 203 Newport, Delaware 19804 phone: 302-992-9881 fax: 302-658-0618
Page 49
Saturday - October 31, 2015 at 7:00 AM = 128 vehicles
Saturday - October 31, 2015 at 7:00 PM = 115 vehicles
Sunday - November 1, 2015 at 7:00 AM = 111 vehicles
Sunday - November 1, 2015 at 7:00 PM = 133 vehicles
Monday – November 2, 2015 at 7:00 AM = 129 vehicles
Monday - November 2, 2015 at 11:00 AM = 121 vehicles
Monday - November 2, 2015 at 7:00 PM = 121 vehicles
Our plan proposes one additional building with 48 DU’s and will provide 250 parking spaces on the site.
Active Recreation Area
The current plans are already utilizing an exception to the Article 5 Section 10 – Open space and other public
facilities, which requires 275 SF / dwelling unit (144 DU’s) = 39,600 SF active recreation area. The current
plans require 150 SF / dwelling unit (144 DU’s) = 21,600 SF active recreation area. The actual active recreation
area on the site is 21,975 SF.
This plan proposes an additional 48 age-restricted dwelling units on the site. According to the calculations - 150
SF / dwelling unit (192 DU’s) = 28,800 SF, these plans require an additional 6,825 SF of active recreation area.
With the proposed 4th building on the site, there is no area available to provide this additional area.
In addition, as part of the each resident’s lease, the annual membership fee for the adjoining Modern Maturity
Center is paid yearly.
Waiver Request
We are hereby requesting a waiver of the requirements of Article 5 Section 17 – Emergency access
requirements, which requires a 24’ wide primary fire lane at the rear of the building.
Attached is Sheet 1 of 4 of the Approved Fire Pump and Site Underground Plans as approved by the City of
Dover Fire Marshal in 2008. The plans were approved for 4 buildings on the site. The site was constructed in
accordance with the approved plans, with the exception of Building 4, which was not built.
The existing buildings on site each have a wet fire protection system for floors 1, 2, 3, an4, and a dry system for
the attic floor. The buildings are fully sprinklered. Smoke detectors are hard-wired and located in the kitchen,
bathroom and hallways of each unit and in each elevator, per the National Electric Code. Each init and hallway
also has horns and strobes for Fire Protection. There are 3 accesses to each building in the front and 3 in the rear.
The fire protection system is fed by public water – City of Dover – and a Fire Pump located on site.
Building #4 will be constructed in accordance with the approved plans and will have the same fire protection
system as is currently installed in Buildings 1, 2, and 3.
Page 50
City of Dover
DATA SHEET FOR RECREATION PLAN REVIEW
PARKS, RECREATION AND COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT COMMITTEE
MEETING OF December 14, 2015
Planning Commission Meeting of December 16, 2015
Plan Title: The Grande, Building 4 (C-15-04)
Planned Neighborhood Design – Senior Citizen Housing Option
Plan Type: Conditional Use Site Plan for Planned Neighborhood Design
Active Recreation Area Plan
Property Location: West of Saulsbury Road and on the north side of Forrest Avenue
Property Addresses: 101-405 Doveview Drive
Tax Parcel Number: ED-05-076.07-01-30.00-000
Owner: Doveview Investors, LLC
Site Area: 6.7326 Acres +/-
Proposed Use: Planned Neighborhood Design Senior Citizen Housing Option
4 Apartment Buildings (Total 192 units)
Zoning: RG-5 (General Residence for Mid-Rise Apartments Zone)
COZ-1 (Corridor Overlay Zone)
Project Summary:
The project for The Grande, Building 4 will be reviewed as a Conditional Use Site Plan to
establish a Planned Neighborhood Design development of Senior Citizen Housing. The plan
proposes construction of a four story 62,240 SF apartment building consisting of 48 units
(Building 4) and other associated site improvements to join the existing apartment complex
which consists of three apartment buildings now known as The Grande (previously developed
under Site Plan S-11-12 Dove View).1 With this project for a fourth building, the complex will
consist of a total of 192 apartment units of Senior Citizen Housing.
The property was initially proposed as a Planned Neighborhood Design – Senior Citizen Housing
Option project with Conditional Use Site Plan C-03-08 Fountainview Senior Housing Option and then
again with Conditional Use Site Plan C-06-02 DoveView Senior Apartments. Two apartment buildings
were partially constructed as a part of Plan C-06-02 before it expired. The project resumed construction of
Buildings 1 and 2 and completed Building 3 under Site Plan S-11-12 DoveView as an apartment
complex. Each of these previous plans had Active Recreation Area Plans. For C-06-02, the plan consisted
of proposed amenities and a cash-in-lieu payment. For S-11-12, a series of amenities were constructed.
P. O. Box 475 Dover, DE 19903
Community Excellence Through Quality Service
Page 51
The Grande, Building 4: Planned Neighborhood Design - Senior Citizen Housing Option
Summary Report of Active Recreation Plan Component
Parks, Recreation & Community Enhancement Committee Meeting on December 14, 2015
Page 2 of 5
Active Recreation Area Plan Summary:
As part of the Plan review process for this project, the applicant prepared a Conceptual
Recreation Plan which illustrates how The Grande: Building 4 development will provide
recreation amenities in accordance with the design specifications described in Article 3 § 24.61
Common Open Space and Article 5, Section 10 Open space, recreation, and other public
facilities of the Zoning Ordinance.
The following excerpt from Zoning Ordinance, Article 3 §24.61(b) describes the common open
space design requirements for this type of PND project:
Article 3 §24.61
(b) Senior citizen housing option. Useable open space shall be provided in
accordance with the area requirements set forth in article 5, section 10.16 of this
ordinance. The location, dimensions and orientation shall be designed to afford
maximum accessibility and convenience for the residents of the development. Open
space areas shall include landscaped walkways with park benches, patios, and garden
areas, and may include other active recreation amenities suited to the needs, abilities
and preferences of the anticipated service population. The open space area requirement
may be reduced or waived by the planning commission if it is determined that the
property on which a senior citizen housing option is proposed is within one-quarter mile
walking distance of a public park which offers pedestrian amenities and appropriate
recreation opportunities for senior citizens.
This Active Recreation Area Plan must be reviewed by the Parks, Recreation, and Community
Enhancement Committee for a recommendation prior to consideration of the Conditional Use
Site Plan for the Planned Neighborhood Design – Senior Citizen Housing Option by Planning
Commission.
The Active Recreation Area proposal for The Grande PND-SCHO project is depicted in the plan
submission of Sheet L-100 Landscape and Recreation Plan and in a Project Narrative. Due to the
property size and unit density, this project qualifies for active recreation area exemption for small
developments under Zoning Ordinance, Article 5 §10.514. The Active Recreation Area for this
project is required at a rate of 150 square feet per dwelling unit or 10,000 SF whichever is greater.
Based on a total of 192 dwelling units, 28,800 SF of active recreation area is required. The Plan
indicates that 21,925 S.F. of land would be reserved as Active Recreation Area. This leaves a
deficiency of 6,875 SF of active recreation area for The Grande PND-SCHO project.
The Active Recreation Areas are in central locations on the site. There are three areas of activity:
Shuffleboard and Swing Set area (Area #1); Walking Path area (Area #2); and Horseshoe Pit
area (Area #3). These existing amenities already constructed on the site include an area with a
shuffleboard court, gazebo, swing set, and picnic table; a walking path with benches and picnic
tables around the stormwater management pond; and area with horseshoe pits with picnic tables.
The Project Narrative with the plan submission also notes that each resident’s lease includes
payment of the annual membership fee to the adjacent Modern Maturity Center.
The following table provides information from the submitted Plan (dated 11/6/2015) for the
Active Recreation Area as proposed including the existing amenities:
Page 52
The Grande, Building 4: Planned Neighborhood Design - Senior Citizen Housing Option
Summary Report of Active Recreation Plan Component
Parks, Recreation & Community Enhancement Committee Meeting on December 14, 2015
Page 3 of 5
Required Provided on Plan
Common Open Space in Useable open space following Existing walking paths,
PND – Senior Option the area requirement of Active horseshoe pits, shuffleboard,
(Article §24.61b) Recreation Area swing set, benches, picnic
tables
Annual membership to the
Modern Maturity Center
Active Recreation Area 150 S.F. per dwelling unit or Shuffleboard, swing set,
(Article 5 §10.514) 10,000 SF whichever is gazebo, and picnic tables area
greater to be provided on site. = 6,329 SF
192 DU = 28,800 SF Walking Area with Benches
and picnic tables = estimated
Provided: 21,925 SF at 10,433 SF
Deficient: 6,875 SF
Horseshoe pits with picnic
tables = 5,163 SF
Active Recreation Amenities Accessible Located through the
(Article 5 §10.15) development and accessible
via existing sidewalk system.
Active Recreation Amenities Age Oriented to development The walking area with
(Article 5 §10.15) benches and picnic; the
horseshoe pits with picnic
tables; and shuffleboard court
with swing set and picnic
tables would serve all ages.
Parking The particulars of the
proposed active recreation do
not have associated parking
needs. There are on-site
parking areas for the
apartment complex.
Setbacks: 30 feet from All of the active recreation
residential lots and 25 feet areas are in compliance as
from right-of-way for street required.
Landscaping The project shows tree
planting around the site and
within the various recreation
areas.
Page 53
The Grande, Building 4: Planned Neighborhood Design - Senior Citizen Housing Option
Summary Report of Active Recreation Plan Component
Parks, Recreation & Community Enhancement Committee Meeting on December 14, 2015
Page 4 of 5
Staff Recommendations:
The following are comments and recommendations from Staff of the Planning Office following
review of the Active Recreation Area Plan.
1. The proposed plan presents a series of existing areas of amenities constructed with the
three existing Apartment Buildings as the Active Recreation Area for this project overall.
With the addition of Building 4, the plan is required to provide 28,800 SF of Active
Recreation Area and it is currently shown as proposing 21,925 SF of Active
Recreation Area. The project is deficit 6,875 S.F. of Active Recreation Area.
a. The deficiency of Active Recreation Area must be satisfied. There are multiple
options to achieve this including, but not limited to, a reduction in the project unit
count and/or size of the proposed building to increase outdoor open space
availability, the addition of interior recreation space, or a cash-in-lieu donation for
the recreation area.
2. Staff recommends approval of the existing walking path, benches, picnic tables,
horseshoe pits, shuffleboard court, gazebo, and swing set. The specific areas around each
of these amenities have been delineated on the plan and can be accepted towards meeting
a portion of the Active Recreation Area requirement.
