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Page 1
CITY OF DOVER PLANNING COMMISSION
AGENDA
Monday, June 16, 2014 – 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 May 19, 2014
ADOPTION OF MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING of June 3, 2014
COMMUNICATIONS & REPORTS
1) Reminder: The next Planning Commission regular meeting is scheduled for MONDAY,
July 21, 2014 at 7:00pm in the City Council Chambers.
2) Update on City Council Actions
a. Adoption of Ordinance #2014-05 with Amendments - MI-14-02 Text Amendment:
Revisions to Conditional Uses in RG-1/RG-2
3) Update on Planning activities
4) Education & Training Opportunities
OPENING REMARKS CONCERNING DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS
OLD BUSINESS
1) Requests for Extensions of Planning Commission Approval: None Received
2) Pending Development Applications:
A) SB-14-03 Lands of Robert & Kathleen Dunn at 276 Troon Road – Continuation of
Review of a Minor Subdivision Plan to create two (2) parcels of land from an existing
26,997 S.F. +/- parcel, previously known as Lot 6 of Fox Meadows Subdivision. The
parcel will be subdivided into a 12,803 S.F. +/- parcel and a 14,194 S.F. +/- parcel. The
property is zoned R-10 (One-Family Residence Zone), located on Troon Road, north of
Merion Road, northeast of Maple Dale Golf Course. The property owners are Robert &
Kathleen Dunn. Property Address: 276 Troon Road. Tax Parcel: ED-05-067.09-02-
06.00-000. Council District 1. Waiver Requested: Elimination of Sidewalks. A Public
Hearing and Review of this application occurred at the May 19, 2014 meeting of the
Planning Commission and action was deferred.
NEW BUSINESS
Page 2
City of Dover Planning Commission Agenda
Public Hearing: June 16, 2014
Page 2 of 2
NEW DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS
1) C-14-03 Janaid’s Hair Salon at 213 West Loockerman Street – Public Hearing and Review of
Conditional Use Application to permit a hair salon in an existing two-story building on a
2,235 S.F. +/- parcel. The property is zoned C-2 (Central Commercial Zone) and subject to
the H (Historic District Zone). The property is located on the north side of Loockerman
Street mid-block between South New Street and South Governors Avenue. The owner of
record is Sherie S. Vaughn, to be conveyed to Janaid Kareem. Property Address: 211-213
West Loockerman Street. Tax Parcel: ED-05-077.09-01-55.00-000. Council District 4.
2) C-14-04 109 East Division Street – Public Hearing and Review of Conditional Use
Application to permit professional offices at an existing 1,689 S.F. structure on an 11,340
S.F. +/- parcel. The property is zoned RG-1 (General Residence Zone) and subject to the H
(Historic District Zone). Planned interior renovations will convert the use from residential to
office. The property is located at the north side of East Division Street between Pennsylvania
Avenue and Maple Lane. The owner of record is Leg Hall, LLC c/o Rhett Ruggerio. Property
Address: 109 East Division Street. Tax Parcel: ED-05-077.05-02-55.00-000. Council
District 3. Waiver Requested: Elimination of Upright Curbing Requirement
3) S-14-12 Jolly Joe’s Addition at 1160 White Oak Road – Public Hearing and Review of Site
Development Plan to permit construction of a 2,400 S.F. +/- addition to an existing 1,927
S.F. +/- commercial building and associated site improvements on a 22,513 S.F. +/- parcel.
The property is zoned C-1 (Neighborhood Commercial Zone), located on the southeast side
of White Oak Road between Mitscher Road and Spruance Road. The owner of record is
Kewal Singh and Harbhinder Kaur. Property Address: 1160 White Oak Road. Tax Parcel:
ED-05-068.14-03-54.00-000. Council District 2. Waivers Requested: Elimination of Opaque
Barrier (Fence) Requirement, Elimination of Upright Curbing Requirement.
4) MI-14-10 Text Amendment: Revisions to Commercial and Office Zones – Public Hearing
Review for Recommendation to City Council on a Text Amendments to the Zoning
Ordinance, Article 3 Sections 10-16 and 26 pertaining to District Regulations, Article 4
Sections 4.14 and 4.15 pertaining to Bulk and Parking Regulations, Article 10 Section 2
pertaining to Site Development Plan approval, and Article 12 Definitions. The proposed
ordinance revisions are the result of numerous consultations with the business and real estate
community to simplify zones, generalize certain use categories, and provide more flexibility
in site design. Ordinance #2014-08. The Parks Recreation and Community Enhancement
Committee reviewed the Proposed Text Amendment on April 28 and May 12, 2014. The First
Reading of this Proposed Text Amendment was completed by City Council on May 27, 2014.
The Proposed Text Amendment is available on the City’s website www.cityofdover.com
under the “Government” heading, link to “Ordinances, Resolutions, and Tributes” or you
may contact the Planning Office for a copy of the Proposed Text Amendment.
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 June 6, 2014 at 4:30pm
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CITY OF DOVER PLANNING COMMISSION
May 19, 2014
The Regular Meeting of the City of Dover Planning Commission was held on Monday May 19,
2014 at 7:00 PM with Chairman Colonel Welsh presiding. Members present were Mr. Holden, Mr.
Cregar, Mr. Tolbert, Mr. Holt, Ms. Still, Dr. Jones and Colonel Welsh. Mr. Baldwin and Mr.
Ambruso were absent.
Staff members present were Mrs. Townshend, Mrs. Dawn Melson-Williams, Mr. Cook and Mrs.
Harvey. Also present were Mr. Michael Hoffman, Mr. Cameron Llewellyn, Mr. Troy Adams, Mr.
Gregg Moore, Mr. Herb Miller, Rev. Ruth Evans, Mr. Don Grower, Mr. Carl Krienen and Dr.
Michael Thomas. Also speaking from the public was Mr. Adam Gerber.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Ms. Still moved to approve the agenda as submitted, seconded by Mr. Holt and the motion was
unanimously carried 7-0 with Mr. Baldwin and Mr. Ambruso absent.
APPROVAL OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES OF APRIL 21,
2014
Mr. Tolbert moved to approve the Planning Commission minutes of April 21 2014, seconded by Mr.
Holt and the motion was unanimously carried 7-0 with Mr. Baldwin and Mr. Ambruso absent.
COMMUNICATIONS & REPORTS
Mrs. Townshend stated that the Planning Commission Quarterly Workshop that was scheduled for
Tuesday, May 20, 2014 has been canceled. The next Planning Commission Quarterly Workshop is
scheduled for Tuesday, August 19, 2014 at 12:00 noon in the City Hall Conference Room.
Mrs. Townshend stated that the next Planning Commission meeting will be held on Monday, June
16, 2014 at 7:00 PM in the City Hall Council Chambers.
Mrs. Townshend provided an update on the regular City Council and Utility Committee meetings
held on April 28, 2014 and May 12, 2014.
Mrs. Townshend stated that information was provided on upcoming training provided by the
Institute of Public Administration and the Delaware American Planning Association in the chapter
Newsletter.
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 BUSINESS
NEW DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS
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CITY OF DOVER PLANNING COMMISSION MAY 19, 2014
1) S-14-11 6 South State Street – Public Hearing and Review of Site Development Plan and
Architectural Review Certification to add parking facilities and other site improvements at an
existing 6,906 S.F. ± office/apartment building on a 15,051 S.F. ± parcel. The property is zoned
RG-O (General Residence and Office Zone) and subject to the H (Historic District) zone.
Concurrent interior renovations will convert the use from office/residence to all office. The
property, known as the Dr. Henry Ridgely House, is located at the southwest corner of South State
Street and West Division Street. The owner of record is Six South State, LLC. Property Address: 6
South State Street. Tax Parcels: ED-05-077.05-04-27.00-000, ED-05-077.05-04-27.01-000. Council
District 3. Waivers Requested: Parking Reduction, Elimination of Upright Curb Requirement. This
application is associated with HI-14-03 heard by Historic District Commission on April 17, 2014.
Representatives: Mr. Michael Hoffman, Baird Mandalas Brockstedt LLC; Mr. Cameron
Llewellyn; Mr. Troy Adams, Mountain Consulting
Mrs. Melson-Williams stated that this application is a Site Plan application. It is also here for its
Architectural Review Certification. The property at 6 South State Street which is the southwest
corner of Division Street and State Street is located in the City’s Historic District. This application
was previously heard by the Historic District Commission at their meeting of April 17, 2014. The
Planning Commission has been forwarded the recommendations of the Historic District
Commission in regards to this Site Plan application. Specifically, the plan seeks to add parking
facilities to this parcel and other site improvements. Currently, there are plans for interior
renovations to the existing building on the site to take it from what was an office and residential use
to strictly an office use on the interior. Tonight the Commission is focusing on the exterior site
improvements specifically. These improvements consist of adding a ten (10) space parking lot to the
rear of the property with access off the alley. The property has no access points directly to State
Street or Division Street. The property does have existing street frontage sidewalks and their
proposal allows for a walking area at the head of the parking spaces which leads to the ramp and
sidewalk system to the rear of the building which will be the main access point into the offices.
Along with the site there are some improvements to landscaping. They have been evaluating the
various trees on the site. There are a number that have in their maturity grown too close to the
building and will be removed and others just the overall condition of the tree or its location will
cause its removal. In any case there are approximately five (5) trees that are existing that will
remain and several additional trees will be planted in order to meet the tree planting requirements
for the property.
Other items of note on the site are an existing wrought iron fence along a portion of the Division
Street frontage of the property. There is an existing metal gazebo that is part of the yard as well. For
this project, the parking is based on the square footage of the office building and the size of the
building would require a total of twenty-four (24) parking spaces. They are seeking a waiver to
reduce the required parking for the site by 33% to a requirement of sixteen (16) parking spaces. As
mentioned before they have the ability to provide ten (10) parking spaces on-site and then they own
a parcel further south on the alley that can accommodate six (6) parking spaces. The Zoning
Ordinance allows for this accessory parking location as long as it’s within a certain distance of the
subject parcel requiring the parking needs. The other waiver that they are seeking is for the
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CITY OF DOVER PLANNING COMMISSION MAY 19, 2014
elimination of upright curbing for the new constructed parking area. They do have intentions to
provide the required bicycle parking on the site.
The Planning Office provided a number of comments and they also note a series of
recommendations related to the plan itself. They note that the Historic District Commission has
provided a recommendation on the Architectural Review Certificate. Their specific actions are
outlined in the separate report beginning on Page 2. They adopted a series of comments that Staff
had made previously in taking their action with some exceptions. Specifically, the Commission
recommended retaining the last northernmost parking space in the row of ten (10). Staff has
expressed concerns and continues to express concerns about the viability of that parking space in
order to access it and then exit the vehicle because of required landscape planting between that last
parking space and the property line due to the property being located in the Historic District. The
other agencies have also provided comments including the Department of Public Works, the Fire
Marshal’s Office, DelDOT and the Kent Conservation District. Some of those agencies have little
or no comments related to the project because of the type of project.
Mr. Hoffman stated that he is here on behalf of the applicant, Six South State Street, LLC. Mrs.
Melson-Williams did an excellent job of summarizing their plans and their requests for this evening.
He introduced the project general contractor, Mr. Cameron Llewellyn and the project engineer, Mr.
Troy Adams.
Colonel Welsh questioned if they accepted the DAC comments and the comments and
recommendations from the Planning Staff? Responding to Colonel Welsh, Mr. Hoffman stated yes.
Mrs. Townshend stated that one of the recommendations was to reduce to fifteen (15) parking
spaces. So if they want to keep sixteen (16) parking spaces then they probably want to make it part
of the record.
Mr. Hoffman stated that the one difference they have is that the applicant’s preference is to retain
the ten (10) parking spaces on-site.
Mr. Cregar stated that in one report from Planning Staff they talked about the sidewalk from the
parking area up to the building to be different than concrete; it was going to be pavers. Responding
to Mr. Cregar, Mr. Hoffman stated that as far as the concrete leading up, they are okay with it.
Colonel Welsh stated that the recommendation from Planning Staff says pavers.
Mrs. Melson-Williams stated that on Page 6 of the DAC Report, Item 2G under “Recommendations
Suggested as Conditions”. Planning Staff notes that the developer should consider the use of brick
paving materials. This is in reference to areas of asphalt sidewalk and then the concrete sidewalk
leading from the parking area to the rear of the building. Staff notes that it does have limited
visibility from the public way which is the true test in the Historic District. But the use of brick
paving materials may be more compatible overall with the character and features of the building.