3. Submit documentation of the agreement, details, recreation amenities, regulations, etc. of
the annual membership at the Modern Maturity Center. Insufficient information has been
provided for consideration of this activity as counting towards satisfying the Active
Recreation Area requirement.
a. If this activity is accepted as part of the Active Recreation Area, there must be an
accessible route for pedestrians and/or vehicles from the apartment complex to the
facility. The accessible route should include barrier free access, designated cross
walks, directional signage, or other site improvements, etc.
4. Per Zoning Ordinance, Article 5 §10.514 if construction of portion of the required active
recreation area is not practical, the commission shall require a cash-in-lieu donation for
the active recreation area determined as not practical. The amount of the cash-in-lieu is
based on information from an appraisal prepared for construction financing. This method
of cash-in-lieu payment is one potential option to satisfy the 6,875 S.F. deficiency of the
Active Recreation Area.
5. The following items should be included on the Plan to clarify the Recreation Area
improvements:
a. Provide size of Existing Active Open Space Area #2 (Walking Path area).
b. Provide a summary list of the proposed features on the Active Recreation Plan
(i.e. the number of benches, picnic tables, etc.).
c. Provide a listing and area tally of the three Active Recreation Areas and other
items approved to satisfy the Active Recreation Area requirement.
d. Identify the protective ground covering material under the swing set.
e. The Landscape Plan must include the necessary design professional certification
per the Zoning Ordinance.
Page 54
The Grande, Building 4: Planned Neighborhood Design - Senior Citizen Housing Option
Summary Report of Active Recreation Plan Component
Parks, Recreation & Community Enhancement Committee Meeting on December 14, 2015
Page 5 of 5
6. Ensure existing amenities are in good repair and working order and complete any
necessary maintenance to allow for continual safe use by the residents.
7. The applicant is reminded of the requirements for construction phasing of the recreation
area as associated with the development of the residential units.
Article 5 §10.6 Construction Phasing. The recreation and open space areas shall be
completed in a proportion equal to or greater than the proportion of residential dwelling
units completed, except that one hundred (100) percent of the recreation and open space
areas shall be completed prior to issuing building permits for the final twenty (20) percent
of the dwelling units proposed. Building permits shall not be issued for dwelling units
unless the requirements of this section are met.
8. There shall be provisions which ensure that the common open space land (including the
active recreation areas) shall continue as such and be properly managed and maintained.
The developer shall either retain ownership and responsibility for maintenance of such
open land or provide for and establish one (1) or more organizations for the ownership
and maintenance of all common open space i.e. a Homeowners Association. The
organization shall be responsible for maintenance, insurance and taxes on the common
open space.
9. In the event, that major changes and revisions to the Conditional Use Site Plan occur in
the finalization of the Plan contact the Planning Office. Examples include reorientation
of buildings, relocation of site components, changes in floor area or unit count, or design
revisions impacting Active Recreation Areas. These changes may require resubmission
for review by the Development Advisory Committee, Planning Commission, or other
agencies and commissions making recommendations in regards to the plan.
The Parks, Recreation, and Community Enhancement Committee shall submit to the Planning
Commission a report detailing the recommendations as to the Recreation Area Plan.
Attachments:
Active Recreation Plan as Sheet L-100 Landscape and Recreation Plan dated 11/6/2015
Project Narrative for The Grande dated 11/6/2015
Page 56
The Grande
Project Narrative / Waiver Request
November 6, 2015
The original approved Site Plans for Doveview were prepared by Larson Engineering, Inc. in 2006. The Larson
Plans were approved with 4 buildings utilizing the Senior Housing Option in place at that time, which required
that the head of household must be at least 55 years of age.
Those plans were superseded by the Becker Morgan Group and then Northpoint Engineering plans renamed The
Grande. The plans proposed 3 buildings and were compliant with the current City of Dover Code at the time for
apartments. There was no age restriction put on the site due to uncertainty in the housing market at the time. The
Final Site Plan application for The Grande (S-11-12) was approved by the City of Dover Planning Commission
on August 15, 2011. The site was constructed to those approved plans with 3 buildings compliant with the
apartment regulations.
The apartments are fully leased with a waiting list. A Declaration of Restrictions was recorded on July 29, 2015
to restrict the age of the residents of the units. The Declaration of Restrictions is revocable as it stands.
Once construction was completed, the Site was finalized. Therefore any changes to the site – such as adding a
4th building – will require a new complete application and will follow the procedure for new plans in the City of
Dover.
A Conceptual Sketch Plan - Application MI-14-06 The Grande Planned Neighborhood Design – Senior Citizen
Housing Option was submitted in 2014.
Dwelling Units / Building and Building Height
The three (3) existing buildings on the site are 4-story with 48 dwelling units / building. The buildings each have
3 elevators per building, with each elevator serving 4 dwelling units per floor.
We hereby request an alternatives to Article 3 Section 24 – Planned Neighborhood Design (PND) Option and
Article 4 – Zoning Bulk and Parking Regulations, requiring that the Maximum Building Height = 2 stories, and
Maximum Dwelling Units per Building = 24. We propose to construct a 4th building on the site, 4 stories in
height with 48 dwelling units, to be similar to existing Building #3 on the site, with 3 elevators in the building to
serve 4 units per floor.
Parking
Parking for the Approved Plans in effect at this time require 2.25 spaces / dwelling unit (144 DU’s) = 325
spaces. There are currently 325 spaces provided on the site.
We hereby request an alternatives to Article 3 Section 24 - Planned Neighborhood Design (PND) Option and
Article 4 – Zoning Bulk and Parking Regulations, to provide 1.25 spaces / dwelling unit (192 DU’s) = 240
spaces. Our plan proposes 250 spaces on the site.
The apartments are fully leased and 131 vehicles are registered to those residents at this time. Parking counts
were conducted from October 31 thru November 2 and the results are as shown below.
102 Larch Circle, Suite 203 Newport, Delaware 19804 phone: 302-992-9881 fax: 302-658-0618
Page 57
Saturday - October 31, 2015 at 7:00 AM = 128 vehicles
Saturday - October 31, 2015 at 7:00 PM = 115 vehicles
Sunday - November 1, 2015 at 7:00 AM = 111 vehicles
Sunday - November 1, 2015 at 7:00 PM = 133 vehicles
Monday – November 2, 2015 at 7:00 AM = 129 vehicles
Monday - November 2, 2015 at 11:00 AM = 121 vehicles
Monday - November 2, 2015 at 7:00 PM = 121 vehicles
Our plan proposes one additional building with 48 DU’s and will provide 250 parking spaces on the site.
Active Recreation Area
The current plans are already utilizing an exception to the Article 5 Section 10 – Open space and other public
facilities, which requires 275 SF / dwelling unit (144 DU’s) = 39,600 SF active recreation area. The current
plans require 150 SF / dwelling unit (144 DU’s) = 21,600 SF active recreation area. The actual active recreation
area on the site is 21,975 SF.
This plan proposes an additional 48 age-restricted dwelling units on the site. According to the calculations - 150
SF / dwelling unit (192 DU’s) = 28,800 SF, these plans require an additional 6,825 SF of active recreation area.
With the proposed 4th building on the site, there is no area available to provide this additional area.
In addition, as part of the each resident’s lease, the annual membership fee for the adjoining Modern Maturity
Center is paid yearly.
Waiver Request
We are hereby requesting a waiver of the requirements of Article 5 Section 17 – Emergency access
requirements, which requires a 24’ wide primary fire lane at the rear of the building.
Attached is Sheet 1 of 4 of the Approved Fire Pump and Site Underground Plans as approved by the City of
Dover Fire Marshal in 2008. The plans were approved for 4 buildings on the site. The site was constructed in
accordance with the approved plans, with the exception of Building 4, which was not built.
The existing buildings on site each have a wet fire protection system for floors 1, 2, 3, an4, and a dry system for
the attic floor. The buildings are fully sprinklered. Smoke detectors are hard-wired and located in the kitchen,
bathroom and hallways of each unit and in each elevator, per the National Electric Code. Each init and hallway
also has horns and strobes for Fire Protection. There are 3 accesses to each building in the front and 3 in the rear.
The fire protection system is fed by public water – City of Dover – and a Fire Pump located on site.
Building #4 will be constructed in accordance with the approved plans and will have the same fire protection
system as is currently installed in Buildings 1, 2, and 3.
Page 58
City of Dover Application No.
:C-
15-
04
Department of Planning & Inspections
R-8
n Dr
r rhor
Matte
iotD
Patr R-8
lvd
IPM
ncB
tBla
M R-8
Mon
R- CPO
Ln
ROS
ouse
RM-1 8
ingh
Ex t
eet
r Ct Clara
Eige R-8
RM-1
r
nten
nyD R-8
Colo
Bice C-2A
ROS nial
Bl
RM-1 vd
C-3
Paul Revere
RG-2
t
ter C
Pew
RM-1
R-8 C-2A
IO
Ct
to
hing
Ct
drow
Was
Woo
Rd
ht Ct
Dwig
bury
CPO
rge
Geo S auls
RG-2 RG-2
Site
Carver Rd
RGO CPO
ordCt
Rutherf
n Dr iso n
Ct
RG-5
Mad RG-5
Dr
Andrew RG-3 IO C-1A
RG-2
Ct
f
Jeferson t
ton C
Af IO
C-1A C-2A
RM-2 C-
CPO
s Ct 2A
Adam
ForestS t
ForrestAve CPO
C-2A
Gibbs Dr
C-2A Bedf
ordS t RG-1
RG-1
CPO
BertrandDr
t
Woodsto ck C
Lincoln S t
C-2A CPO SC-2 R-8
RG-2 RG-2 RG-1 R-
Farm viewDr 8 R-8
ReeseS t
RG-1
RG-2 awdDr
J Paul S t
RG-1 RG-1
Title:TheGrande,Building4:PlannedNeighborhoodDesign –S enior Citizen HousingOption
Address: Multipleaddresses on DoveviewDr
Parcel I
D:ED05- 076. 07-01-30.
00-000
Zoning:RG- 5 Legend
Owner:DoveviewI nvestors,LLC Zoning
Date:1 1/24/
2015
Dover Parcels
KentCountyParcels
« 0 300 600 1,
200Feet
S ubjectProperty
Page 59
City of Dover
DATA SHEET FOR SITE DEVELOPMENT PLAN REVIEW
DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING OF December 9, 2015
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING OF December 16, 2015
Plan Title: Fordham & Dominion Brewery Building Addition (Phase 2) (S-15-15)
Plan Type: Site Development Plan
Applicant: William H. McDaniel, Inc.
Location: South side of McD Drive near the intersection with Horsepond Road
Address: 1284 McD Drive
Tax Parcels: ED-05-077.12-01-13.00-000 (portion)
Site Area: Project Area: 5.6185 Ac. +/- Total Parcel: 42.0 Ac. +/-
Zoning: IPM (Industrial Park Manufacturing Zone)
AEOZ (Airport Environs Overlay Zone): Noise Zones A and B and Accident
Potential Zone II
Use: Brewery (no change)
Building Type: Commercial/Industrial
Building Areas: Existing: 19,086 SF
Phase 2 Addition: 13,370 SF
Total: 32,456 SF
Lot Coverage: Existing: 16.5%
Proposed: 22.0%
Off Street Parking: Required: 36
Proposed: 24
Waivers Requested: Elimination of Curbing Requirement
Reduction in Parking Requirement
Sidewalk Waiver
Previous Applications:
V-09-02, Variance to construct building additions in the floodplain, March 11, 2009
S-09-10, Site Plan for building addition, June 19, 2009
P. O. Box 475 Dover, DE 19903
Community Excellence Through Quality Service
Page 60
City of
Dover
CITY OF DOVER Planning
Office
DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
APPLICATION REVIEW COMMENTARY
D.A.C. MEETING DATE: December 9, 2015
APPLICATION: Fordham & Dominion Brewery Building Addition (Phase 2) Dover, DE
FILE #: S-15-15 REVIEWING AGENCY: City of Dover Planning Office
CONTACT PERSON: Bill Cook, Planner I PHONE #: 302.736.7196
PLAN SUMMARY
This is a Site Plan Review to permit the construction of a 13,370 SF building addition to an
existing commercial/industrial structure. This plan is an expansion of the existing 19,086 SF
built improvements, bringing the total proposed building area to 32,456 SF. The project area
consists of a 5.6185 ac +/- portion of a 42.0 ac +/- parcel.
The subject area is located on the south side of McD Drive near the intersection with Horsepond
Road. The owner of record is William H. McDaniel, Inc. Property Address: 1284 McD Drive.
Tax Parcel: ED-05-077.12-01-13.00-000 (portion). Council District 2.
Previous Approvals
The submission of this plan (S-15-15) is required because previous plan approvals and
extensions expired. Site Development Plan S-09-10 was approved by the Planning Commission
on June 15, 2009 to permit the construction of additions to the then existing building in two
phases. Final Plan approval was granted by staff on November 2, 2009. Phase 1 construction
activity of the approved plan was completed and a Certificate of Occupancy issued on May 20,
2010, thus requiring Phase 2 of construction to have begun by May 31, 2011. At its meeting of
April 18, 2011 the Planning Commission approved a one year extension of Phase 2. The
commission approved a second one year extension on March 19, 2012, the maximum time as
permitted by the Zoning Ordinance. Phase 2 Construction did not commence prior to May 31,
2013 and the plan expired.
Zoning and Land Use
The property is zoned IPM (Industrial Park Manufacturing Zone) and is subject to the AEOZ
(Airport Environs Overlay Zone): Noise Zones A and B and Accident Potential Zone II.
The use as a brewery complies with provisions of Zoning Ordinance, Article 3 §20 which
permits manufacturing and processing operations, to include food and beverage production
facilities within the IPM zone. The use is also compatible as directed by the provisions of the
Page 61
S-15-15 Fordham & Dominion Brewery Building Addition (Phase 2)
Final DAC Report of December 9, 2015
Page 3 of 8
AEOZ found in Zoning Ordinance, specifically Article 3 §22.6 (“Land use compatibility table”)
whereby “food & kindred products; manufacturing” is permitted in the APZ II sub-area.
The regulations related to noise reduction provision of the AEOZ are certified during the
building permitting phase of the project.
Environmental
A portion of the property is located within the 100-year floodplain and is thus subject to
regulations of Dover Code of Ordinances, Chapter 50 related to construction in a flood hazard
area. The Board of Adjustment approved variance V-09-02 on March 11, 2009 to permit
construction of building additions within the 100-year floodplain (a variance of the provisions of
Zoning Ordinance, Article 5 §11.21).
Flood proofing of the building must be done in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 50
and comply with codes that are enforced as part of the Building Permit process.
BUILDING ARCHITECTURE
The existing building is a two story metal building with a split-face brick façade on the front
elevation. Other sides of the building are solely metal. The proposed addition is clad in metal and
appears to be the same material used on the existing building as shown in the submitted plan set
(Sheet A1).
The proposed building is twenty-two (22) feet in height and complies with limits for the IPM
zone (35 feet) and the AEOZ (60 feet).
SITE CONSIDERATIONS
Parking
Parking Spaces
The minimum parking requirements for this project is one parking space for every 800 SF of
floor area or one space per employee, whichever is greater. Based on the proposed total building
area of 32,456 SF, forty-one (41) parking spaces are required. Phase 1 construction as approved
(S-09-10) consisted of mechanical equipment (coolers) that were not calculated viewed as usable
floor area. Subtracting that area from the total proposed building area in this plan, plus existing
construction, the adjusted total floor area is
28,456 SF requiring a minimum of thirty-six Table 1
(36) spaces. (Table 1) S-15-15 Parking Summary
REQUIRED Spaces
The site plan as submitted shows twenty-four Proposed Construction, total
(24) parking spaces. Adjusted Floor Area: 28,456 SF 36
Constructed Floor Area: 32,456 SF 41
Parking Surface
PROVIDED
A portion of the existing parking area is
identified as surfaced in asphalt millings and Existing Condition*
concrete. Zoning Ordinance, Article 6 §3.6 Adjusted Floor Area: 15,086 SF 24
related to drainage and surfacing of parking Constructed Floor Area: 19,086 SF
areas and access drives requires that such areas PROPOSED
be provided with “paved asphalt, concrete or Adjusted Floor Area: 28,456 SF 24
other hard, paved, dust-free surface.” Constructed Floor Area: 32,456 SF
* Pa rki ng wa i ver previ ous l y a pproved for S-09-10
Page 62
S-15-15 Fordham & Dominion Brewery Building Addition (Phase 2)
Final DAC Report of December 9, 2015
Page 4 of 8
Improvements to the parking areas and access drives must be an approved surface per the
requirements of the Zoning Ordinance and the Fire Marshal’s Office comments as related to
requirements for fire lanes.
A request for a reduction in parking was made and approved with the previous Site Plan (S-09-
10). As required, a reserved area was shown on the previous Final Plan for the number of
parking spaces being reduced so that future construction could occur if deemed necessary.
Waiver Request: Parking Reduction
Per Zoning Ordinance, Article 6 § 3.9 the Applicant may request a waiver in regards to the total
amount of required parking on site, not to exceed a 50% reduction in the parking requirement. A
Waiver Request has been submitted requesting a reduction in parking of 12 spaces, to provide a
total of 24 parking spaces in lieu of the required 36 spaces. A written request was submitted for
consideration.
If a parking waiver is granted, the Final Plan is required to reserve space to accommodate the
parking being reduced so that future construction could occur if deemed necessary. The
(Revised) submitted plan shows the twelve (12) reserved spaces. See Revised 11x17 size Plan
sheet.
Bicycle Parking
The Zoning Ordinance calculates required bicycle parking facilities in Article 6 §3.10 based on
required parking for automobiles. Two (2) bicycle parking spaces are required on the site
following construction of Phase 2. Bicycle parking is shown on the (revised) submitted plan and
will be required to be shown on the Final Plan.
Sidewalk
Sidewalks are required along public street frontages per Zoning Ordinance, Article 5 §18.1. The
submitted plan shows sidewalk installed along Horsepond Road, which is a public street. The
installation of sidewalk there was a requirement of the previous plan approval.
Article 5 §18.3 requires that non-residential developments have sidewalk installed to provide
pedestrian access from parking areas to building entrances and to provide linkages to the existing
sidewalk network in the neighborhood. No sidewalk connectivity from the Horsepond Road
frontage sidewalk to the building entrance is provided.
Waiver Request: Partial Elimination of Sidewalk
The applicant may request a modification of or waiver from the sidewalk requirements per the
criteria outlined in Article 5 §18.4. A Waiver Request has been submitted requesting that the
requirement for the sidewalk from the Horsepond Road frontage sidewalk to the building
entrance be waived.
Dumpster
Based on the size and use of the building one (1) dumpster pad is required for the first, 40,000 SF of
floor area. The proposed building area requires one (1) dumpster pad. The existing pad is shown in
the northwest corner of the property. An enclosure is required and currently exists.
Page 63
S-15-15 Fordham & Dominion Brewery Building Addition (Phase 2)
Final DAC Report of December 9, 2015
Page 5 of 8
Lighting
Per Zoning Ordinance Article 5 §7 lighting of commercial uses shall provide no less than 1½
footcandles at grade. Light shall be deflected away from adjacent residential areas and shall not
be distracting to traffic on adjacent roads. Site lighting is not shown on the plan. Per the
objectives of Article 10 §2.24, the Site Plan must additionally include the power, direction, and
time of outdoor lighting, and demonstrate no adverse effect upon adjacent properties.
Curbing
Zoning Ordinance Article 6 §3.6(b) requires upright curbing for all parking areas and access
drives. Curbing is not shown on the submitted Site Plan.
Waiver Request: Elimination of Curbing Requirement
Per Zoning Ordinance ,Article 6 § 3.6.b, the Planning Commission may relax the requirement for
a portion of the parking area when there is a demonstrated need as it relates to stormwater
management. A Waiver Request has been submitted requesting that the requirement for curbing
be waived.
TREE PLANTING AND LANDSCAPE PLAN
One (1) tree is required for every 3,000 SF of land area. The tree planting requirement is based
on the land area. Based on the 244,742 SF of project area, less the existing woodlands to be
preserved, 79 trees are required. The submitted plan shows 78 trees. The site plan must be
updated to show the required 79 tree plantings on the plan before Final Plan approval.
The trees are located throughout the site. Several groupings of Crepe Myrtle trees are featured
along the McD Drive entrance drive. Groupings of deciduous and ornamental trees are shown
between the building and Horsepond Road and to the south and west of the building.
THE SUBJECT PROPOSAL HAS BEEN REVIEWED FOR CODE COMPLIANCE, PLAN
CONFORMITY, AND COMPLETENESS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS AGENCY’S
AUTHORITY AND AREA OF EXPERTISE.