Mr. Llewellyn stated that their intention is that it is not visible from the street. They have salvaged a
significant number of bricks that were on the site as they have cleaned up and gone through the
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CITY OF DOVER PLANNING COMMISSION MAY 19, 2014
brush. They would like to propose doing some brick accents or ribbons across the sidewalk as you
walk through so that it can retain that historical element yet still allow the client to be able to afford
the things that they want to do inside the building.
Colonel Welsh stated that it would be a hybrid sidewalk paver or a concrete paver. Responding to
Colonel Welsh, Mr. Llewellyn stated yes.
Mr. Holden questioned if that included the head of the parking area that on the Site Plan was
indicated to be asphalt? Responding to Mr. Holden, Mr. Hoffman stated that regarding the head of
that parking, they have talked to Mr. Adams and they have a grading issue there so they don’t have
any other choice but to make that a concrete sidewalk that will step up six (6) inches so that they
can establish the grades they need to get to the building.
Colonel Welsh opened a public hearing and after seeing no one wishing to speak, closed the public
hearing.
Mr. Holden stated that there was initially a request for a waiver for curbing and it seems like due to
some grading they are going to place some curbing back in the parking. Is the curbing waiver still
standing? Responding to Mr. Holden, Mr. Hoffman stated that they were still requesting a hybrid
waiver on the north and south ends of those parking areas. They prefer not to have to establish a
curbed area there. But they will have the sidewalk as control so that a car can’t enter the landscape
areas.
Mr. Holden stated that instead of parking bumpers they were going to do curbing. Responding to
Mr. Holden, Mr. Hoffman stated yes, it would be a monolithic curb and sidewalk in one with a six
inch reveal.
Colonel Welsh stated that there are actually two actions to this application. One is Historic District
Architectural Review Certification and the second is the approval of the proposed Site Plan.
Mr. Holt questioned how many apartments would be upstairs? Responding to Mr. Holt, Mr.
Hoffman stated that there won’t be apartments in the building. It will just be office space.
Mr. Holt further questioned how many people would be in the office space? Responding to Mr.
Holt, Mr. Hoffman stated that they expect twelve to fifteen (12-15) people.
Mrs. Townshend stated that the offices will be on all floors of the building, not just on the
downstairs so it won’t be undeveloped upstairs. There will be office space that’s utilized upstairs as
well.
Dr. Jones questioned if they have addressed the six (6) additional parking spaces at this time or are
they going to be in compliance with the character of the other parking spaces? Responding to Dr.
Jones, Mrs. Townshend stated that those six (6) parking spaces are across the alley and further south
so they have no view from the street or the sidewalk areas. All of that would be paved and striped as
they make these improvements.
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Mr. Cregar questioned the one (1) parking space that seemed to be an issue with DAC. With the
most northerly parking space, it seems to him if there was pull in parking there that backing out in
that location could also be a problem. It would make sense to divvy that up differently. Is the
Planning Staff still feeling the need to reduce the parking by one space in that area? Responding to
Mr. Cregar, Mrs. Townshend stated that their concern is that it’s going to conflict with the
landscaping. Obviously, if the parking spot is constructed it’s more a practical issue as the
property’s used; it’s not as much of an issue from their standpoint. They just see that it could be
potential conflict between doors and landscaping.
Mr. Cregar questioned if the parking on the south lot was deed restricted to be part of that as
parking but they don’t control deed restrictions, then how do they make sure that the parking is
always there? Responding to Mr. Cregar, Mrs. Townshend stated that it would be controlled
through a deed restriction and ultimately they wouldn’t have a whole lot of leverage to enforce it.
The Code does allow for off-site parking as long as it’s within one hundred fifty (150) feet.
Mrs. Melson-Williams stated that the Code does actually make reference to a deed restriction.
Mr. Cregar stated that they really have no leverage at that point. The extra parking area could be
sold and then there would be nine (9) parking spaces which would really be inadequate parking.
Responding to Mr. Cregar, Mrs. Townshend stated that unfortunately when there are deed
restrictions, the City is not in a position to enforce them.
Mr. Cregar questioned if they did sell the extra parking area and they became in non-compliance,
would they be able to do something about it? Responding to Mr. Cregar, Mrs. Townshend stated
yes, especially because there is a parking reduction so they wouldn’t be in compliance with the
parking reduction that’s part of the approved plan.
Mr. Holden moved to approve S-14-11 6 South State Street and Architectural Review Certification
HI-14-03 to include Staff and DAC comments and to clarify that the motion approves the northern
parking space and the curbing waiver and the waiver for parking reduction to sixteen (16) spaces,
seconded by Mr. Tolbert and the motion was unanimously carried 7-0 with Mr. Baldwin and Mr.
Ambruso absent.
2) SB-14-01 Dover Mall at 1365 North DuPont Highway: Minor Subdivision Plan – Public Hearing
and Minor Subdivision Plan Review to create three (3) lots from an existing parcel totaling
149.3225 acres ± of land. The lots proposed are Lot 1 of 53.1704 acres, Lot 2 of 30.7046 acres, and
remaining residue land of 65.4475 acres. The property is zoned SC-3 (Regional Shopping Center
Zone) and a portion is subject to the SWPOZ (Source Water Protection Overlay Zone). The
property is located on the east side of North DuPont Highway. The owner of record is Dover Mall,
LLC. Property Address: 1365 North DuPont Highway. Tax Parcel: ED-05-057.00-01-14.00.
Council District 3. Waiver Requested: Subdivision Waiver of Requirement for Lot Frontage on a
Public Street.
Representatives: Mr. Gregg Moore, Becker Morgan Group; Mr. Herb Miller, Dover Mall
Partnership
Mr. Holden recused himself from this application. His employer is the engineer of record.
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Mrs. Townshend stated that the Minor Subdivision is proposing to take what is one (1) larger
parcel, the Dover Mall and create three (3) parcels. Lot 1 would be the northernmost piece east of
the Mall and Lot 2 would be the southern parcel east of the Mall. The caveat is that Sears, JC
Penney’s and Boscov’s are already on their own parcels and there is a piece of the mall ring road
and parking area that is on the State Police parcel. The larger purpose is that they are looking at
taking the one large parcel and creating three (3). Lot 1 would be 53.1704 acres, Lot 2 would be
30.7046 acres and the Mall parcel would be 65.4475 acres. The property is zoned SC-3 (Regional
Shopping Center Zone) and in order to create these two (2) parcels in the rear, they are requesting a
waiver of the requirement for lots to have frontage on a public street. In 2007, the Planning
Commission saw a Site Plan to do some clearing of the woodland in what would be Lot 1. At this
point the woodland that they cleared is the maximum that can be cleared without doing mitigation.
So at the point in time where Lot 1 is developed, if they are proposing expanding the clearing they
would have to do a Woodland Mitigation Plan.
This had originally been scheduled to come to Planning Commission in March but thanks to the
weather that didn’t happen. Last month the applicant asked that it be delayed until this month.
When this originally was scheduled in March, they had through the DAC process comments from
the Fire Department and the Police Department sharing concerns and with some recommendations.
Following the release of the DAC Report and the applicant DAC meeting, they held a meeting that
included DelDOT, the Police Department, the Fire Department, the Fire Marshal’s Office and the
applicant. At that point in time they discussed a number of options for access. The idea is that the
primary access would be from the Dover Mall ring road. Therefore, in order to create these parcels a
condition of any approval of the waiver of street frontage should include that easements be provided
from the main parcel to the two (2) rear parcels to allow for vehicular access and utility access if
needed. There was also discussion about potentially pulling Rustic Lane further east into the parcel
to provide emergency access. The discussion was that it could be a gated access that would only be
accessed by emergency vehicles. The other piece of the equation is that in the North 13 Study,
DelDOT has the idea of a service road that would parallel Route 1 along the rear of these parcels
and connect to Leipsic Road and to Scarborough Road. That is another potential access point but at
point in time, the access would be through the Mall property so they would need to make sure that
there were easements in place. Planning Commission members also have a letter from the Fire
Department dated April 21, 2014 where they somewhat amended their comments from the end of
February 2014. On May 9, 2014 she verified that their comments still stand.
The other piece that has changed as this project has evolved is that last month Commission
members looked at a Zoning Text Amendment to the shopping center zones. When this project first
came forward the idea was that there would be a residential component to it and a commercial
component to it. At this point, residential is off the table. Emergency services comments when they
first got involved were predicated on the idea that there would be residential. She thinks that this
changes the nature of the comments now that there’s not that level on concern. To try to make
things easier, she issued a memo on May 9, 2014 that indicates residential is no longer part of the
equation and that Text Amendment has been withdrawn; there is no intent to construct apartments.
The Police had concerns about speeding on the ring road and they wouldn’t be able to do speed
enforcement. Now that residential will not be back there that changes the nature of that concern
somewhat. On the memo of May 9, 2014, they go back to the initial conditions that they had
recommended in the DAC Report. That would be if the Subdivision is approved and the creation of
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lots without any road frontage is approved that the Planning Commission require cross access
easements among all three (3) lots; from the mall to the rear lots and between the rear lots. Also that
similar easements may also be required on the Boscov’s lot, the JC Penney’s lot and the lease plan
so that the ring road can be used regardless of which parcel it’s crossing through to access the rear
properties. Also that the easements allow for owners of each lot to make improvements necessary to
the internal circulation system specifically the ring road and the access drives that would be
required to improve the access to the satisfaction of the Planning Commission at the time that the
property develops and that the applicant be required to explore the feasibility of extending Rustic
Lane. Again, it may not be something that they want to see and it would have to be a separate
application but at least for emergency access it would provide a straighter emergency access to the
rear property. If this service road develops that becomes less of an issue. The comments that were in
the original DAC Report are reiterated in the letter of May 9, 2014 to the Planning Commission to
try to resolve some of the confusion about the emergency service concerns given the change of
residential proposal.
Mr. Moore stated that he thinks it’s important to note, Mrs. Townshend made a comment about the
ability to use the loop road that circle the entire Mall. Even though it is not a City street it is a public
road because the Mall is a public facility and people use that road in transit. There are sophisticated
agreements in place that provide for that road to be that access not only for the entire Mall but these
parcels as well; that would stand even with the Subdivision. That’s the way the agreements for that
road have been done. He points that out because the parcels for Boscov’s, JC Penney’s and Sears
were subdivided off as separate parcels and they use that same road as their access. Those parcels
don’t have frontage as traditionally planned and it is the public nature of that loop road that allowed
them to be divided off because they continue access into those parcels from that road. It is that
agreement that provides for these two (2) parcels to have that same access. Mr. Miller is with him
tonight; he is the developer of the Mills Malls. There are about twelve (12) or fifteen (15) different
Mills Malls and he has partnered with Simon Mall on this property. His goal here tonight is to try
and separate this back piece of undeveloped parcel from the Simon holdings because Simon is
going to be taking their properties into another contortion and Mr. Miller would like to be able to
develop this as he has done the Mills Malls in other locations. There are a lot of players involved
and Mr. Miller is here to answer any questions. He is a serious mall developer that understands
retail. They are not here for a development proposal; they are here to simply subdivide the rear
piece from the mall so that Mr. Miller can pursue funding and all of the things that go along with it.
The mortgage is a big piece and he will let Mr. Miller explain that. He is in negotiations with
DelDOT already for access; they are doing a traffic study that going to be framing how safe access
gets in. He is all for the loop road coming from Scarborough Road and has been instrumental in
pushing that at the State level. They understand that road access, whether it be from Rustic Lane or
Scarborough Road that there has to be improvements and there’s issues with safety. They are not
opposing that. The fact that the subdivision has already occurred for Boscov’s and Boscov’s
actually owns that piece of property and that the JC Penney’s has also been subdivided is the
comfort that the Commission members need to say that the loop road is providing access for a
subdivision. Once there was discussion about apartment complexes coming in, which Mrs.
Townshend said it was the fact that apartments and people living and staying overnight that
heightened the concern of safety. They understand and they want to work with them. They are here
tonight to take that first step so that Mr. Miller can pursue the funding and do the things necessary
to make these upgrades that he’s prepared to do.