CITY AND STATE CODE REQUIREMENTS:
Note the following comments and corrections to be resolved in preparation for completing the
Final Plan.
1) Sheet 1: Site Plan Title Sheet
a) Correct county in project title block.
b) Data Column corrections/revisions:
i) #2: Check lessee name spelling.
ii) #12: Consolidate parking calculations to reflect current conditions and requirements
related to this submitted plan. (i.e. Consider this plan a new submission. “Existing”
and “Phase 1” are now “Existing” for purposes of this plan.) Check this for other data
points throughout the Data Column.
iii) #16: Confirm date.
iv) #21, 22, and 23: Will need updates to reflect current information.
v) Final Plans should be updated with notes and date regarding Planning Commission
action on any waiver requests.
Page 64
S-15-15 Fordham & Dominion Brewery Building Addition (Phase 2)
Final DAC Report of December 9, 2015
Page 6 of 8
2) Landscape Plan Sheet
a) Identify the woodland preservation area and label the dimensions.
b) Update the plan to reflect the requirement for 79 trees.
3) Bicycle parking spaces must be shown in the final plan set.
4) The project must comply with the parking requirements. A written Waiver Request for
reduction in the parking requirement was submitted for consideration by the Planning
Commission.
5) Sidewalk from road frontage sidewalk to building entrance not shown: the plan must be
revised to show the required sidewalk. A written Waiver Request for a partial elimination of
sidewalk was submitted for consideration by the Planning Commission.
6) Curbing not shown on the plan as required for all parking areas. A written Waiver Request
for the elimination of upright curbing was submitted for consideration by the Planning
Commission.
7) Lighting details for the site must be demonstrated before Final Plan approval.
8) Any Erosion & Sediment Control Plans and the Stormwater Management Plans granted
approval by the Kent Conservation District must reflect the Site Plan layout and design as
conditionally approved by the Planning Commission and be in compliance with the Zoning
Ordinance and the technical review requirements of other agencies.
9) Staff notes that architecture for the building will be evaluated at the time of Building Permit
application for compliance with the architecture as approved by the Planning Commission.
The building architecture may be required to come before the Planning Commission for
additional review if significant design changes to the buildings’ exterior finishes in form or
materials.
RECOMMENDATIONS SUGGESTED AS CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL TO MEET CODE
OBJECTIVES:
1) Waiver Request: Elimination of Curbing Requirement: Staff recommends approval of the
wavier for the elimination of curbing around the parking areas as the elimination of curbing
will provide for drainage into the stormwater management areas. Staff recommends the
installation of parking bumpers as a condition of approval of the elimination of curbing in
order to control vehicle movements for safety purposes, better identify and demarcate
parking spaces, and to prevent parking on adjacent unpaved areas.
2) Waiver Request: Partial Elimination of Sidewalk: Staff recommends denial of the waiver
request for the elimination of connecting sidewalk from Horsepond Road to the building
entrance. This connecting sidewalk can be designed to serve pedestrians at the site who also
utilize the street frontage sidewalk system. There is frontage sidewalk in the area, such as
farther south at the property addressed as 725 Horsepond Road (Dover Behavioral Health
System) which also has sidewalk along the entrance drive leading to the building. Sidewalk
Page 65
S-15-15 Fordham & Dominion Brewery Building Addition (Phase 2)
Final DAC Report of December 9, 2015
Page 7 of 8
also exists along nearby Maggie’s Way, with sidewalks leading from the street frontage into
each parcel. While the sidewalk network in the surrounding area is indeed discontinuous, the
expectation throughout the City is that as properties develop and redevelop, infrastructure is
put in place and upgraded so that improvements are progressively phased in over time.
Staff Comment: Staff believes that the requirement for sidewalk from the Horsepond Road
frontage to the building entrance, if enforced, could provide an opportunity for a sidewalk
design along McD Drive leading to the brewery property that could satisfy multiple objectives.
A suitable sidewalk design could satisfy the code requirements, but possibly be configured in a
way that improves connectivity between the two building areas and also provides a path that is
clearer, safer, and more comfortable to use. Striping improvements and permanent or temporary
directional signage could further enhance such connectivity and ensure safe, orderly and
successful events.
3) Waiver Request: Parking Reduction: There is evidence that the currently provided parking is
not sufficient for the events and activities taking place at the facility as it currently exists, as
described earlier in this report as accessory or incidental uses. The Fire Marshal’s Office has
noted and provided photographs of parking taking place on grass and in areas not designated as
parking. Therefore, Staff recommends denial of the request for a parking reduction so that the
required total 36 parking spaces shall be provided with this building expansion project.
Staff Comment: The applicant stated in the Parking Waiver request letter that visitors and event
participants at the subject site may utilize parking provided at the front and rear of the adjacent
building to the north that’s held under common ownership. Staff agrees this could be a workable
“overflow” parking area for events at the brewery, although there is concern that the on-site
parking at the brewery may remain deficient even during non-event periods if the existing
parking lot of twenty-four (24) spaces was retained and not increased in number of parking
spaces.
ADVISORY COMMENTS TO THE APPLICANT:
1) The manufacturing use of the facility is an approved use under the provisions of the IPM
(Industrial Park Manufacturing Zone) and the Accident Potential Zone II provisions of the
AEOZ (Airport Environs Overlay Zone). Additional functions such as tastings and special
events occur on the site. These activities attract members of the general public and increase
the occupancy of the facility beyond the occupancy associated with the manufacturing use
and occupancy by employees. Such functions may be considered accessory or incidental uses
to the primary manufacturing use as related to the IPM zone. The provisions of the AEOZ
permit temporary uses that may include public gatherings, celebrations and outdoor
entertainment. Comment from Dover Air Force Base has been provided indicating that at the
present time the activities being conducted on site are compliant with the AEOZ and there is
not cause for concern.
2) The Planning Commission should act upon any waiver requests for the project as part of any
motion to approve this project, or as a separate motion if necessary. Note: All waivers are at
the discretion of the Planning Commission. The Commission may approve or deny waiver
requests.
Page 66
S-15-15 Fordham & Dominion Brewery Building Addition (Phase 2)
Final DAC Report of December 9, 2015
Page 8 of 8
3) Following Planning Commission approval of the Site Plan, the Plan must be revised to meet
all conditions of approval from the Development Advisory Committee or as otherwise noted.
A Check Print must be submitted for review by Planning Office Staff and directly to other
agencies. Upon determination that the Plan is complete and all agency approvals have been
received, copies of the Plan may be submitted for final endorsement.
4) In the event that major changes and revisions to the Site Development Plan occur in the
finalization of the Site Plan contact the Planning Office. Examples include reorientation of
the site improvements, relocation of site components like stormwater management areas,
building architecture, and increases in floor area or building addition. These changes may
require resubmittal for review by the Development Advisory Committee, Planning
Commission, or other agencies and commissions making recommendations in regards to the
plan.
5) The FEMA FIRM Map 10001C0118J effective date July 7, 2014 shows portions of this
property impacted by the Special Flood Hazard Area (100 year floodplain). As part of the
City of Dover’s participation in the National Flood Insurance Program, development and new
construction activities within such floodplain areas must be compliance with the regulations
of Dover Code of Ordinances, Chapter 50 – Floods and the flood load and flood-resistant
construction provision of the building code.
6) For building construction, the requirements of the building code or fire code must be
complied with. Consult with the Chief Building Inspector and City of Dover Fire Marshal for
these requirements. The resolution of these items may impact the site design including such
items as building dimensions and height, building openings, and fire protection needs, etc.
7) The applicant/developer shall be aware that prior to any ground disturbing activities on the
site the appropriate site inspections, Pre-Construction meetings (including a City of Dover
Pre-Construction meeting), and permits are required.
8) Construction may have an effect on the adjacent property owners and nearby travel lanes.
Any work requiring the closing or rerouting of potential customers or visitors to adjacent
properties should be coordinated as to offer the least amount of inconvenience to the adjacent
property owners.
9) The applicant shall be aware that Site Plan approval does not represent a Sign Permit, nor
does it convey permission to place any sign on the premises. Any proposed site or building
identification sign shall require a Sign Permit from the City of Dover prior to placement of
any such sign. It is recommended that the applicant discuss the sign regulation requirements
with the Planning Staff prior to applying for a Sign Permit.
10) The applicant shall be aware that Site Plan approval does not represent a Building Permit and
associated construction activity permits. A separate application process is required for
issuance of a Building Permit from the City of Dover.
If you have any questions or need to discuss any of the above comments, please call the
above contact person and the Planning Department as soon as possible.
Page 67
CITY OF DOVER
DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
APPLICATION REVIEW COMMENTARY
STAFF D.A.C. MEETING DATE: OCTOBER 28, 2015
APPLICATION: Fordham & Dominion Brewery Building Addition
(Phase 2) at 1284 McD Drive
FILE #: S-15-15
REVIEWING AGENCY: City of Dover Electric and Public Works Departments
CONTACT PERSON: Paul Waddell - Electric
Jason A. Lyon, P.E. – Public Works
CONTACT PHONE #: Electric - 302-736-7070 Public Works – 302-736-7025
T HE S UBJECT P ROPOSAL HAS BEEN R EVIEWED FOR C ODE C OMPLIANCE , P LAN C ONFORMITY AND C OMPLETENESS IN
A CCORDANCE WITH THIS A GENCY ’ S A UTHORITY AND A REA OF E XPERTISE .
T HE F OLLOWING I TEMS HAVE BEEN I DENTIFIED AS E LEMENTS W HICH N EED TO BE A DDRESSED BY THE A PPLICANT :
CITY AND STATE CODE REQUIREMENTS
ELECTRIC
1. The roadway and curbing must be in.
2. The right-of-way must be within 6" of final grade.
3. The property corners must be staked.
4. Owner is responsible for locating all water, sewer, and storm sewer lines.
5. Owner is responsible for installing all conduits and equipment pads per the City of Dover Engineering Department
specifications.
6. Owner is responsible for site and/or street lighting.
7. Meter locations will be determined by City of Dover Engineering Department.
8. Load sheets and AutoCAD compatible DXF or DWG diskettes of site plans, including driveways, are required prior to
receiving approved electrical construction drawings.
9. Any relocation of existing electrical equipment will be engineered by the City of Dover Electric Department. Developer
may be required to perform a quantity of the relocation. Any work performed by the City of Dover will be at the
owner’s expense.