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Mr. Miller stated that this property is owned by a Simon and Miller entity. It has a mortgage on the
whole property; they have the right to release it from the mortgage. They need to get it released
from the mortgage through a subdivision before they can do anything. Simon actually restricted to
spend any money on all of the work. They have now spent a year and a half trying to figure out
what to do with and how to get access. It’s going to be a couple more years of painful negotiation
with DelDOT and others to get access to this land. The first thing they need to do is subdivide it out
of the mortgage; it has to be out of the mortgage. Simon is not allowed to spend any more money;
they have already spent several $100,000 dollars in the efforts and they can’t spend more money
through their laws. They are going to remain partners with Simon.
They are in agreement with the comments of the Fire Department. They will deal with the
requirements that they have to make it safe and to create access to the ring road. They must have ten
(10) different alternatives with DelDOT. One alternative that DelDOT came up with was getting
access off of Route 1. Until they go through a detailed study, they won’t know which alternative
will be the best choice. The first thing they want to do tonight is Step 1 which is to get it separated
from the mortgage so they can spend the money necessary and what will be a couple years of effort
with DelDOT to figure out the access. It’s not going to be cheap to get access in the location. Dover
Downs would love to see a second means of egress because they seem to be having more events.
Those things back up 2-3 hours to getting onto Route 13. There needs to be a second way of getting
into Dover Downs. Solving this also solves some of the second access issues for Dover Downs.
Everybody wins on that approach. They just need to get it subdivided. The Fire Department wants
some conditions put on the plan. He doesn’t want any problem with that because they are going to
give adequate access. There were some improvements done to the ring road near Macy’s to make
the ring road work well. Until they know where the major traffic is going to come from, they don’t
know what part of the ring road to upgrade. Those are things that will be answered once they get to
the Site Plan. Right now, they are guessing at a lot of things. They have had plenty of meetings with
DelDOT and they are going to have more meetings with DelDOT.
Mr. Holt questioned why there is no access from Route 1 into some of those areas especially for
Dover Downs? It would be a lot quicker moving traffic in and out of that area if people could jump
onto Route 1. Would this be a time to really explore that possibility? Responding to Mr. Holt, Mr.
Moore stated that there have been discussions about access to Route 1 with Mr. Miller and the
group that owns this property. There have always been issues with access to Route 1 because Route
1 was built to have no access so that it didn’t turn out to be Route 13 and the volume of level of
service was dropping. It is also his understanding that Route 1 has Federal funding and that there
are limitations as to how much access can be made because the Federal funding dictated the design
of it. It’s not a simple thing but there have been discussions about the traffic study that is ongoing
about Route 1 access. He can’t rule it out but he also can’t say that it’s achievable.
Colonel Welsh stated that Route 1 is a limited access road which means that they can’t just add
entrances and exits. That’s really not applicable to what they are here to do tonight. The
Commission is looking at the subdivision tonight and then the applicant is going to have to work out
the appropriate egress and ingress processes and satisfy the City of Dover Fire Department and
emergency services to ensure that there’s adequate safety with whatever is proposed.
Mr. Tolbert questioned if at this point they were only considering the subdivision of the two (2)
lots? Responding to Mr. Tolbert, Colonel Welsh stated yes.
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CITY OF DOVER PLANNING COMMISSION MAY 19, 2014
Mrs. Townshend stated that they are also considering the waiver of the requirement for street
frontage.
Mr. Cregar stated that the fact of the matter is the zoning would allow for development of this
property in a commercial way. Responding to Mr. Cregar, Mrs. Townshend stated yes.
Mr. Cregar further stated that if Mr. Miller wanted to present a Site Plan in the next six (6) months
regardless of the subdivision, the Planning Commission would review all the necessary issues
regarding safety and ingress and egress at that point in time. Responding to Mr. Cregar, Mrs.
Townshend stated yes.
Mr. Cregar stated that the creation of this line does nothing to the fact that the development of that
property under the SC-3 (Regional Shopping Center Zone) could still take place. Responding to Mr.
Cregar, Mrs. Townshend stated that it’s more an issue of making sure the easements are in place so
that they don’t have landlocked parcels.
Mr. Cregar stated that the ring road would still be the main egress and ingress for those properties in
the back. Responding to Mr. Cregar, Mrs. Townshend stated yes.
Colonel Welsh opened a public hearing and after seeing no one wishing to speak, closed the public
hearing.
Colonel Welsh questioned if the applicant accepts the DAC comments? Responding to Colonel
Welsh, Mr. Moore stated that the only concern is that Mr. Miller is willing to make some upgrades
to the ring road but the way that the comments have been presented is almost like it would be
cutting off access to some of the tenants. That’s where Mr. Miller is then unable to agree because if
Sears doesn’t have adequate access into some of their parking they have an action because they
have the right to that loop road just as Mr. Miller does. It’s a fine line between how much access is
enough for the City staff.
Mrs. Townshend stated that the issue is more making sure that whatever easements and agreements
are in place as a part of the recorded Subdivision allows those details to be worked out at the Site
Plan. The concern is that if the easements aren’t in place to be able to upgrade the ring road then
they come forward for Site Plan with different ownership in the future and suddenly it’s said that
they can’t upgrade the neighbor’s property. They just need to make sure that the easements are in
place to allow upgrades as needed to support the Site Development Plan. The details of that would
be worked out under a Site Plan.
Mr. Moore stated that they agree with that; it would be worked out at Site Plan and because of the
amount of property at this location in the scale of development that Mr. Miller is able to pursue with
the Mall being so large, DelDOT is going to control access because of the Traffic Impact Study.
They are going to be dictated by DelDOT and the Traffic Impact Study. There will be intersection
improvements, lights to change and other things that they don’t know yet. They can’t agree to
things that they don’t know; they are just trying to take the first step.
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CITY OF DOVER PLANNING COMMISSION MAY 19, 2014
Mr. Cregar moved to recommend approval to City Council for SB-14-01 Dover Mall at 1365 North
DuPont Highway: Minor Subdivision Plan to include the waiver of requirement for lot frontage on
a public street and the necessary easements listed in the DAC Report be in place for the two parcels
of land, seconded by Ms. Still and the motion was unanimously carried 6-0 with Mr. Holden
recused and Mr. Baldwin and Mr. Ambruso absent.
3) SB-14-02 Lands of Union A.M.E. Church at 222 West Reed Street – Public Hearing and Minor
Subdivision Review to create two (2) parcels of land from an existing 5,385 S.F. ± parcel in order to
place the existing church building and house on individual lots. The parcel will be subdivided into a
1,447 S.F. ± parcel (Parcel A), and 3,938 S.F. ± parcel (Parcel B). The property is zoned C-2
(Central Commercial Zone), located at the southwest corner of West Reed Street and South New
Street. The owner of record is Union A.M.E. Church. Property Addresses: 222 West Reed Street
and 101 South New Street. Tax Parcel: ED-05-077.09-01-36.00-000. Council District 4. This
application is associated with V-14-03 heard by the Board of Adjustment on February 19, 2014.
Representatives: Rev. Ruth Evans, District Superintendent for Union AME Church
Mrs. Townshend stated that this application was a Minor Subdivision. The applicant is requesting to
take one (1) parcel that is 5,385 S.F. and to divide into two (2) parcels. Currently, there are two (2)
buildings on the parcel. Parcel B is a church building. The proposed lot size would be 3,938 S.F.
Parcel A contains a house and the proposed lot size would be 1,447 S.F. This is located at the
southeast corner of South New Street and West Reed Street. The property is zoned C-2 (Central
Commercial Zone) so it doesn’t have the minimum lot size; however, the applicant did go to the
Board of Adjustment and had a variance approved on the setbacks and the lot depth. They are
looking to strike a lot line between the two (2) buildings so that they can sell Parcel A which is a
residential parcel and maintain the church on Parcel B. There are a number of code violations
existing on the house at Parcel A which is part of the reason that the applicant would like to sell it
because the maintenance of the house is significant. The residential use is not a permitted use in the
C-2 (Central Commercial Zone). That could potentially change with proposed ordinances that will
come to the Planning Commission next month. At this point, this is a non-conforming use that has
expired so the applicant may need to go to the Board of Adjustment to re-establish that use but it
does not affect the ability to strike the lot line.
Rev. Evans stated that they would like to get it done. They wanted to get it done because they don’t
like the way the house looks. Unfortunately, the cost factor is a lot of them to handle right now so
that’s why they want to sell it and have someone fix it the property up.
Mr. Holt questioned if anyone was living in the house? Responding to Mr. Holt, Rev. Evans stated
no, the house is vacant.
Mr. Holt further questioned if they could sell the house and get it off their back, it would give the
church a breather? Responding to Mr. Holt, Rev. Evans stated yes, they do have interested parties
looking at the property.
Mr. Holt questioned if there were a lot of improvements needed on the house? Responding to Mr.
Holt, Rev. Evans stated yes.
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CITY OF DOVER PLANNING COMMISSION MAY 19, 2014
Mr. Holt questioned if the new buyer would be made aware of the improvements needed on the
house? Responding to Mr. Holt, Rev. Evans states yes, they would be made aware. She has all of
the paperwork from the City.
Colonel Welsh opened a public hearing and after seeing no one wishing to speak, closed the public
hearing.
Mr. Tolbert questioned if the property was not sold what disposition will they make of the property?
Responding to Mr. Tolbert, Rev. Evans stated that they would have to go back to the table to figure
out how they could make the improvements themselves or demolish the house.
Mr. Cregar questioned if the house was on the Dangerous Building list for the City? Responding to
Mr. Cregar, Mrs. Townshend stated yes.
Mr. Cregar further questioned how long before it would have demolished or repaired? What is the
timetable? Responding to Mr. Cregar, Mrs. Townshend stated that Staff has held off taking it to
City Council knowing that this process is going on. Unfortunately, there were other buildings that
the City was able to focus on. As long as they are moving forward, if they get to the point where
there is a lot of vandalism or there is a fire that may change the priority on the Dangerous Building
list. But because they are actively trying to do something to ultimately get it improved, Staff is
monitoring the property. It’s not as high as other properties on the Dangerous Building list.
Mr. Cregar questioned if at some point someone demolishes the house, it can be used as a C-2
(Central Commercial Zone) property and a commercial use established on that property?
Responding to Mr. Cregar, Mrs. Townshend stated yes.
Colonel Welsh stated that what he is hearing from Rev. Evans is that they have a buyer for the
property. They just need to subdivide it so that they can sell it. If it’s someone that’s going to
purchase the property and fix it and relieve the church of their financial responsibility he thinks it’s
a win-win for everybody.
Ms. Still moved to approve SB-14-02 Lands of Union A.M.E. Church at 222 West Reed Street to
create new parcels of land, seconded by Dr. Jones and the motion was unanimously carried 7-0
with Mr. Baldwin and Mr. Ambruso absent.
4) SB-14-03 Lands of Robert & Kathleen Dunn at 276 Troon Road – Public Hearing and Minor
Subdivision Review to create two (2) parcels of land from an existing 26,997 S.F. ± parcel,
previously known as Lot 6 of Fox Meadows Subdivision. The parcel will be subdivided into a
12,803 S.F. ± parcel and a 14,194 S.F. ± parcel. The property is zoned R-10 (One-Family Residence
Zone), located on Troon Road, north of Merion Road, northeast of Maple Dale Golf Couse. The
property owners are Robert & Kathleen Dunn. Property Address: 276 Troon Road. Tax Parcel: ED-
05-067.09-02-06.00-000. Council District 1. Waiver Requested: Elimination of Sidewalks.
Representatives: Mr. Don Grower, Donald G. Grower Professional Land Surveying Services
Mrs. Harvey stated that the Plan application is the review of a Minor Subdivision Plan to create two
(2) parcels of land from the existing parcel located a 276 Troon Road on the north side of Troon
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CITY OF DOVER PLANNING COMMISSION MAY 19, 2014
Road, north of Merion Road and northeast of the Maple Dale Golf Course. The property is zoned R-
10 (One-Family Residence Zone). The proposed lot appears to meet the setback and lot dimensions
of the R-10 (One-Family Residence Zone) zoning district. The existing land identified as Lot 6 will
be subdivided into Lot 6 and Lot 6A. The parcels to be created are Lot 6 at 12,803 S.F. and Lot 6A
at 14,194 S.F. The applicant has submitted a waiver request to be considered by the Planning
Commission to eliminate the required sidewalk on both lots. Staff recommends approval of the
request to eliminate the sidewalks for the proposed two (2) parcels finding that this area is isolated
with respect to the sidewalks and that the Fox Meadows Subdivision does not included sidewalks.
Mr. Grower stated that the applicant essentially would like to divide this property feeling that it’s
going to be easier to sell the lots at that small size.
Mr. Cregar questioned if the applicants have been the owners of this particular property?
Responding to Mr. Cregar, Mr. Grower stated yes.
Mr. Cregar further questioned if they knew that the property was part of that subdivision at that
point in time when they purchased this land? Responding to Mr. Cregar, Mr. Grower stated yes.
Mr. Holden questioned how the proposed lot sizes compared to the lots that surround them or in
general within the development as a whole? Responding to Mr. Holden, Mr. Grower stated that in
general as they go down the left side of the road, the average lots are 0.4 acres to almost 0.5 acres.
Directly across the street from these lots, they are in the 0.35 to 0.4 acre range with some getting
bigger once getting into Phillip Court cul-de-sac.
Ms. Still questioned the swing set that is over the proposed property line? Responding to Ms. Still,
Mr. Grower stated that the swing set was being dealt with. The present owner and the adjoining
neighbor are aware of that situation.
Colonel Welsh questioned if Lot 6A abutted the driveway for the other house that is located behind
these two (2) lots? Responding to Colonel Welsh, Mr. Grower stated no, it comes very close both at
Troon Road and in the rear but the driveway does not contact.
Colonel Welsh stated that the neighbor’s house that the driveway extends to is actually behind these
lots. Responding to Colonel Welsh, Mr. Grower stated yes.
Colonel Welsh opened a public hearing.
Mr. Adam Gerber – Hudson, Jones, Jaywork and Fisher at 225 South State Street Dover, DE
19901
Mr. Gerber stated that he is an attorney with Hudson, Jones, Jaywork and Fisher and he represents a
group of thirteen (13) homeowners in this community who oppose approval of this request for a
subdivision; a number of them who are present tonight. His client’s primary objection is that this
request exceeds the bounds of a Minor Subdivision and in reality is a request for a Major
Subdivision. They are concerned also about the practical effects of approval of this Minor
Subdivision. The City Code sets forth the application procedure for Minor Subdivision and states in
part that these Minor Subdivisions shall include only subdivisions where no improvements,
dedications or easements are required. This application however will require certain easements. In
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CITY OF DOVER PLANNING COMMISSION MAY 19, 2014
the recorded plot plan, Note 11 requires that there be a 7.5 foot easement along any side or rear
property lines. So to divide this property will obviously create a new middle line and two (2) side
boundaries which will require easements. They may also require improvements such that in that
there are certain utilities that go to Lot 6 that would be required to be split and run to the second lot.
Therefore, this request really is a material change to an approved Major Subdivision and not really a
Minor Subdivision.
His clients also object to approval of this subdivision request because of the adverse impact that it
will have on development of the property and on the surrounding properties. In fact approval of this
request would create conflicts with the deed restrictions that apply to this property. Minor
Subdivisions are defined as any subdivision fronting on an existing street not involving any new
street or road or the extension of municipal facilities and not adversely affecting the development of
the remainder of the parcel or adjoining property and not in conflict with any provisional portion of
the development plan, official map or Zoning Ordinance. His clients oppose this subdivision
because they believe that it will have an adverse effect or impact on the development of this parcel
and the surrounding properties. There was some discussion already about the other adjoining
properties and the location of the driveway. The review of the map shows that the homes on either
side of this property are already very closely set. One driveway comes very close to going over the
property line. On the other side, the home is built very close to the property line such that already it
would be difficult to place a home that would compare in size to the other existing homes in the
neighborhood. His rough estimate is that the homes in that area are probably well over 3,000 SF on
average. The restrictions that apply require at least a 2,500 SF two story home. It would be very
difficult if this lot was subdivided to place two (2) homes of that size on the lots without having to
come back to the City for a variance of some sort. In essence this would really be creating a
hardship that has to be remedied later by a variance. It would be very difficult to place homes as the
lots stand to keep them far enough away from the adjoining property. But it’s their contention that
the smaller lot being 12,803 SF would be very difficult to put a home of the required size without
having to request a variance from the setback requirements. It’s possible that it could be done but
it’s possible that any new owner would like to put a home that keeps with the square footage of the
other homes.
The homes that are in this area range from probably 3,000 SF to around 8,000 SF. In other words,
there are large homes there already. To divide this lot in this manner would change the character of
the neighborhood in that only small homes could be placed on these lots. He understands the sellers
desire to sell off two (2) smaller lots which would maybe allow for more flexibility in selling but it
would also most likely lead to a somewhat smaller home, if not a smaller home then variances from
the setback requirements. Therefore his clients believe that to approve this subdivision request
would really change the character of the neighborhood, lead to hardship which would then have to
be remedied and his clients would oppose any such easement request for that as well. His clients ask
that the Planning Commission deny this request for Minor Subdivision.
Mr. Grower stated that on the map the setbacks are in place. In Lot 6, within those setback lines
there is approximately 5,000 SF of available property. Being where this subdivision is, it’s probably
not going to be first time home buyers on a budget. These are going to be people who are looking
for a nice home to be built there. He believes that the new owners are going to want to have a home
that’s going to be in keeping with the area that’s around them. It appears that there would be
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CITY OF DOVER PLANNING COMMISSION MAY 19, 2014
adequate space to build such homes that would be in keeping with the character of the
neighborhood.
Colonel Welsh closed the public hearing.
Mrs. Townshend recommended that if there is an inclination to deny the Subdivision that they have
a motion to defer until the next meeting so that they can obtain legal counsel and potentially have an
executive session to get legal input from the City’s attorney.
Colonel Welsh stated that he thinks it would be wise for the Commission to recommend deferral
until next month so that they can have the opportunity to consult with legal counsel.
Mr. Tolbert moved to defer SB-14-03 Lands of Robert & Kathleen Dunn at 276 Troon Road until
next month so that legal counsel can be obtained, seconded by Dr. Jones and the motion was
unanimously carried 7-0 with Mr. Baldwin and Mr. Ambruso absent.
5) US-14-01 Dover High School at One Dover High Drive – Public Hearing and Review of a
Unified Comprehensive Signage Plan application to permit the construction and implementation of
signage for the 105.6 acre ± Dover High School campus consisting of illuminated monument and
wall signs, non-illuminated building entrance canopy signs and directional signage, and a mesh
bleacher banner. The property is zoned R-10 (One-Family Residence Zone) and is subject to the
COZ-1 (Corridor Overlay Zone). The property is located on the south side of Forrest Avenue and
east of Dover High Drive. The property owner is Capital School District. Property Address: One
Dover High Drive (Previously 1650 Forrest Avenue). Tax Parcel: ED-05-076.00-02-07.00-000.
Council District 1.
Representatives: Mr. Carl Krienen, ABHA Architects; Dr. Michael Thomas, Superintendent for
Capital School District
Mr. Cook stated that this is a Unified Comprehensive Signage Plan for the Dover High School.
There is a summary for the signage proposed. It’s located on the west side of the City near City
limits. The address is 1 Dover High Drive. The property is zoned R-10 (One-Family Residence
Zone) and under the existing Zoning Ordinance, such a property would be very limited in the
amount of signage available. As a campus educational facility, the property has the opportunity to
apply for Unified Signage Program. The proposed project has thirteen (13) signs which consist
primarily of a monument entrance sign at the corner of Dover High Drive and Forrest Avenue, an
entrance canopy sign on the front and on the rear, and seven (7) directional signs internal to the
campus along Dover High Drive and also within the parking lot area. To the rear of the property
there will be a lighted mascot symbol on the fieldhouse structure as well as a bleacher banner on the
back of the bleachers. Generally, there were very few comments from other City agencies and there
were some recommendations of altering the signage height for the directional signage.
Mr. Krienen stated that this should be the last presentation that they will be making because this is
Bid Package K, the last Bid Package for the high school. The first time that they approached the
Planning Commission officially was in 2010. A lot of the drawings shown tonight were reflected in
some of the very preliminary drawing that were done at that time. They have been able to adhere
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CITY OF DOVER PLANNING COMMISSION MAY 19, 2014
pretty closely to kind of what the overall site concept was. He hopes that the Commission is in
agreement that they are trying to keep the aesthetic for the building as true as possible.
Mr. Krienen shared the Power Point presentation for the Unified Signage Program for the new
Dover High School.
Mr. Holt stated that they have done a great job with the signs. Was the project for the sign package
put out for bid locally? Responding to Mr. Holt, Dr. Thomas stated that it was going to be bid out
and it will follow normal State bid regulations. It will be posted for a certain period of time; anyone
who wants to submit a sealed bid may do so.
Mr. Tolbert stated that this was one of the best sign packages he’s seen since he’s been on the
Commission. It’s very thorough and complete.
Mr. Cregar questioned what sign would be located at the far east intersection? Responding to Mr.
Cregar, Mr. Krienen stated that it was a single sign designed to instruct people to use the main
entrance. Most people will be coming from the east; they will see the high school and will have an
inclination to duck in through this entrance. The District would like to control that primarily for
events and lead most people back to the main signaled entrance.
Mr. Cook stated that in the final plan that the Commission members have, the final location is a
little bit confusing because of the red dot shown on the plan. The proposed location of the sign is
going to be out towards the road not as far internal as it appears to be.
Mr. Krienen stated that it will be and they request a little flexibility on that sign. There is currently
still a redesign of that intersection with DelDOT. They are pretty resolved to it but it had not been
finalized yet. Hopefully, when they apply for a permit it will be clarified both from a DelDOT point
of view and from the District on where they want to place it. It will be an appropriate position that
doesn’t meet the visibility restrictions but is as close as possible for readability.
Mr. Cregar questioned about accessory uses such as the scoreboards for the football field and
baseball field, would they have advertising associated with them? Responding to Mr. Cregar, Mr.
Krienen stated that they believe there is allowed to be advertising but not facing any neighborhoods.
It’s not intended that there’s advertising on it right now; that’s not been sold but it most likely could
be. But for the back sides of the signs facing the neighborhoods, they understand that they can’t sell
advertising there. Frankly, they don’t really face much anyway; most people will be approaching
from the north side.
Mr. Cregar further questioned if any of that would have to come before the Planning Commission?
Responding to Mr. Cregar, Mrs. Townshend stated no.
Mr. Cregar questioned as operations begin at the school, if there’s a need to provide additional
signage for direction or parking, how is that handled? Does that have to come back to the Planning
Commission or does Staff have the ability to approve any additional signage that may be required?
Responding to Mr. Cregar, Mrs. Townshend stated that if it’s something in the nature of directional
signage, Staff would work with the applicant but if it’s new large signage then it’s a change to the
plan and the applicant would have to come back.
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CITY OF DOVER PLANNING COMMISSION MAY 19, 2014
Colonel Welsh stated that it was an excellent package and it’s obvious that the applicants did their
homework.
Colonel Welsh opened a public hearing and after seeing no one wishing to speak, closed the public
hearing.
Mr. Tolbert moved to approve US-14-01 Dover High School Unified Comprehensive Signage Plan
at One Dover High Drive as submitted, seconded by Mr. Holt and the motion was unanimously
carried 7-0 with Mr. Baldwin and Mr. Ambruso absent.
Meeting adjourned at 8:37 PM
Sincerely,
Kristen Mullaney
Secretary
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SB-14-03 Lands of Robert & Kathleen Dunn at 276
Troon Road – Continuation of Review of a Minor Subdivision Plan
to create two (2) parcels of land from an existing 26,997 S.F. +/- parcel,
previously known as Lot 6 of Fox Meadows Subdivision. The parcel
will be subdivided into a 12,803 S.F. +/- parcel and a 14,194 S.F. +/-
parcel. The property is zoned R-10 (One-Family Residence Zone),
located on Troon Road, north of Merion Road, northeast of Maple Dale
Golf Course. The property owners are Robert & Kathleen Dunn.
Property Address: 276 Troon Road. Tax Parcel: ED-05-067.09-02-
06.00-000. Council District 1. Waiver Requested: Elimination of
Sidewalks. A Public Hearing and Review of this application occurred at
the May 19, 2014 meeting of the Planning Commission and action was
deferred.
• Information on this application was distributed to the Planning
Commission for the May 19, 2014 meeting. Please continue to
utilize this information for the continuation of the review of the
application at the June 16, 2014 meeting of the Planning
Commission.
• At the May Planning Commission Meeting the Commission
conducted the Public Hearing and following discussion of the
application chose to defer action in order to seek legal counsel. A
Special Meeting including an Executive Session of the Planning
Commission occurred on June 3, 2014 for this purpose.