10. Prior to construction, owner is responsible for granting an easement to the City of Dover Electric Department.
Easement forms will be furnished and prepared by the City of Dover Electric Engineering Department.
11. Fees will be assessed upon final site plans. The owner will be responsible for fees assessed prior to construction.
Owner is required to sign off plans prepared by the Electric Department.
12. Must maintain 10' clearance around all electrical equipment, unless pre-approved by the City of Dover Electric
Engineering Department.
13. Prior to the completion of any/all designs and estimates, the owner is responsible for providing the Electric
Engineering Department with a physical address of the property.
14. All Engineering and design for Dover Electric will be engineered upon final approved plans. All Engineering work will
be furnished by the City’s Electric Engineering Department.
Page 68
Fordham & Dominion Brewery Building Addition (Phase 2) at 1284 McD Drive
File #: S-15-15
December 2, 2015
Page 2 of 5
WATER
1. All water utility components must meet the requirements of the Water Wastewater Handbook, effective date March 22,
2010. Please contact our office for more information.
2. The following notes must be added to the plans:
a. Hydrant connections by the contractor are prohibited. This method may not be utilized during any phase of the
project.
b. Any existing water lines not to be utilized by the proposed facility must be properly abandoned at the mains in
accordance with the City of Dover Department of Public Works specifications and requirements.
c. The site contractor shall contact the City of Dover Public Works Construction Manager at (302) 736-7025 prior to
the start of construction. A representative from the City of Dover Department of Public Works must observe and
approve all City owned water and sanitary sewer interconnections and testing. All water taps must be performed
by a City of Dover approved contractor. The proposed location for the water connection may need to be adjusted
in the field due to conditions of the existing main. Possible conditions that would require tapping relocation
include proximity to pipe joints, other taps, concrete encasements, conflict with other utilities, and the like. Test
holes must be performed by the contractor to determine the best tapping location. The City of Dover will not be
held responsible for field conditions requiring adjustment of the tapping location or for any work required by the
contractor to make an appropriate and lawful connection.
3. The size, type, and location of all proposed and existing water lines and valves must be shown on the plan.
4. Water usage projections (peak demand or plumbing fixtures) must be submitted to our office to correctly determine
the size of the domestic and irrigation (if applicable) water meter for the proposed building. These projections must be
submitted prior to approval so the meter size can be placed on the final site plan. The proposed water meter must be
installed in a pit per City of Dover requirements and manufacturer’s recommendations. Also, a dual check valve is
required downstream of the meter.
5. The domestic service, fire main connection and valves must be clearly shown for each building. A valve must be
installed at the tee to isolate combined fire and domestic water service to the building from the water loop. Typically
this valve is installed at the tee or an acceptable distance from the building. A valve must be provided on the
domestic water service, which must be tapped off of the combined eight-inch (8”) fire/domestic service outside of the
building. The domestic water tap and valve should be as close to the building as possible. Typically, the domestic tap
and valve are located within five feet (5’) to ten feet (10’) of the building. A blow up detail of this layout is
recommended.
6. Provide a construction detail for the proposed restraining system for the fire main located within the buildings. The
Department of Public Works will test and inspect all fire mains to a blind flange located inside the buildings. The blind
flange with tap is used for hydrostatic pressure testing (200 psi for two (2) hours) and dechlorination. The flange must
be restrained in the direction of the pipe entering the facility. A pipe entering horizontally through a wall sleeve shall
be restrained with rods through the wall. A pipe entering vertically through a slab shall be restrained through the floor
to the ninety degree (90) bend and thrust block. All rods shall be a minimum of ¾” all thread. All pipes through walls
and slabs must be Class 52 cement lined ductile iron pipe. Confirm particulars to meet this requirement with
mechanical designer.
7. Please confirm the existing size of the water main that is within McD Drive, our records indicate the portion west of the
six-inch (6”) service line is eight-inches (8”), not twelve-inches (12”).
WASTEWATER
1. All wastewater utility components must meet the requirements of the Water Wastewater Handbook, effective date
March 22, 2010. Please contact our office for more information.
2. The following notes must be added to the plans:
a. Any existing sanitary sewer lines not to be utilized by the proposed facility must be properly abandoned at the
mains in accordance with the City of Dover Department of Public Works specifications and requirements.
b. Part II, Chapter 180, Article III, Section 180-10 of the Code of Kent County requires that “no person shall
discharge or cause to be discharged any stormwater, surface water, uncontaminated groundwater, roof runoff,
Page 69
Fordham & Dominion Brewery Building Addition (Phase 2) at 1284 McD Drive
File #: S-15-15
December 2, 2015
Page 3 of 5
subsurface drainage, uncontaminated noncontact cooling water or unpolluted industrial process waters to any
sanitary sewer”, this shall include condensate. Sec. 110-231 of the City of Dover Code defines storm sewer as
“…any system used for conveying rain water, surface water, condensate, cooling water or similar liquid wastes,
exclusive of sewage.” The contractor, developer, owner and designers shall ensure during construction that no
illegal discharges to the sanitary sewer system are created with the site improvements.
3. The size, length, slope, type and flow directions must be shown on all existing and proposed sanitary sewer lines.
Rim and invert elevations must be labeled on all sanitary structures.
4. Cleanouts must be installed on sanitary sewer laterals within five feet (5’) of the building, one foot (1’) outside of the
right-of-way and at all bends. Any cleanout located within a traffic bearing location shall be installed with a heavy duty
cast iron frame and cover to prevent damage to the cleanout and lateral.
5. Sizing (flow) calculations must be submitted for all sanitary sewer laterals (other than for single-family dwellings)
showing that velocity and all other requirements are met.
6. The minimum size of all sanitary sewer laterals shall be six-inch (6”).
7. Calculations that the existing private pump station can accommodate the increased sewage flow must be submitted to
our office for review and approval.
8. If kitchen facilities are proposed a minimum 1,000 gallon, two chamber grease trap, meeting all Kent County
ordinance requirements, must be provided. A construction detail for the proposed grease trap, as well as the
proposed location, must be provided on the plan.
STORMWATER
1. Final site plan approval will not be granted until a copy of the approved Stormwater/Erosion and Sediment Control
Plan from Kent Conservation District is submitted to our office.
2. The size, length, slope, type and flow directions must be shown on all existing and proposed storm sewer lines. Rim
and invert elevations must be labeled on all stormwater structures.
STREETS
1. Final site plan approval will not be granted until a copy of the approved entrance plan, signed by DelDOT is submitted
to our office.
SANITATION / GROUNDS
1. None.
GENERAL
1. All existing utilities shall be adjusted to final grade in accordance with current City of Dover requirements and
practices. This must be included as a note on the plan.
2. The Department of Public Works reserves the right to provide additional comments as it pertains to any administrative
plans submitted for review that are associated with this master plan.
3. No structures, including permanent signage, may be located within ten feet (10’) of water and wastewater utility
infrastructure.
4. The final site plan must be submitted in the following compatible digital formats:
a. AutoCAD 2004 (.dwg format).
b. Adobe Reader (.pdf format).
RECOMMENDATIONS SUGGESTED AS CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL TO MEET CODE OBJECTIVES
ELECTRIC
1. Owner must give the City of Dover Electric Department three (3) months notice prior to construction. Owner is
responsible for following the requirements outlined in the City of Dover’s Electric Service Handbook. The handbook is
now available on the website at the following link: http://www.cityofdover.com/departments/electric/documents/.
Page 70
Fordham & Dominion Brewery Building Addition (Phase 2) at 1284 McD Drive
File #: S-15-15
December 2, 2015
Page 4 of 5
WATER / WASTEWATER / STORMWATER / STREETS / SANITATION / GROUNDS / GENERAL
1. None
ADVISORY COMMENTS TO THE APPLICANT
ELECTRIC
1. Owner/Electrical Contractor (E.C.) to fill out Electrical Load Sheet & return to Electric Department. Owner may be
responsible for additional fees associated with upgrade of existing transformer. Existing 300 kVA transformer, No.
1947/4T343 may need to be replaced depending on requested load requirements.
2. E.C. to extend customer-owned secondary conductors & connect in transformer 4T343 (new upgraded transformer) if
necessary.
3. E.C. to install customer-owned secondary conductors from transformers 4T343 Building if necessary.
4. Any relocation of existing utility required will be at the owner’s expense.
WATER
1. The City of Dover water system is available to this site. The developer is responsible for all costs associated with
extending and providing service to the proposed development.
2. Prior to plan approval, the water system plans must be submitted to the Division of Public Health, Office of Drinking
Water for review and approval. The owner/developer will be responsible for providing all completed forms and plan
sets to the City of Dover as required for submission to the Office of Drinking Water. Plans will not be submitted to the
Office of Drinking Water until review has been completed by our office.
3. Hydrant flow testing is currently only performed during the spring and fall. The applicant must call the Department of
Public Works directly to schedule these tests. This applies to both existing hydrants as well as those proposed for the
site.
4. Water impact fees may be required for this proposed site plan.
WASTEWATER
1. The City of Dover sanitary sewer system is available to this site. The developer is responsible for all costs associated
with extending and providing service and capacity to the proposed development.
2. Prior to plan approval, the sanitary sewer system plans may be required to be submitted to the DNREC, Division of
Water Resources, Surface Water Discharges Section for review and approval. The owner/developer is responsible
for providing all application fees, completed forms and plan sets directly to DNREC.
3. Profiles of the sanitary sewer main must be provided with the construction plans. All water, sanitary sewer and storm
sewer crossings must be shown on the profiles.
4. Wastewater impact fees may be required for this proposed site plan.
STORMWATER / GROUNDS / STREETS
1. None.
SANITATION
1. This site shall be served by a private solid waste removal company.
GENERAL
1. The applicant is advised that depending upon the size of the existing water service and sanitary sewer lateral to be
abandoned, flowable fill may be required.
2. Construction plans will not be reviewed by our office unless all previous comments have been clearly addressed
within the plan set and accordingly identified within an itemized response letter and with the Water/Wastewater Initial
Page 71
Fordham & Dominion Brewery Building Addition (Phase 2) at 1284 McD Drive
File #: S-15-15
December 2, 2015
Page 5 of 5
Plan Submission Checklist, which can be obtained from the following website: https://imageserv9.team-
logic.com/mediaLibrary/198/WaterWastewaterHandbookFinal_1.pdf, page 88.
I F Y OU H AVE A NY Q UESTIONS OR N EED TO D ISCUSS ANY OF THE A BOVE C OMMENTS , P LEASE C ALL THE A BOVE
C ONTACT P ERSON AND THE P LANNING D EPARTMENT AS S OON AS P OSSIBLE .
Page 72
C F
S-15-15 I I
T R
CITY OF DOVER Y E
DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE O M
F A
APPLICATION REVIEW COMMENTARY
R
D.A.C. MEETING DATE: December 9, 2015 D S
O H
V A
E L
R
APPLICATION: Fordham & Dominion Brewery Building Addition (Phase 2) at 1284 McD Dr.
FILE #: S-15-15 REVIEWING AGENCY: City of Dover, Office of the Fire Marshal
CONTACT PERSON: Jason Osika, Deputy Fire Marshal PHONE #: (302) 736-4457
THE SUBJECT PROPOSAL HAS BEEN REVIEWED FOR CODE COMPLIANCE, PLAN CONFORMITY, AND
COMPLETENESS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS AGENCY’S AUTHORITY AND AREA OF EXPERTISE.
THE FOLLOWING ITEMS HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED AS ELEMENTS WHICH NEED TO BE ADDRESS BY THE
APPLICANT:
CITY AND STATE CODE REQUIREMENTS:
1. Proposed building is Industrial. Primary fire lanes are required to be 24 feet wide and cover the
side of the building that has the primary entrance and exit. Fire lanes can be no closer than 10
feet to the building and no farther than 50 feet from the building. Fire lanes shall cover 75% of
the proposed building. Fire Lanes shall be constructed of an approved surface.
2. The closest edge of fire lanes shall not be located further than 50ft from the exterior wall if one or
two stories in height; 40ft if three or four stories in height; or 30ft if over four stories in height.
3. Building Access shall be no further than 50 feet from a primary entrance. Where buildings are
provided with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with NFPA 13, access shall
be no further than 100 feet from the primary entrance.
4. Speed Reduction devices or any other like device used to reduce vehicle speed are prohibited per
City of Dover Code of Ordinances.
5. Fire Lanes shall have an unobstructed vertical clearance of not less than 13ft 6in.
6. All Fire Lanes shall be marked in accordance with the adopted Delaware State Fire Prevention
Regulations. All fire lane markings shall be in the color of “yellow”.
7. Perimeter access will be 50% and clearly shown on the plans. Perimeter Access minimum width
shall be 15ft measured from the face of the building at grade with a maximum slope of 10%.
Plantings and utility services shall be permitted within the perimeter access and shall interfere
with emergency services fire ground operations.
Page 73
8. Address numbers of at least 12 inches in height must be placed on the street side of the building
visible from the street..
9. Any natural or LP gas bottles, meters, values, regulators, etc., must have impact protection per
City of Dover Code of Ordinances.
10. Full building and fire plan review is required.
11. Building cannot be occupied or construction or renovations started until completion of building
and fire plan review.
12. All required means of egress shall have an exit discharge consisting of a non slip surface, and
leading to and terminating at a public way.
13. Sprinkler system required. System is to be monitored by an approved Fire Alarm System.
14. Fire Department Connection is to be located within 50 feet of main entrance. Access to the Fire
Department Connection must be clear unobstructed access as defined by the AHJ.
15. Fire Department Connection to be located within 300 feet of fire hydrant, measured as hose
would come off the fire equipment.
16. Fire Alarm System required per occupancy code requirements.
17. Knox Box required.
18. Standpipes required.
19. Elevator cars to meet the interior dimensions set forth in the Delaware State Fire Prevention
Code.
20. Buildings over 25,000 Sq. Ft are to have radio performance testing done by Delaware State
Communications prior to Final CO.
21. Gates are to be operational with Fire Department Opti-Con Systems approved by Delaware
Department of Transportation. All gates are required to have one manual and one automated
means for opening. To be considered accessible for fire department apparatus the actual clear
openings shall be not less than 14ft, the paved surface through the gate shall be not less than 12ft
and the gate shall be setback from the perpendicular street by at least 50ft.
22. Project to be completed per approved Site Plan.
23. Multiple Access Roads shall be provided when a fire department access road (fire lane) is
determined by the Fire Marshal to be impaired by vehicle congestion, condition of terrain,
climatic conditions, or other factors that could limit access such as placement of fire hose from
fire equipment.
Page 74
ADDITIONAL / SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS TO OBTAIN APPROVAL:
1. Please schedule a meeting with Timothy Mullaney Jr., Fire Marshal and myself prior to
the December 9, 2015 D.A.C. meeting to discuss the above items. An updated site plan
will be needed addressing all of the items above.
2. Phase 1B concrete & asphalt millings needs to be constructed of an approved surface.
APPLICABLE CODES LISTED BELOW (NOT LIMITED TO):
2012 NFPA Life Safety Code (NFPA; National Fire Protection Association)
2009 IBC (International Building Code)
Latest editions of all other NFPA Codes as defined by the Delaware State Fire Prevention Regulations
2012 Delaware State Fire Prevention Regulations
City of Dover Code of Ordinances
*If you have any questions or need to discuss any of the above comments, please call the above
contact person listed.
Page 75
CITY OF DOVER D
E
DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
L
APPLICATION REVIEW COMMENTARY D
O
D.A.C. MEETING DATE: December 2, 2015 T
===============================================================
APPLICATION: Fordham & Dominion Brewery Building Addition (Phase2)
At 1284 McD Drive
FILE#: S-15-15 REVIEWING AGENCY: DelDOT
CONTACT PERSON: Waylon Sprowl PHONE#: 760-2262
===============================================================
THE SUBJECT PROPOSAL HAS BEEN REVIEWED FOR CODE COMPLIANCE, PLAN CONFORMITY AND COMPLETENESS IN
ACCORDANCE WITH THIS AGENCY'S AUTHORITY AND AREA OF EXPERTISE.
THE FOLLOWING ITEMS HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED AS ELEMENTS WHICH NEED TO BE ADDRESSED BY THE APPLICANT:
CITY & STATE CODE REQUIREMENTS:
• If roadway improvements are warranted, then referring to Section 4.3 of the
Development Coordination Manual, an entrance plan shall be prepared prior to
issuing entrance approval. The following information will be required for
Entrance Plan review:
Copy of the Construction Stage Fee Calculation Form
Copy of the Construction Review Fee
Gate-Keeping Checklist – Entrance Plan
Entrance Plan Review Checklist
Entrance Design Checklist
Application for Commercial Entrance Permit
Pipe/Angle Spreadsheet (if applicable)
Entrance Photo
Entrance Plan
SWM Report, Calculations and DA Maps
Sediment & Stormwater Management Project Design & Review Checklist
ADVISORY COMMENTS TO THE APPLICANT:
Please be advised that as of August 1, 2015, all new plan submittals and re-
submittals, including major, minor and commercial plans, shall be uploaded via
the PDCA (Planning Development Coordination Application) with any review
fee paid online via credit card or electronic check. Guidance on how to do this is
Page 76
available at http://www.deldot.gov/information/business/subdivisions/.
A Traffic Impact Study (TIS) will be required for this project if the proposed
development exceeds 50 VPH (Vehicle per Hour) or 500 VPD (Vehicle per
Day). When the study is completed, DelDOT will review it and send the
recommendations of the improvements to the City. The improvements contained
in the study will be implemented by the developer per DelDOT's discretion. To
set up a scoping meeting for this project, please contact Mr. Troy Brestel at (302)
760-2167 or via e-mail at Troy.Brestel@state.de.us.
Please check to determine whether any utilities will need to be relocated as part of
this project
Please Note- Future comments will be added when the above referenced project
goes through official plan review.
If you have any questions or need to discuss any of the above comments, please call the
above contact person and the planning department as soon as possible.
Page 77
CITY OF DOVER
DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
APPLICATION REVIEW COMMENTARY
December 2015
APPLICATION: Fordham & Dominion Building
FILE #: S-15-15
REVIEWING AGENCY: Kent Conservation District
CONTACT PERSON: David C. Cahill PHONE #: 741-2600 ext.3
THE SUBJECT PROPOSAL HAS BEEN REVIEWED FOR CODE COMPLIANCE, PLAN CONFORMITY AND
COMPLETENESS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS AGENCY’S AUTHORITY AND AREA OF EXPERTISE. THE
FOLLOWING ITEMS HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED AS ELEMENTS WHICH NEED TO BE ADDRESSED BY THE
APPLICANT:
Source: 2014 Delaware Sediment and Stormwater Regulations
CITY AND STATE CODE REQUIREMENTS:
1. Kent Conservation District has no objection to the above referenced site receiving permits for
construction of the proposed building. Phase 2 of the project is included within an existing plan that is
still valid.
ADVISORY COMMENTS TO THE APPLICANT:
1. The applicant must contact the Kent Conversation District to schedule a pre-construction meeting prior
to any land disturbing activity (i.e. clearing, grubbing, filling, grading, etc.) taking place.
Page 78
CITY OF DOVER Dover/Kent
DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
County
Metropolitan
APPLICATION REVIEW COMMENTARY Planning
D.A.C. MEETING DATE: December 2, 2015 Organization
APPLICATION: Fordham & Dominion Brewery Building Addition (Phase II) at 1284 McD Dr.
FILE #: S-15-15 REVIEWING AGENCY: Dover/Kent County MPO
CONTACT PERSON: Jim Galvin, AICP PHONE #: (302) 387-6030
The MPO requested the opportunity to bring the recommendations on issues of our concern to the City of Dover. The MPO will limit
comments to projects to development proposals and applications that may lead to new development. Issues of concern to the MPO are
effective transit, reducing the amount of vehicle emissions by shortening or eliminating trips, and facilities for alternative modes of
transportation, including bicycle and pedestrian access. The MPO considers the bicycle facilities required by the City of Dover to be
the standard for all applications, not to be waived.
City of Dover Planning Commission 12/16/2015
Project Review
S-15-15 Fordham & Dominion Brewery Addition: Phase 2
The proposal and current site have the elements the MPO considers under it’s bailiwick; transit access and bicycle and
pedestrian access. The site has sidewalk facilities and bicycle parking available. Bicycle and pedestrian access into the
site will be improved with this proposal. These facilities do need to be connected to the greater network available in the
city but that responsibility is not that of the applicant at this point. As Horsepond Road is improved to serve a
functioning air cargo ramp and facilities near the Kent Aeropark, all modes will be considered. New construction will be
required to include additional pedestrian and bicycle facilities and access, as well as a potential for transit service.