• See the attached Memorandums dated June 2, 2014 and June 3, 2014
pertaining to consideration of this application.
• If you have questions or need additional copies of the application
information, please contact Planning Staff at 736-7196.
Page 29
City of Dover
DATA SHEET FOR CONDITIONAL USE PLAN REVIEW
DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING OF June 4, 2014
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING OF June 16, 2014
Plan Title: Janaid’s Hair Salon
C-14-03
Plan Type: Conditional Use Plan
Property Location: North side of Loockerman Street east of South New Street
Property Address: 213 West Loockerman Street
Tax Parcel: ED-05-077.09-01-55.00-000
Equitable Owner: Janaid Kareem
Lot Area: 2,235 SF ±
Present Use: Vacant first and second floor tenant space
Proposed Use: Men’s Hair Salon
Sewer & Water: City of Dover
Zoning Classification: C-2 (Central Commercial Zone)
H (Historic District Zone)
P. O. Box 475 Dover, DE 19903
Community Excellence Through Quality Service
Page 30
CITY OF DOVER City of
Dover
DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE Planning
Office
APPLICATION REVIEW COMMENTARY
D.A.C. MEETING DATE: June 4, 2014
APPLICATION: Janaid’s Hair Salon at 213 West Loockerman Street
FILE #: C-14-03 REVIEWING AGENCY: City of Dover Planning
CONTACT PERSON: Tracey Harvey PHONE #: (302) 736-7196
PLAN SUMMARY:
This Conditional Use Plan Review is to permit a Men’s Hair Salon on the first and second floor
tenant space of an existing building located at 213 West Loockerman Street. The property of
2,235 S.F. for the proposed development is zoned C-2 (Central Commercial Zone) and is subject
to the H (Historic District Zone). The property is located on the north side of West Loockerman
Street and east of the intersection of South New Street. The equitable owner of record is Janaid
Kareem. The property address is 213 West Loockerman Street. Tax Parcel: ED-05-077.09-01-
55.00-000.
Project Site
The subject building is within a block of Loockerman Street that was developed between 1868-
1885. An 1885 map shows the building as a hardware store and dwelling, then as a “dry and
fancy goods” store in 1891, as a fruit and confectionary store in 1904 and part of a department
store by 1929. It is within the Historic District Zone and listed in the National Register of
Historic Places as a contributing resource to the Victorian Dover Historic District (K-396.85).
The following excerpt on the building is from the National Register nomination.
th
K-396.85 211 West Loockerman Street – Late 19 century, 2 story, frame, commercial structure;
nd st
resheathed asbestos shingles 2 floor level, brick veneer 1 floor level; flat roof, modillion
nd
cornice; 2/2 double hung sash on 2 floor level, moulded window lintels. (* Building is currently
addressed as 213 West Loockerman Street.)
The building is within the Historic District. Any exterior changes including signage are subject
to the Architectural Review Certification process and compliance with the Design Standards and
Guidelines for the City of Dover Historic District Zone.
The building consists of two floors. The first and second floors of the building are currently
registered as a vacant building under the provisions of the Vacant Building Ordinance. The
tenant space located on the west side of the subject tenant space is a vacant building that was
previously Simon’s Bridal Shop and the adjacent building located to the east side of the proposed
Page 31
C-14-03 Janaid’s Hair Salon at 213 W. Loockerman St.
Final DAC Report – June 4, 2014
Page 2
site is also a vacant building. The Tresses Hair Studio is a personal service store located within
250 feet of the subject site.
Proposed Project
The application seeks to allow for the establishment of a Men’s Hair Salon on the first and
second floors of the existing building. The plan indicates on the first floor a waiting area for
clients in front of the building, a styling area, an ADA styling area, a wash area and a coffee bar
on the first floor. The second floor will consist of a second styling area in the future.
Due to its location, this type of land use as a Hair Salon (a personal service store) on the first
and second floors requires Conditional Use approval by the Planning Commission as noted in
Article 3 §13.21 of the Zoning Ordinance.
13.2 Conditional uses. The following uses are permitted, conditional upon the approval of the
planning commission in accordance with the procedures and subject to the general conditions set
forth in article 10, section 10.1 [1] of this ordinance and to any specified requirements set forth
below. Any of the following uses in existence at the time this ordinance [section] is adopted are
considered permitted uses, and shall not lose their status as permitted uses in their existing
locations unless the use is changed to one of the uses listed above in [sub] section 13.1 of this
ordinance [section]. Changes from one conditional use to another will require conditional use
approval.
13.21 Personal service stores, including, but not limited to, barbershops, beauty shops, tailors,
day spas, and other establishments in which the primary business is the sale of a service, rather
than a product, located on the first floor on Loockerman Street between State Street and New
Street and located within 250 feet of another personal service store.
This Conditional Use is subject to the requirements of Article 10 §1 further discussed below.
With Conditional Use applications, the Planning Commission reviews the proposed project to
determine whether or not the intended use is appropriate in type and scale for the immediate
neighborhood. The Commission must also consider whether or not the proposed use will have
an adverse impact on the future orderly development of the surrounding area. Several sections of
the Zoning Ordinance which relate to the role of the Commission in reviewing Conditional Use
applications are particularly relevant when reviewing this application:
1.1 Accessibility for emergency response. That all proposed structures, equipment or material
shall be readily accessible for fire, ambulance, police, and other emergency response;
1.2 Harmony of location, size and character. That the proposed use shall be of such location,
size and character that, in general, it will be in harmony with the appropriate and orderly
development of the zone in which it is proposed to be situated and will not be detrimental to the
orderly development of adjacent properties in accordance with the zoning classification of such
properties;
For a use seeking Conditional Use approval that proposes to occupy an existing structure in the
C-2 Zoning District, Article 3 §13.3 outlines the submission requirements. These requirements
include a map of the property showing existing conditions and a conceptual floor plan with the
appropriate legal data.
13.3 Submission requirements for conditional uses in the C-2 zone. The following submission
requirements shall be used in lieu of the requirements of article 10, section 1.6, in the event that
Page 32
C-14-03 Janaid’s Hair Salon at 213 W. Loockerman St.
Final DAC Report – June 4, 2014
Page 3
the business, office, or establishment seeking conditional use approval will be occupying an
existing structure:
(a) The applicant shall cause a site map to be prepared. The applicant shall submit 21
copies of the site map at the time of application. The site map shall conform to the
following specifications and the following elements shall be included on the site map:
1. The map shall be at least 11 [inches] by 17 inches, but not more than 24
[inches] by 36 inches, and at a scale of ten, 20, 30 or 40 feet to the inch, except
that, if the property has a maximum dimension over 900 feet, a scale of 50 feet to
the inch may be used.
2. The existing building and conditions on the lot must be depicted. It is
permissible to utilize the most recent mortgage survey of the property for this
purpose. If conditions, such as landscaping and accessory structures, on the lot
have changed since the survey was completed, the applicant shall depict these
changes on the plan to the best of his/her ability. However, the nature and extent
of such revisions must be approved by the city planner at the required pre-
application meeting.
3. A conceptual floor plan of the building is required. This floor plan must depict
the location and percent of total floor area devoted to the proposed uses. Any
uses on separate floors which are not the subject of the application must be
referenced by a note on the plan. The city planner may request more detailed
information, including architectural floor plans, on a case-by-case basis at his/her
discretion.
4. Legal data:
(a) Lot, blocks, and section number.
(b) Name and address of the owner of record.
(c) Name and address of the equitable owner, if any.
(d) Name and address of the person, firm, or organization preparing the
map.
(e) Date, north point, and written and graphical scale.
(f) The location and names of adjacent streets.
(g) The location, zoning, and owners of record of all adjacent properties.
Staff notes that in this case of this proposal of the existing building occupies almost the entire
property parcel. There is an open area of approximately 3 feet along the east side of this building
between it and the neighboring building.
SITE CONSIDERATIONS:
Trash Collection
There is not a specific Dumpster pad requirement for personal service uses. Arrangements for
trash collection will need to be made with either the City of Dover or a private trash collection
service. Dumpster enclosures are required and must be implemented where space is available on
a site. Currently, trash collection along Loockerman Street is curbside pick-up on a designated
night by the City of Dover.
Page 33
C-14-03 Janaid’s Hair Salon at 213 W. Loockerman St.
Final DAC Report – June 4, 2014
Page 4
Parking
The C-2 zoning district does not have an off-street parking requirement for existing buildings.
Staff notes that there are several municipal parking lots located within the immediate area and on
street parking.
Bicycle Parking
Bicycle parking is not required as there is no off-street parking requirement. There are bicycle
parking facilities along West Loockerman Street (post style).
Sidewalk
There is existing sidewalk along West Loockerman Street.
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 Site Data and plan drawing column will need to be updated prior to Final Approval with
the following items.
a) Any changes recommended or approvals by the Planning Commission.
b) Indicate the proposed use.
c) Add legal data items :
1. Name and address of the owner of record.
2. Name and address of the equitable owner.
3. Tax Parcel identification number
4. List zoning districts: C-2 and H
2) Provide an Owner’s Certification note and signature line to plan sheet. See text below.
OWNER’S CERTIFICATION:
I, _______________________, hereby certify that I am the owner of the property described and
shown on this plan, that the plan was made at my direction, and that I acknowledge the same to be
my act and desire the plan to be developed as shown in accordance with all applicable laws and
regulations.
DATE ___________________ SIGNATURE_____________________________
The Equitable Owner’s signature will need to be added to the plan sheet if the change of
ownership does not occur when the Check Print is submitted if the proposed use is approved
by Planning Commission.
RECOMMENDATIONS SUGGESTED AS CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL TO MEET CODE
OBJECTIVES:
None
Page 34
C-14-03 Janaid’s Hair Salon at 213 W. Loockerman St.
Final DAC Report – June 4, 2014
Page 5
ADVISORY COMMENTS TO THE APPLICANT:
1) Following Planning Commission approval of the Conditional Use 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.
Upon determination that the Plan is complete and all agency approvals have been
received, copies of the Plan may be submitted for final endorsement.
2) The use as a personal service store must comply with applicable Building Codes and Fire
Codes. The applicant is advised to meet with the City’s Fire Marshal and Building
Inspector to learn more about these requirements.
3) The applicant shall be aware that the Conditional Use 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.
4) The applicant shall be aware that the Conditional Use 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 and Certificate of Occupancy from
the City of Dover.
5) Exterior renovations to the building are subject to Architectural Review Certification as
the property is located within the Historic District. This may include review by the
Historic District Commission.
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 35
C ITY OF DOVER
DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
A PPLICATION R EVIEW C OMMENTARY
S TAFF D.A.C. MEETING DATE: MAY 28, 2014
A PPLICATION : J ANAID ’ S HAIR S ALON, 213 W. L OOCKERMAN S T.
FILE #: C-14-03
R EVIEWING AGENCY : City of Dover Electric and Public Works Departments
CONTACT PERSON: Aren Wright - Electric
Jason A. Lyon, P.E. – Public Works
CONTACT PHONE #: E LECTRIC - 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.
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.
Page 36
Janaid’s Hair Salon
File #: C-14-03
May 28, 2014
Page 2 of 3
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. 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.
3. 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 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.
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
“…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, including cleanouts.
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”).
S TORMWATER / S TREETS / SANITATION / GROUNDS
1. None.
GENERAL
1. No trees may be planted within ten feet (10’) of underground utility infrastructure.
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) month 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 37
Janaid’s Hair Salon
File #: C-14-03
May 28, 2014
Page 3 of 3
WATER / WASTEWATER / STORMWATER / STREETS /SANITATION / GROUNDS / GENERAL
1. None.
A DVISORY COMMENTS TO THE A PPLICANT
ELECTRIC
1. None
WATER
1. Depending on the additional number of fixtures proposed with this project, additional impact fees may be assessed to
this property.
WASTEWATER
1. Depending on the additional number of fixtures proposed with this project, additional impact fees may be assessed to
this property.
SANITATION
1. Contact the City of Dover Department of Public Works at 302-737-7025 to discuss sanitation options for this property.
S TORMWATER / S TREETS / G ROUNDS
1. None
GENERAL
1. 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.
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 38
C F
I I
CITY OF DOVER T R
Y E
DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
O M
APPLICATION REVIEW COMMENTARY F A
R
D.A.C. MEETING DATE: 06/04/14 D S
O H
V A
E L
R
APPLICATION: 213 W Loockerman St Janaids Hair Salon
FILE #: C-14-03 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 business.
2. Firefighter perimeter access will be 30% and clearly shown on the plans
3. Any gas fired HVAC equipment must be equipped with emergency cut off switches
remotely located.
4. Address numbers of at least 12 inches in height must be placed on the street side of the
building visible from the street.
5. Any natural or LP gas bottles, meters, values, regulators, etc., must have impact
protection.
6. Full building and fire plan review is required.
7. Building cannot be occupied or construction or renovations started until completion of
building and fire plan review.
8. 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.
Page 39
9. Project to be completed per approved Site Plan
RECOMMENDATIONS SUGGESTED AS CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL TO MEET CODE
OBJECTIVES:
1. An electrical inspection will be required
2. Emergency lights and Exit lights will be required
3. Separation requirements will be addressed when plans are submitted
4. Ensure NFPA 101 is followed in regards to exits required for new businesses
ADVISORY COMMENTS TO THE APPLICANT:
1. There is to be no alcohol on the premises.
2. If the occupant load reaches more than 50 on the second floor, a Fire Alarm System is
required.
3. After any application has been approved by the Planning Commission, the applicant has a
maximum of thirty (30) days to appeal to the Code Board of Appeals Committee.
4. All comments from this office, approved by the Planning Commission are at the expense
of the owner/applicant.
5. The proposed building will be reviewed under Business Occupancy.
6. The City of Dover uses the 2012 NFPA Life Safety Code, 2009 IBC, latest editions of all
other NFPA Codes and the 2012 Delaware State Fire Prevention Regulations.
7. The Dover Fire Department request that a 8 ½ X 11 copy of the floor plan and site plan
be submitted to Station 1, attention Fire Chief, prior to the Certificate of Occupancy
being issued.
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 40
CITY OF DOVER D
E
DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
L
APPLICATION REVIEW COMMENTARY D
O
D.A.C. MEETING DATE: May 28, 2014 T
===============================================================
APPLICATION: Janaid’s Hair Salon at 213 West Loockerman Street
FILE#: C-14-03 REVIEWING AGENCY: DelDOT
CONTACT PERSON: Julio F. Seneus PHONE#: 760-2145
===============================================================
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:
1. The Department has no comments.
RECOMMENDATIONS SUGGESTED AS CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL TO MEET CODE
OBJECTIVES:
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 41
CITY OF DOVER
DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
APPLICATION REVIEW COMMENTARY
June 2014
APPLICATION: Janaid’s Hair Salon
FILE #: C-14-03
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:
CITY AND STATE CODE REQUIREMENTS:
1. Kent Conservation District has no objection to conditional use site plan 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 and
approved to the Kent Conversation District.
Page 42
City of Dover
DATA SHEET FOR CONDITIONAL USE SITE PLAN REVIEW
DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING OF June 4, 2014
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING OF June 16, 2014
Plan Title: Professional Offices at 109 East Division Street
C-14-04
Plan Type: Conditional Use Site Plan
Applicants: Leg Hall, LLC c/o Rhett Ruggerio
Location: North side of East Division Street between Pennsylvania Avenue and Maple Lane
Address: 109 East Division Street
Tax Parcel: ED-05-077.05-02-55.00-000
Site Area: 11,340 S.F. +/-, (0.26 acres)
Zoning: RG-1 (General Residence Zone)
H (Historic District Zone)
Present Use: Vacant Residence
Proposed Use: Professional Offices
Building Areas: 1,689 S.F.
Off Street Parking: Existing – 2 parking spaces (garage)
Proposed – 5 parking spaces
Sanitary Facilities: City of Dover
Water Supply: City of Dover
Waiver(s) Requested: Elimination of Upright Curbing Requirement
P. O. Box 475 Dover, DE 19903
Community Excellence Through Quality Service
Page 43
City of
Dover
CITY OF DOVER Planning
Office
DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
APPLICATION REVIEW COMMENTARY
D.A.C. MEETING DATE: June 4, 2014
APPLICATION: Professional Offices at 109 East Division Street
FILE #: C-14-04 REVIEWING AGENCY: City of Dover Planning Office
CONTACT PERSON: Bill Cook, Planner I PHONE #: 302.736.7196
PLAN SUMMARY
This is a Conditional Use Site Plan to permit professional offices at an existing 1,689 S.F.
structure on an 11,340 S.F. +/- parcel. The property is zoned RG-1 (General Residence Zone)
and subject to the H (Historic District Zone), and is located at the north side of East Division
Street between Pennsylvania Avenue and Maple Lane. The site includes a house and a garage.
Public alleys run parallel to the north and east property lines. The owner of record is Leg Hall,
LLC. Property Address: 109 East Division Street. Tax Parcel: ED-05-077.05-02-55.00-000.
Site History
Application Z-13-03 to rezone from RG-1 (General Residence Zone)/H (Historic District Zone)
to RGO (Residence and General Office Zone)/H (Historic District Zone) was presented and
public hearing held before the Planning Commission on September 16, 2013. Subsequent to
questions and the public hearing, the Planning Commission accepted the applicant’s request to
withdraw the application.
A Building Permit for roof replacement was issued in August 2013. Building Permits were
issued for the garage in December 1992, and for an addition to the house in February 1991.
CONDITIONAL USE
On May 27, 2014 City Council approved Ordinance #2014-05 MI-14-02: Text Amendment
Revisions to Conditional Uses in RG-1/RG-2. The adopted text allows professional offices as a
conditional use, subject to regulations, in the General Residence Zones (RG-1 and RG-2). The
regulations for professional uses as a conditional use are as follows (Zoning Ordinance, Article
3, §2.4d):
Article 3. District Regulations
Section 2. General Residence Zones (RG-1 and RG-2)
2.4 [Conditional Uses.] Conditional uses permitted upon the approval of the planning commission in
accordance with the procedures and general conditions set forth in article 10, section 1 of this ordinance
(d) Professional offices may be permitted on Governors Avenue between Water Street and Mary Street,
and on Route 8, subject to the following restrictions:
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C-14-04 Professional Offices at 109 East Division Street
Final DAC Report of June 4, 2014
Page 3 of 8
i. The office operations shall be conducted in such a manner as to maintain the residential character of
the surrounding neighborhood, and no changes or improvements shall be made to the premises
which might preclude utilization of the premises for residential purposes in the future.
ii. There shall be no other professional office located in the same zoning district within 250 feet of the
premises.
iii. No display of products or goods shall be visible from the street.
iv. There shall be no exterior effects such as noise, traffic, odor, dust, smoke, gas, fumes, radiation, or
electromagnetic interference.
v. A minimum of two (2) off-street parking spaces shall be required.
vi. No more than four (4) off-street parking spaces shall be permitted. Furthermore, all off-street spaces
shall be visually screened from adjacent residential uses, to the greatest extent possible, by
employing a landscape screen no less than six and one half (6½) feet high, which landscape screen
shall be properly maintained throughout the duration of the professional office use on the subject
premises.
vii. Signage shall be limited to one (1) sign, not to exceed six (6) square feet in area. No sign may be
illuminated.
viii. The hours of operation shall not commence prior to 6:00 a.m. and shall cease no later than 8:00 p.m.,
with no more than four (4) employees engaged in the operations upon the premises at any given
time.
ix. The Planning Commission shall have the authority to impose such additional conditions and
restrictions as may be necessary or appropriate to protect the general health, safety, and welfare of
the residents of surrounding properties.
With Conditional Use Applications, the Planning Commission reviews the proposed project to
determine whether or not the intended use is appropriate in type and scale for the immediate
neighborhood. The Commission must also consider whether or not the proposed use will have
an adverse impact on the future orderly development of the surrounding area. The following are
sections of the Zoning Ordinance which relate to the role of the Commission in reviewing
Conditional Use applications:
Article 10. Planning Commission
Section 1. Approval of conditional uses.
On application and after public notice and hearing, the commission may authorize the issuance
by the city planner of permits for any of the conditional uses for which this ordinance requires, in the
district in which such use is proposed to be located. In approving any such use, the planning
commission shall take into consideration the public health, safety and welfare, the comfort and
convenience of the public in general and of the residents of the immediate neighborhood in particular,
and may prescribe appropriate conditions and safeguards as may be required in order that the results of
its action may, to the maximum extent possible, further the expressed intent of this ordinance and the
accomplishment of the following objectives in particular:
1.1 Accessibility for emergency response. That all proposed structures, equipment or material
shall be readily accessible for fire, ambulance, police, and other emergency response;
1.2 Harmony of location, size and character. That the proposed use shall be of such location,
size and character that, in general, it will be in harmony with the appropriate and orderly
development of the zone in which it is proposed to be situated and will not be detrimental to the
orderly development of adjacent properties in accordance with the zoning classification of such
properties;
1.3 Residential zones. That, in addition to the above, in the case of any use located in, or
adjacent to, a residential zone:
1.31 The location and size of such use, the nature and intensity of operations involved
in or conducted in connection therewith, its site layout and its relation to access streets
shall be such that both pedestrian and vehicular traffic to and from the use and the
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C-14-04 Professional Offices at 109 East Division Street
Final DAC Report of June 4, 2014
Page 4 of 8
assembly of persons in connection therewith will not be hazardous or inconvenient to, or
incongruous with, the said residential district or conflict with the normal traffic of the
neighborhood; and
1.32 The location and height of buildings, the location, nature and height of walls and
fences, the nature and extent of landscaping, and other improvements on the site shall
be such that the use will not hinder or discourage the appropriate development and use
of adjacent land and buildings.
The Planning Commission may set conditions of approval for the Conditional Use during the
review process. They also have the ability to require periodic renewal of a Conditional Use
Permit and also can consider revocation of a Conditional Use Permit.
PROJECT SUMMARY
The applicant proposes using the existing residential structure as Professional Offices for a
government consulting practice.
BUILDING ARCHITECTURE
The existing residential structure is located with the Historic District. The building is believed to
have been constructed in 1857. The structure has recently painted white clapboard siding with
dark blue shutters and a dark asphalt shingle roof. There is a small front porch over the front
entrance, and a long porch is on the rear addition of the building parallel to the side alley.
SITE CONSIDERATIONS AND LANDSCAPING
A hedge row approximately five (5) feet tall runs along the east property line and screens the
property from the right side alley. The compact front yard is landscaped and open to the sidewalk
along East Division Street. The back yard is primarily grass, and there is a large tree near the left
side property line between the garage and the primary structure. To the west of the property is
another residence at 103 East Division Street.
Per Zoning Ordinance, Article 5, §16.6, a tree planting and preservation plan is required. A total
of four (4) trees are required on the site based on the minimum tree density requirement of one
(1) tree per 3,000 S.F. of lot area. A partial landscape plan has been provided and staff has
verified satisfaction of the tree requirement using photos provided by the applicant. The final
landscape plan submitted with the Conditional Site Plan will show existing trees and planned tree
plantings (if any).
Entrances
The front door of the property faces East Division Street and is located approximately 12 feet
back from the public sidewalk. Vehicle access onto the property is via a public alley to the rear
of the property. The entrance to the rear alley is located on Pennsylvania Avenue mid-block
between East Division Street and Delaware Avenue. There is a gate from the side alley leading
to the side yard and the side/rear entrance.
Sidewalks
A front sidewalk on the property leads from the front door to the public sidewalk on East
Division Street.
Trash
Trash collection will provided by the City using issued containers. If additional trash service is
Page 46
C-14-04 Professional Offices at 109 East Division Street
Final DAC Report of June 4, 2014
Page 5 of 8
required, it must be provided by a private contractor per comments from the Department of
Public Works.
Signage
No signage is shown in the proposed plan. Any signage must be approved through a separate
sign approval and permitting process.
PARKING SUMMARY
The parking requirement for professional offices as a conditional use in a General Residence
Zone is a minimum of two (2) off-street parking spaces, with a maximum of four (4) off-street
parking spaces. The provided site plan shows two (2) parking spaces in the garage, and three (3)
parking spaces adjacent to the garage. While the existing garage could fit two (1) vehicles, staff
recommends that the garage be counted as satisfying one (1) of the required parking spaces. The
existing outside parking spaces are currently surfaced with stone or gravel.
On-street parking is available in front of the site along East Division Street, and along adjacent
streets. The applicant is reminded that parking on grass surfaces is prohibited.
Waiver Request: Upright Curbing Requirement
Per Zoning Ordinance, Article 6, §3.6(b) upright curbing is required for the off-street parking
spaces. The applicant may request a waiver from the upright curbing requirement by submitting
a letter to the Planning Commission in care of the Planning Office, citing the code requirement
and a providing description of the planned parking arrangement.