Though it is not currently in the MPO’s Long Range Transportation Plan, we intend to include it in the mix of problems
and needs in the next Plan in 2017.
On the request to waive the parking requirements, it is evident when visiting the brewery on Friday evenings that is
stops being just a brewery and becomes a destination for community members. The City and Brewery should evaluate
the parking needed for the various uses of the property as compared to the requirements and request.
The location of the brewery is not currently served by transit. The nearest stop on Route 107 is at the entrance to Tudor
Industrial Park, over a half mile away on South Little Creek Road. DART has determined that there is insufficient
potential use in the area of the brewery to warrant transit service. If so, contact Tremica Cherry of DTC Planning to
develop a proposal. She can be reached at Tremica.Cherry@state.de.us or at (302) 576-6065.
Please contact me if there are any questions at james.galvin@doverkentmpo.org or 302.387.6028.
Page 80
William H. McDaniel, Inc.
14 East 40th Street, Wilmington, DE 19802 • 302.764.2020 • 302.764.7585 Fax
December 9,2015
Mr. William Cook
City of Dover Planning Office
POBox 475
Dover, DE 19903
RE: Fordham + Dominion Brewery Building Addition (Phase 2)
S-15-15
Parking Waiver
Mr Cook
In conjunction with the submission of the site plan for the Fordham and Dominion
Brewery at 1284 McD Drive we are a requesting a reduction in the number of
parking spaces required in accordance with Article 6, Section 3.9 of the City of Dover
Zoning Ordinance, which allows the Planning Commision to reduce the number of
parking spaces required in an amount not to exceed 'fifty percent.
The initial construction of 15,086 square feet of floor area had 16 parking spaces.
A site plan was submitted and approved in 2009 for the building expansion. The
plan was split into phases. A parking waiver was granted as follows:
Phase 1 Spaces
Constructed Floor Area: 19,086 SF 24
Adjusted Floor Area: 15,086 SF 19
Phase 1 Required 16
Phase 2
Constructed Floor Area: 32,456 SF 41
Adjusted Floor Area: 28,456 SF 36
Phase 2 Required 21
In 2013 a site plan for Phase 1B for drive aisle and parking was approved.
Phase 1 B (Parking for Phase 2) Spaces
Constructed Floor Area: 32,456 SF 41
Adjusted Floor Area: 28,456 SF 36
Phase 1B Required 21
Phase 1B Installed 24
In the current submission proposed parking
Proposed Spaces
Constructed Floor Area: 32,456 SF 41
Adjusted Floor Area: 28,456 SF 36
Phase 2 Requested 24
Page 81
We are requesting approval of the 24 installed spaces. This would be a reduction of
12 spaces or 33%. The site plan shows the location of the full amount of required
parking spaces if needed in the 'future.
In addition the brewery has access to additional parking across McD Drive. In these
adjacent building, owned by William H McDaniel, Inc, we have 23,600 sf of space.
Based on the required one parking space for 800 sf of floor area 30 parking spaces
are required for the 3 buildings.
We have 65 spaces in the front of the buildings with additional parking behind the
buildings. There are 35 spaces to share with the brewery.
The brewery also rents a unit for storage in the adjacent building. This space has
three parking spaces allocated to it. Thirty eight spaces are available to be shared
with the brewery.
Please contact me if you need additional information.
Sincerely,
a,~ )kDu.c ~ I'
Kathy McDaniel
President
Page 84
PETITION TO AMEND AND ZONING DISTRICT
Public Hearing before the
Dover Planning Commission
December 16, 2015
Applicants/Owners: Whatcoat Community Development Inc.
Address: 904-992 Whatcoat Drive
Location: East side of Saulsbury Road south of Whatcoat Drive
Tax Parcel ID #: ED-05-067.19-02-11.00-000
Size: 4.282 +/- acres
Present Use: Apartments
Proposed Use: Apartments
Comprehensive
Plan Designation: Residential High Density
Present Zoning: RG-1 (General Residence Zone)/COZ-1 (Corridor Overlay Zone)
Proposed Zoning: RG-2 (General Residence Zone)/COZ-1 (Corridor Overlay Zone)
File Number: Z-15-04
Ordinance Number: 2015-24
Page 85
Z-15-04 Lands of Whatcoat Community Development, Inc.
DAC Report – December 2, 2015
Page 2
Existing Property
The property is currently zoned RG-1 (General Residence Zone) and subject to the COZ-1
(Corridor Overlay Zone). It consists of 4.282 +/- acres that includes 78 apartment units in five
apartment buildings, as well as the associated parking. The apartments are a legal non-
conforming use in the RG-1 zone.
Surrounding Land Uses:
The subject property is located on the south side of Whatcoat Drive. The property on the north
side of Whatcoat Drive is also zoned RG-1 and is developed as the Whatcoat United Methodist
Church. The Whatcoat United Methodist Church also owns a vacant lot immediately east of the
church property. The property south of the subject property is the Edgewell (formerly Playtex)
manufacturing plant and is zoned IPM (Industrial Park and Manufacturing Zone). The adjacent
properties to the north and south are also subject to the COZ-1. The properties to the west,
across Saulsbury Road are zoned CPO (Commercial and Professional Office) and ROS
(Recreation and Open Space). Two are developed, one as an office and the other as a daycare
center/preschool.
Comprehensive Plan:
The 2008 Comprehensive Plan depicts the subject area as Residential High Density land use
classification on Map 12-1: Land Development Plan Map. This rezoning request is consistent
with this classification and with the existing use on the property.
Request for RG-2 (General Residence Zone)
The uses permitted in the RG-2 zoning district are listed in Article 3 §2 of the Zoning Ordinance.
Permitted uses and include any use permitted in the one-family residence zone and garden
apartments. Multiple dwellings, duplex units, and townhouses are permitted in the RG-2 zone as
a Conditional Use.
The principal difference between the RG-1 zone and RG-2 zone is the allowance of apartments.
Recommendation of the Planning Staff:
Staff supports the rezoning request from RG-1 to RG-2. The rezoning is consistent with the 2008
Comprehensive Plan, and it would allow for improvement of the apartment complex, including
the construction of a community building to serve the residents.
This recommendation is being made without the benefit of hearing the comments of surrounding
landowners and residents. A public hearing is required on this matter and the Planning
Commission should give those comments consideration.
ADVISORY COMMENTS TO THE APPLICANT:
1) The applicant shall be aware that following any decision made by City Council in regards to
approval of this rezoning, that a Site Plan, Subdivision Plan and or appropriate Building
Permits must be submitted to the Planning Department prior to the establishment of a use or
any construction activity on the site. The applicant should contact the Planning Staff to
determine the appropriate review process for any proposed projects.
Page 86
Z-15-04 Lands of Whatcoat Community Development, Inc.
DAC Report – December 2, 2015
Page 3
2) The applicant shall be aware that approval of any rezoning application does not represent a
Building Permit, other construction activity permit approval, or authorization to establish a
use. A separate application submission showing proposed improvements is required before
issuance of permits by the City of Dover.
If you have any questions or need to discuss any of the above comments, please call the
above contact person and the Planning Office as soon as possible.
Page 87
City of Dover Application No.: Z-15-04
Department of Planning & Inspections
CPO
ia R-7
Virgin
C-2A
R-7
R-7
ee ve
Ann A
Ave
McK
SC-1
Rd
er Rd
Walk M
CPO
CPO
RG-1
tco at Dr
rg C Wha
Arlbe
ir
t Bla
nc Site
Mon
ir Blvd
be rg
Hom
C
b
Sauls
R-8
d
ury R
ROS
IPM
M a tt
erho r
Dr
n
R-8
R-8
ROS CPO
R-8
R-8
Title: Lands of Whatcoat Community Dev Inc
Address: 904-992 Whatcoat Drive
Parcel ID: ED-05-067.19-02-11.00-000
Existing Zoning: RG-1 (General Residence Zone) and Legend
COZ-1 (Corridor Overlay Zone)
Proposed Zoning: RG-2 (General Residence Zone) and Zoning
COZ-1 (Corridor Overlay Zone) Dover Parcels
Owner: Whatcoat Community Dev Inc
Date: 11/10/2015 Corridor Overlay Zone
« 0 175 350 700 Feet
Subject Property
Page 88
C F
I I
Z-15-04 T
Y
R
E
CITY OF DOVER
O M
DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE F A
R
APPLICATION REVIEW COMMENTARY D S
O H
D.A.C. MEETING DATE: December 9th, 2015 V A
E L
R
APPLICATION: Lands of Whatcoat Community Development Inc. at 904-992 Whatcoat Drive:
Rezoning from RG-1 with COZ-1 to RG-2 with COZ-1.
FILE #: Z-15-04 REVIEWING AGENCY: City of Dover, Office of the Fire Marshal
CONTACT PERSON: Timothy P. Mullaney Jr., Fire Marshal PHONE #: (302) 736-4457
THE SUBJECT PROPOSAL HAS BEEN REVIEWED FOR CODE COMPLIANCE, PLAN CONFORMITY, AND
COMPLETENESS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS AGENCY’S AUTHORITY AND AREA OF EXPERTISE.
THE FOLLOWING ITEMS HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED AS ELEMENTS WHICH NEED TO BE ADDRESS BY THE
APPLICANT:
1. No objection to rezoning.
APPLICABLE CODES LISTED BELOW (NOT LIMITED TO):
2012 NFPA Life Safety Code (NFPA; National Fire Protection Association)
2009 IBC (International Building Code)
Latest editions of all other NFPA Codes as defined by the Delaware State Fire Prevention Regulations
2012 Delaware State Fire Prevention Regulations
City of Dover Code of Ordinances
*If you have any questions or need to discuss any of the above comments, please call the above
contact person listed.
Page 89
CITY OF DOVER
DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
APPLICATION REVIEW COMMENTARY
STAFF D.A.C. MEETING DATE: DECEMBER 2, 2015
APPLICATION: LANDS OF WHATCOAT COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT INC.
AT 904-992 WHATCOAT DRIVE
FILE #: Z-15-04
REVIEWING AGENCY: City of Dover
CONTACT PERSON: Paul Waddell - Electric
Jason A. Lyon, P.E. – Public Works
CONTACT PHONE #: ELECTRIC - 302-736-7070 PUBLIC WORKS – 302-736-7025
T HE S UBJECT P ROPOSAL HAS BEEN R EVIEWED FOR C ODE C OMPLIANCE , P LAN C ONFORMITY AND C OMPLETENESS IN
A CCORDANCE WITH THIS A GENCY ’ S A UTHORITY AND A REA OF E XPERTISE .
T HE F OLLOWING I TEMS HAVE BEEN I DENTIFIED AS E LEMENTS W HICH N EED TO BE A DDRESSED BY THE A PPLICANT :
CITY AND STATE CODE REQUIREMENTS
ELECTRIC / WATER / WASTEWATER / STORMWATER / STREETS / SANITATION / GROUNDS
Our office has no objection to the rezoning of:
ED-05-067.19-02-11.00-000
RECOMMENDATIONS SUGGESTED AS CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL TO MEET CODE OBJECTIVES
ELECTRIC / WATER / WASTEWATER / SANITATION / STORMWATER / STREETS / GROUNDS
1. Should this site be redeveloped, which includes modifications to the use, the applicant / developer will be responsible
for all costs associated with providing the appropriate meter / service / main to this site based upon the use including
any necessary system upgrades or extensions. The appropriateness and adequacy of electric, water and sewer
services and meters will be assessed at that time. (Please note that each water meter registered with the City of
Dover must have a separate service line.) Should the existing water and sanitary sewer services no longer be
required based upon the proposed use, they must be properly abandoned at the mains in accordance with all City of
Dover Department of Public Works standards and specifications.
2. Any redevelopment shall adhere to the City of Dover Water/Wastewater Handbook, the Specifications, Standards &
Procedures for City of Dover Public Works requirements, and the City of Dover’s Electric Service Handbook.
3. Please note that renovations and or change of use projects must ensure that the water and wastewater service is
brought up to current requirements. This may include relocating the water meter outside or changing service line
sizes. Please ensure you schedule a meeting with the Department of Public Works during the planning phase for this
site. Additional impact fees may apply for future development.
ADVISORY COMMENTS TO THE APPLICANT
ELECTRIC / WATER / WASTEWATER / STORMWATER / STREETS / SANITATION / GROUNDS
1. None.
I F Y OU H AVE A NY Q UESTIONS OR N EED TO D ISCUSS ANY OF THE A BOVE C OMMENTS , P LEASE C ALL THE A BOVE
C ONTACT P ERSON AND THE P LANNING D EPARTMENT AS S OON AS P OSSIBLE .
Page 90
CITY OF DOVER
DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
APPLICATION REVIEW COMMENTARY
December 2015
APPLICATION: Lands of Whatcoat
FILE #: Z-15- 04
REVIEWING AGENCY: Kent Conservation District
CONTACT PERSON: David C. Cahill PHONE #: 741-2600 ext.3
THE SUBJECT PROPOSAL HAS BEEN REVIEWED FOR CODE COMPLIANCE, PLAN CONFORMITY AND
COMPLETENESS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS AGENCY’S AUTHORITY AND AREA OF EXPERTISE. THE
FOLLOWING ITEMS HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED AS ELEMENTS WHICH NEED TO BE ADDRESSED BY THE
APPLICANT:
Source: 2014 Delaware Sediment and Stormwater Regulations
CITY AND STATE CODE REQUIREMENTS:
1. Kent Conservation District has no objection to the re-zoning plan for the above referenced site.
ADVISORY COMMENTS TO THE APPLICANT:
1. If at any time expansion or earth disturbing activity (clearing, grubbing tree clearing etc.) takes place and
exceeds 5000 square feet; a detailed Sediment and Stormwater Management Plan must be submitted and
approved to the Kent Conversation District.
Page 91
CITY OF DOVER D
E
DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
L
APPLICATION REVIEW COMMENTARY D
O
D.A.C. MEETING DATE: December 2, 2015 T
===============================================================
APPLICATION: Z-15-04 Lands of Whatcoat Community Development INC at
904-992 Whatcoat Drive
FILE#: Z-15-04 REVIEWING AGENCY: DelDOT
CONTACT PERSON: Waylon Sprowl PHONE#: 760-2262
===============================================================
THE SUBJECT PROPOSAL HAS BEEN REVIEWED FOR CODE COMPLIANCE, PLAN CONFORMITY AND COMPLETENESS IN
ACCORDANCE WITH THIS AGENCY'S AUTHORITY AND AREA OF EXPERTISE.
THE FOLLOWING ITEMS HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED AS ELEMENTS WHICH NEED TO BE ADDRESSED BY THE APPLICANT:
CITY & STATE CODE REQUIREMENTS:
The Department has no comments for the above mentioned project.
o DelDOT Planning has issued a LONC for this Project
ADVISORY COMMENTS TO THE APPLICANT:
If you have any questions or need to discuss any of the above comments, please call the
above contact person and the planning department as soon as possible.
Page 92
PETITION TO AMEND ZONING ORDINANCE TEXT
Report to the
Dover Planning Commission
December 16, 2015
Proposed Change: Amendment to Zoning Ordinance, Article 12 –Definitions, to add
a definition for “manufactured home” and to amend the definition
for “dwelling, one family” to preclude manufactured homes under
this designation.
Summary of Amendment: Following the issuance of a building permit for the construction of a
manufactured home on a property within the R-8 (One Family
Residence Zone), several residents and members of City Council
expressed concerns about the appropriateness of this housing type
within the One Family Residence Zones. Staff subsequently
reviewed literature available about manufactured housing and has
developed recommendations for amending the code to prohibit
manufactured housing in the One Family Residence Zones and to
update code requirements in the Dover Code of Ordinances, Chapter
66 – Manufactured Homes and Trailers, and Appendix B – Zoning.
The recommendation is for an immediate amendment to the
definition of “dwelling, one family” and a review and update of
other code sections over the next year.
Ordinance Number: 2015-20
File Number: MI-15-13
Page 93
FIRST READING
CITY OF DOVER PROPOSED ORDINANCE #2015-20
1 BE IT ORDAINED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOVER, IN
2 COUNCIL MET:
3 That Appendix B - Zoning, Article 12 - Definitions of the Dover Code be amended by inserting the
4 text indicated in bold, blue, as follows:
5 Dwelling, one-family: A permanent dwelling unit placed on a permanent foundation and
6 designed and intended for use by only one family. One-family dwellings shall not include
7 manufactured homes or mobile homes but shall include modular homes constructed to the
8 standards of the Dover Code of Ordinances, Chapter 22 - Buildings and Building Regulations.
9 Manufactured Home: A factory-built housing unit designed and constructed to meet the
10 Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards of the U.S. Department of Housing
11 and Urban Development (HUD) Code. A manufactured home is built on a chassis that
12 supports the structural integrity of the home and to allow transport to the site. Factory-built
13 units built to meet the HUD Code and constructed after the code took effect on June 15, 1976
14 are classified as "manufactured homes."
15 ADOPTED: *
16 SYNOPSIS
17 The proposed amendment revises and adds definitions
18 (SPONSORS: )
19 Actions History
20 11/09-2015 - Introduce at City Council meeting
21 S:\ORDINANCES\2015\DRAFT\ORDINANCE #2015-20 APPENDIX B - ZONING, ART 12 - DEFINITIONS\ORDINANCE #2015-20 APPENDIX B - ZONING, ART 12 - DEFINITIONS-FIRST
22 READING.wpd
Page 94
C F
I I
MI-15-13 T
Y
R
E
CITY OF DOVER
O M
DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE F A
R
APPLICATION REVIEW COMMENTARY D S
O H
D.A.C. MEETING DATE: December 9th, 2015 V A
E L
R
APPLICATION: Text Amendment: Definitions of One-Family Dwelling and Manufactured Home
FILE #: MI-15-13 REVIEWING AGENCY: City of Dover, Office of the Fire Marshal
CONTACT PERSON: Timothy P. Mullaney Jr., Fire Marshal PHONE #: (302) 736-4457
THE SUBJECT PROPOSAL HAS BEEN REVIEWED FOR CODE COMPLIANCE, PLAN CONFORMITY, AND
COMPLETENESS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS AGENCY’S AUTHORITY AND AREA OF EXPERTISE.
THE FOLLOWING ITEMS HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED AS ELEMENTS WHICH NEED TO BE ADDRESS BY THE
APPLICANT:
1. No objection to text amendment.
APPLICABLE CODES LISTED BELOW (NOT LIMITED TO):
2012 NFPA Life Safety Code (NFPA; National Fire Protection Association)
2009 IBC (International Building Code)
Latest editions of all other NFPA Codes as defined by the Delaware State Fire Prevention Regulations
2012 Delaware State Fire Prevention Regulations
City of Dover Code of Ordinances
*If you have any questions or need to discuss any of the above comments, please call the above
contact person listed.
Page 95
CITY OF DOVER
DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
APPLICATION REVIEW COMMENTARY
STAFF D.A.C. MEETING DATE: DECEMBER 2, 2015
APPLICATION: TEXT AMENDMENT: DEFINITIONS OF ONE-FAMILY
DWELLING AND MANUFACTURED HOME
FILE #: MI-15-13
REVIEWING AGENCY: City of Dover Electric and Public Works Departments
CONTACT PERSON: Paul Waddell - Electric
Jason A. Lyon, P.E. – Public Works
CONTACT PHONE #: ELECTRIC - 302-736-7070 PUBLIC WORKS – 302-736-7025
T HE S UBJECT P ROPOSAL HAS BEEN R EVIEWED FOR C ODE C OMPLIANCE , P LAN C ONFORMITY AND C OMPLETENESS IN
A CCORDANCE WITH THIS A GENCY ’ S A UTHORITY AND A REA OF E XPERTISE .
T HE F OLLOWING I TEMS HAVE BEEN I DENTIFIED AS E LEMENTS W HICH N EED TO BE A DDRESSED BY THE A PPLICANT :
CITY AND STATE CODE REQUIREMENTS
ELECTRIC / WATER / WASTEWATER / STORMWATER / SANITATION / STREETS / GROUNDS
1. Our office has no objections to the proposed text amendments
RECOMMENDATIONS SUGGESTED AS CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL TO MEET CODE OBJECTIVES
ELECTRIC / WATER / WASTEWATER / STORMWATER / SANITATION / STREETS / GROUNDS
1. None
ADVISORY COMMENTS TO THE APPLICANT
ELECTRIC / WATER / WASTEWATER / STORMWATER / SANITATION / STREETS / GROUNDS
1. None.
I F Y OU H AVE A NY Q UESTIONS OR N EED TO D ISCUSS ANY OF THE A BOVE C OMMENTS , P LEASE C ALL THE A BOVE
C ONTACT P ERSON AND THE P LANNING D EPARTMENT AS S OON AS P OSSIBLE .