Bicycle Parking
The site is required to provide bicycle parking. The bicycle parking calculation is one (1) for
every twenty parking spaces. For this site one (1) bicycle parking space is required.
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) A final Site Plan must be updated with changes recommended in this report, and any
approvals including any waivers granted by the Planning Commission.
2) Submission of a landscape plan with required tree plantings is required. Label existing trees
and show location of proposed/required trees. Include species data using a label or note. Per
Zoning Ordinance, Article 5, §16.8 the landscape plan must be prepared by a design
professional, with the name and contact information provided on the plan.
3) Add dimensions and material description of the proposed parking pad adjacent to the garage.
Per Zoning Ordinance, Article 6, §3.6(a) the area should be paved with asphalt, concrete, or
other hard dust-free surface.
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C-14-04 Professional Offices at 109 East Division Street
Final DAC Report of June 4, 2014
Page 6 of 8
4) Required parking must be screened from adjacent residential uses. Include screening detail
for with the landscape plan. Show existing landscaping to provide screening, and any
proposed additional landscape plantings for screening.
5) Per the Zoning Ordinance one (1) bicycle parking space is required. Label on the plan, or
provide a narrative description of where one or more bicycles could be securely parked on
the site without impeding any paths or railings, or using any trees as points upon which to
lock a bicycle.
6) A sidewalk or path to provide for pedestrian access is required from the off-street parking
area to the building entrance.
7) Plan Sheet Revisions:
a) The provided copy does not appear to be to scale. Ensure that scale is maintained if the
document is reproduced.
b) Show sidewalks and/or any other impervious surface.
c) Label dimensions of proposed parking area.
d) Show entrances to the main structure and garage, and the path between the main structure
and the parking area.
e) Provide a Site Data Column or reference to equivalent column or table if it is located off
the plan sheet. The following Site Data will need to be provided on a Final Plan:
i) Floor Area Ratio for site.
ii) Lot Coverage Ratio for site.
iii) It is unclear if the 1,689 S.F. shown for the main structure is the building footprint, or
the gross floor area.
iv) Any changes recommended or approvals including information on any waivers
granted by the Planning Commission.
8) If a Record Plan is required by another agency, then submission is also required to the
Planning Office for review and approval.
RECOMMENDATIONS SUGGESTED AS CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL TO MEET CODE
OBJECTIVES:
1) Staff recommends that the existing garage be counted as one (1) parking space.
2) Staff recommends that the hedgerow along the east side property line between the property
and the alley be retained and maintained at its present height (or greater) for the duration of
the conditional use. If any hedges are damaged or die, they should be replaced with like or
similar plant material. The parking area is screened on the west side primarily by the garage
building.
3) Staff recommends screening in front of the proposed off-street outside parking spaces. Staff
recommends a mix of plant materials for the required parking screen, to include deciduous as
well as evergreen plants, shrubs, or trees. Screening should also ensure that parked vehicles
in the rear of the property are not easily visible from the front property line along East
Division Street.
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C-14-04 Professional Offices at 109 East Division Street
Final DAC Report of June 4, 2014
Page 7 of 8
4) Staff recommends review of the Conditional Use Permit after a period of one (1) year. The
Planning Commission can then determine if the conditions prescribed have been met and if
further periodic review is warranted.
ADVISORY COMMENTS TO THE APPLICANT:
1) The Planning Commission will act upon waiver requests 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.
2) Other agencies and departments which participate in the Development Advisory
Committee may provide additional comments related to their areas of expertise and code
requirements.
3) 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. 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 Conditional Use Site Plan occur in
the finalization of the Site Plan contact the Planning Office. Examples include expansion
of the building, relocation of site components, and increases in floor area 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.
5) 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.
6) 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.
7) 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.
8) The applicant shall be aware that Conditional Use 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
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C-14-04 Professional Offices at 109 East Division Street
Final DAC Report of June 4, 2014
Page 8 of 8
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.
9) The applicant shall be aware that Conditional Use 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.
10) Exterior renovations to the building are subject to Architectural Review Certification as
the property is located within the Historic District. This may include review by the
Historic District Commission.
11) The change of the building use from residential to professional offices will require an
Administrative Building Permit to track the implementation of the Conditional Use Site
Plan.
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 50
City of Dover
DATA SHEET FOR SITE DEVELOPMENT PLAN REVIEW
DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING OF June 4, 2014
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING OF June 16, 2014
Plan Title: Jolly Joe’s Addition at 1160 White Oak Road
S-14-12
Plan Type: Site Development Plan
Owners of Record: Kewal Singh and Harbhinder Kaur
Location: Southwest corner of White Oak Road and Spruance Road
Address: 1160 White Oak Road
Tax Parcel: ED-05-068.14-03-54.00-000
Site Area: 22,513 S.F.
Zoning: C-1 (Neighborhood Commercial Zone)
Existing Use: Commercial Building (liquor store)
Proposed Use: Expand Commercial Building to add two tenant spaces
Building Areas: Existing Building: 1,927 S.F.
Proposed Building Addition: 2,400 S.F.
Total Building: 4,327 S.F.
Impervious Areas: Proposed – 73.9%
Off Street Parking: Required – 29 parking spaces
Proposed – 30 parking spaces
Sanitary Facilities: City of Dover
Water Supply: City of Dover
Waivers Requested: Elimination of Upright Curbing Requirement
Elimination of Opaque Barrier (Fence) Requirement
P. O. Box 475 Dover, DE 19903
Community Excellence Through Quality Service
Page 51
City of
Dover
CITY OF DOVER Planning
Office
DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
APPLICATION REVIEW COMMENTARY
D.A.C. MEETING DATE: June 4, 2014
APPLICATION: Jolly Joe’s Addition at 1160 White Oak Road, Dover, DE
FILE #: S-14-12 REVIEWING AGENCY: City of Dover Planning Office
CONTACT PERSON: Dawn Melson-Williams, AICP PHONE #: (302) 736-7196
PLAN SUMMARY
This is a Site Plan to permit construction of a 2,400 S.F. +/- building addition to an existing
1,927 S.F. +/- commercial building and associated site improvements on a 22,513 S.F. +/- parcel.
The property is zoned C-1 (Neighborhood Commercial Zone), located on the southeast side of
White Oak Road between Mitscher Road and Spruance Road. The owner of record is Kewal
Singh and Harbhinder Kaur. Property Address: 1160 White Oak Road. Tax Parcel: ED-05-
068.14-03-54.00-000. Council District 2.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
This project will construct a one story building addition consisting of two tenant spaces. The
project improves the existing parking lot and expands the parking lot on the eastern side of the
building. There are no proposed changes to the access from the adjacent public streets; the site
will continue to have one entrance/exit onto White Oak Road with no vehicular access to
Spruance Road.
BUILDING ARCHITECTURE
The architecture of the building addition is presented in a color rendering and annotated building
elevation drawings. The one story building has a pitched roof consisting of a pent roof extending
to protect the entry doors of the tenant spaces on the entire front façade (north elevation) and a
larger roof sloping to the rear of the building. Each tenant space includes several windows and a
single entry door on the front elevation. The building appears to be clad in horizontal siding with
trimwork details and vertical siding in the area of the roof gable on the east elevation.
All the signage depicted on the elevation drawings is subject to a separate review and approval
process.
SITE CONSIDERATIONS
PARKING SUMMARY
The parking requirement in the C-1 zoning district is two (2) parking spaces per 300 S.F. of floor
area or one space per employee. The number of employees was not identified. Based on the floor
area of 4,327 S.F. for the total building, a minimum of 29 parking spaces are required (maximum
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S-14-12 Jolly Joe’s Building Addition at 1160 White Oak Road
DAC Report of June 4, 2014
Page 3 of 7
of 36 parking spaces). The existing site includes a paved parking area (unstriped) in front of the
existing building connecting to the adjoining parcel to the west.
Loading Spaces
The requirement for loading spaces for retail and service establishments is based on building
square footage. The rate is one loading space for establishments of 8,000 to 25,000 square feet in
floor area with an additional loading space per 25,000 square feet of floor area or fraction
thereof. The overall building is not large enough to require a designated loading space.
Bicycle Parking
The site is required to provide bicycle parking. The bicycle parking calculation is one for every
twenty parking spaces. Based on the number of required parking spaces at 29, then two (2)
bicycle parking spaces are required. The plan does not show bicycle parking.
Dumpster
For retail uses, one Dumpster is required for the first 8,000 S.F. of building area and one for each
additional 16,000 S.F. of building area or fraction thereof. For this project with a total building
area of 4,327 S.F., the requirement is for one (1) Dumpster. However, as a commercial building
provisions must also be made for recycling. The plan locates a new Dumpster (front loading) to
the west side of the existing building; the existing Dumpster will be removed. The enclosure
shows gates as the Dumpster is visible from the public right-of-way. It is also noted that
depending on the type of uses in the tenant spaces additional Dumpsters could be required.
Lighting
The location of the proposed lighting is not shown on the plan; there are several street lights on
the adjacent streets. The proposed lighting must be adequate to safely light all parking and
pedestrian areas yet must be shielded and directed as to not create a nuisance on the adjacent
residential properties or traffic on adjacent roads.
Sidewalk
There is existing sidewalk along the street frontages of White Oak Road and Spruance Road in
accordance with Zoning Ordinance, Article 5 §18. Some sidewalk improvements appear to be
providing ADA accessible curb ramps and to complete a small missing sidewalk segment along
White Oak Road. In addition sidewalks connecting from the street frontage sidewalks into the
site are required, but are not currently shown.
Waiver Requested: Partial Elimination of Curbing
The Zoning Ordinance, Article 6 §3.6(b) requires upright curbing for all parking areas and access
drives. The existing parking areas on the site are not curbed. A written waiver request for the
elimination of curbing in these areas was submitted to the Planning Office for consideration by the
Planning Commission. See attached waiver request.
Signage
The project documents show roof mounted signage for the proposed building addition. Any
signage for this property must be evaluated for compliance with the Zoning Ordinance, Article 5
§4 Supplementary Sign Regulations.
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S-14-12 Jolly Joe’s Building Addition at 1160 White Oak Road
DAC Report of June 4, 2014
Page 4 of 7
TREE PLANTING AND LANDSCAPE PLAN
A Landscape Plan in accordance with Zoning Ordinance, Article 5 §16 must be prepared; the
submitted plan includes some elements of the required Landscape Plan. The tree planting
requirement is based on the total lot area and one (1) tree is required for every 3,000 SF of land
area. This project site consists of a total lot area of 22,513 S.F. therefore eight (8) trees are
required.
Waiver Requested: Opaque Barrier – Fence Requirement
There are requirements for visual and sound buffering for non-residential properties that abut
residential properties (Zoning Ordinance, Article 5 §7.2). The ordinance requires the installation
of both an opaque barrier (solid fence, wall, berm, etc.) and a vegetative buffer (evergreen trees
and shrub plantings) on the residential side of the opaque barrier. Due to the non-residential use
of the property, project must conform to these requirements as the subject property is bounded by
residential property to the south. The plan shows the planting of a line of evergreen trees to the
rear of building between the building and the southern property line to satisfy the landscape
component of the opaque barrier in that area. Full compliance with the opaque barrier
requirements is not met as the applicant does not propose to construct the opaque barrier (solid
fence, wall, berm, etc.). A waiver request for the opaque barrier requirement was submitted for
consideration of eliminating the fence component citing that the adjacent residential property has
an existing fence approximately along the shared property line.
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 Site Plan must be updated with changes recommended or approvals including any
waivers granted by the Planning Commission.
2) The Site Data Column will need to be updated prior to Final Approval with the following:
i) Provide Floor Area Ratio for project site.
ii) Provide building height and number of stories.
iii) Note maximum size per tenant space of 2,000 S.F. as per the currently adopted C-1
regulations.
iv) Clarify if the “exg. paved area” refers to the total of existing impervious area
(building and paving). List total impervious area.
v) Check spelling in listings and notes.
vi) Any changes recommended or approvals including information on the action taken on
any waivers granted by the Planning Commission.
vii) Identify the plan preparer. The appropriate licensed design professional is required for
certification of the plan. Approvals from other agencies may require that the plan be
prepared by a licensed engineer.
3) Provide an Existing Conditions/Demolition Plan and information on site grading for project.
Information on the erosion and sediment control measures for project construction should be
indicated.
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S-14-12 Jolly Joe’s Building Addition at 1160 White Oak Road
DAC Report of June 4, 2014
Page 5 of 7
4) Provide bicycle parking location and detail of bicycle parking rack.
5) Show location of site lighting and adjacent street lighting.
6) Add sidewalk connections from the street frontage sidewalks to lead into the site.
7) The Landscape Plan must be prepared and certified by an appropriate design professional in
accordance with Zoning Ordinance, Article 5 §16.
a) Provide information on the tree species selected.
b) Ensure trees satisfy the planting separation distances from utility lines.
c) Add tree planting diagram.
8) Clarify east end of sidewalk at transition to parking lot at east side of building. Clarify
surface along east side of building.
9) Staff notes that the existing building (Liquor store) encroaches into the rear yard setback as
adjacent to a residential zone. This will be considered legal non-conforming. The new
addition to the building complies with the required setback.
10) Add construction details for site elements such as bicycle rack, sidewalks, Dumpster
enclosure, handicapped parking signage, traffic control signage, etc. Show location of
signage and required fire lanes on plan drawing.
11) Barrier free access ramps shall be installed at the access from the accessible parking spaces
and at all points where sidewalks intersect with roadways and parking areas. Clarify if the
sidewalk and ramp system along the front of the building is raised from the parking lot
pavement surface.
12) Upright curbing shall be provided in accordance with the Zoning Ordinance unless a waiver
is granted by the Planning Commission. A written waiver request was submitted for the
elimination of the curbing for consideration by the Planning Commission.
13) The fence component of the opaque barrier shall be provided in accordance with the Zoning
Ordinance unless a waiver is granted by the Planning Commission. A written waiver request
for elimination of the fence component of the opaque barrier was submitted for consideration
by the Planning Commission.
14) In addition, for corner lots such as this, fences, landscaping, signage etc. are limited to a
maximum height of three (3) feet within the corner visibility area (triangle) as per Zoning
Ordinance, Article 5 §1.3. Show location of the corner visibility area on the plan drawing.
15) The proposed sign locations shown in this plan submission are for informational purposes
and approval of this plan does not grant approval to the signage shown on the Site Plan or in
building elevation drawings. Additional review is required to evaluate compliance with the
Sign Regulations.
a) The proposed signs (for the two new tenant spaces) appear to meet the definition of roof
signs (signs attached to the roof) which are not permitted.
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S-14-12 Jolly Joe’s Building Addition at 1160 White Oak Road
DAC Report of June 4, 2014
Page 6 of 7
b) Removal or compliance is required for any existing non-conforming signs since a
building expansion of more than 20% of the floor area of the building is proposed.
RECOMMENDATIONS SUGGESTED AS CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL TO MEET CODE
OBJECTIVES:
1) Waiver Requests: The following is the Staff recommendation regarding the waiver
requests.
a. Elimination of Upright Curbing: Staff recommends approval of the request to
eliminate the curbing for the parking lot noting the existing conditions for a large
portion of the lot. However, the site grading at the southeastern portion of the site
may require implementation curbing.
i. Parking bumpers shall be implemented at the head of each parking space.
ii. Staff recommends add curbing to the parking lot island at the end of the
row of parking along the front of the building.
b. Elimination of Opaque Barrier (Fence) Component: Staff recommends approval
of the elimination of the fence component of the opaque barrier. The landscape
screening element of the opaque barrier in the areas of the site adjacent to
residentially zoned properties will be as evergreen tree plantings.
2) Staff recommends that any outside HVAC Equipment be designed to minimize the
impact on adjacent property owners, adequately screened from public view and the
overall visible impact. Consideration must also be given to its placement as most areas
immediately adjacent to the building are parking areas or drive aisles/fire lanes
ADVISORY COMMENTS TO THE APPLICANT:
1) 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.
2) Other agencies and departments which participate in the Development Advisory
Committee may provide additional comments related to their areas of expertise and code
requirements.
3) It is noted that a series of Text Amendments to the Zoning Ordinance are currently under
review that will change the requirements of the C-1 (Neighborhood Commercial Zone)
and other commercial zones including revisions to the permitted uses and bulk standards.
See proposed Ordinance #2014-08 (Application MI-14-10). If adopted the use as liquor
store will be prohibited in C-1; however, this existing liquor store will be considered
legal non-conforming.
4) 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
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S-14-12 Jolly Joe’s Building Addition at 1160 White Oak Road
DAC Report of June 4, 2014
Page 7 of 7
endorsement.
5) 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 building, relocation of site components, and increases in floor area 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.
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 57
PETITION TO AMEND ZONING ORDINANCE TEXT
Report to the
Dover Planning Commission
June 16, 2014
Proposed Change: Amendments to the Zoning Ordinance, Article 3 Sections 10-16
and 26 pertaining to District Regulations, Article 4 Sections 4.14
and 4.15 pertaining to Bulk and Parking Regulations, Article 10
Section 2 pertaining to Site Development Plan approval, and
Article 12 Definitions. The proposed ordinance revisions are the
result of numerous consultations with the business and real estate
community to simplify zones, generalize certain use categories,
and provide more flexibility in site design.
Summary of Amendment: The City Planner has been meeting with a group of representatives
of the business and real estate community convened by the Central
Delaware Chamber of Commerce since late 2012 to review the
commercial, office and industrial zones in the City in an effort to
simplify the zones, create more generalized use categories, provide
more flexibility in site design by adjusting bulk standards, and make
the zones more business friendly. The proposed ordinance reflects
the proposed changes to Zoning Ordinance as a result of this effort.
The changes include revisions to Article 3- District Regulations,
Article 4- Zoning Bulk and Parking Regulations, Article 10-
Planning Commission, and Article 12- Definitions. The proposed
changes to Article 10 would increase the thresholds for projects that
require Planning Commission review. For building additions,
Planning Commission review would be required for additions of
more than 15% of the floor area.
Comments: At the May 12, 2014 meeting of the Parks, Recreation and
Community Enhancement Committee, the Committee recommended
in favor of the proposed ordinance, with the direction that some
confusing language in the proposed amendment to Article 10 be
amended prior to final reading. Staff is working on proposed
amendments and will have them ready for distribution at the
Planning Commission meeting.
Ordinance Number: 2014-08
File Number: MI-14-10
Page 58
CITY OF DOVER D
E
DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
L
APPLICATION REVIEW COMMENTARY D
O
D.A.C. MEETING DATE: May 28, 2014 T
===============================================================
APPLICATION: Text Amendment: Revision to Commercial and Offices Zones
FILE#: MI-14-10 REVIEWING AGENCY: DelDOT
CONTACT PERSON: Julio F. Seneus PHONE#: 760-2145
===============================================================
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:
1. The Department has no comments.
RECOMMENDATIONS SUGGESTED AS CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL TO MEET CODE
OBJECTIVES:
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 59
FIRST READING
CITY OF DOVER
PROPOSED ORDINANCE #2014-08
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOVER, IN
COUNCIL MET:
That Appendix B – Zoning, Article 3 – District Regulations, Section 10 – Institutional and Office
Zone (IO) be amended by deleting it in its entirety and inserting in lieu thereof the following:
1 Section 10. Institutional and office zone (IO).
2 10.1 Uses permitted. In an institutional and office zone (IO), no building or premises shall
3 be used, and no building or part of a building shall be erected, which is arranged,
4 intended, or designed to be used, in whole or in part, for any purpose, except the
5 following:
6 (a) Business, professional, or governmental offices.
7 (b) Banks.
8 (c) Research, design, and development laboratories.
9 (d) Public and institutional uses including hospitals, medical clinics, libraries, police
10 stations, courthouses, transit centers, schools, colleges, universities, places of public
11 assembly, philanthropic and charitable institutions, parks, playgrounds, public indoor
12 recreation centers, athletic fields.
13 (e) Public utility rights-of-way and structures necessary to serve areas within the city.
14 (f) Day care centers, provided they are established in accordance with all applicable
15 state regulations pertaining to child care and provided that they are established and
16 maintained in accordance with article 5, section 14 of this ordinance.
17 (g) Emergency shelters and transitional housing.
18 10.2 Conditional uses. The following uses are permitted, conditional upon the approval of
19 the planning commission in accordance with the procedures and subject to the general
20 conditions set forth in article 10, section 1:
21 (a) Firearm ranges, prisons, and correctional facilities.
22 (b) Public incinerators.
23 (c) Hotels and restaurants.
24 10.3 Accessory uses. The following uses shall be permitted accessory to other permitted uses
25 on a lot.
26 (a) Clinics, cafeterias, and recreational facilities.
27 (b) Motor vehicle storage and repair facilities accessory to a public or institutional use.
28 (c) Restaurants that are on a campus and intended to support users of the campus.
29 10.4 Uses prohibited. The following uses are prohibited:
30 (a) Landfills, dumps.
Page 60
PROPOSED ORDINANCE #2014-08 - AMENDING APPENDIX B-ZONING PAGE 2
31 10.5 Enclosed buildings. All permitted uses and all storage accessory thereto, other than off-
32 street parking, shall be carried on in buildings fully enclosed on all sides, except for
33 outdoor eating areas associated with restaurants and outdoor sales areas approved by the
34 city planner.
35 10.6 Performance standards. All uses are subject to performance standards as set forth in
36 article 5, section 8.1.
37 10.7 Site development plan approval. Site development plan approval in accordance with
38 article 10, section 2 hereof shall be required prior to the issuance of building permits for
39 the erection or enlargement of all structures and prior to the issuance of certificates of
40 occupancy for any change of use.
41 BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED:
42 That Appendix B – Zoning, Article 3 – District Regulations, Section 11 – Neighborhood
43 Commercial Zone (C-1) be amended by deleting it in its entirety and inserting in lieu thereof the
44 following:
45 Section 11. Neighborhood commercial zone (C-1).
46 11.1 Uses permitted. In a neighborhood commercial zone (C-1), no building or premises shall
47 be used, and no building or part of a building shall be erected, which is arranged,
48 intended, or designed to be used, in whole or in part, for any purpose, except the
49 following:
50 (a) Retail stores.
51 (b) Personal service establishments.
52 (c) Service establishments.
53 (d) Restaurants.
54 (e) One family residences, including attached and semi-detached dwellings, complying
55 with the bulk standards of the RG-1 (General Residence) zone.
56 (f) Apartments and multi-family dwellings.
57 11.2 Uses prohibited. The following uses are prohibited:
58 (a) Fuel pumps; motor vehicle storage, sales, or repairs.
59 (b) Drive-throughs.
60 (c) Liquor stores.
61 (d) Fire arm sales
62 (e) Tobacco shops.
63 11.3 Enclosed buildings. All permitted uses and all storage accessory thereto, other than off-
64 street parking, shall be carried on in buildings fully enclosed on all sides, except for
65 outdoor eating areas associated with restaurants and outdoor sales areas approved by the
66 city planner.
67 11.4 Floor area. The total floor area in any one establishment shall not exceed 2,500 square
68 feet.
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69 11.5 Performance standards. All uses are subject to performance standards as set forth in
70 article 5, section 8.1.
71 11.6 Site development plan approval. Site development plan approval in accordance with
72 article 10, section 2 hereof shall be required prior to the issuance of building permits for
73 the erection or enlargement of all structures and prior to the issuance of certificates of
74 occupancy for any change of use.
75 BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED:
76 That Appendix B – Zoning, Article 3 – District Regulations, Section 12 – Limited Commercial Zone
77 (C-1A) be amended by deleting it in its entirety and inserting in lieu thereof the following:
78 Section 12. Limited commercial zone (C-1A)
79 12.1 Uses permitted. In a limited commercial zone (C-1A), no building or premises shall be
80 used, and no building or part of a building shall be erected, which is arranged, intended,
81 or designed to be used, in whole or in part, for any purpose, except the following:
82 (a) Retail stores.
83 (b) Personal service establishments.
84 (c) Service establishments.
85 (d) Restaurants.
86 (e) Business, professional, and governmental offices.
87 (f) One family residences, including attached and semi-detached dwellings, complying
88 with the bulk standards of the RG-1 (General Residence) zone.
89 (g) Apartments and multi-family dwellings.
90 12.2 Conditional uses. The following uses are permitted, conditional upon the approval of the
91 planning commission in accordance with the procedures and subject to the general
92 conditions set forth in article 10, section 1:
93 (a) Drive-throughs accessory to a permitted use.
94 12.3 Uses prohibited. The following uses are prohibited:
95 (a) Motor vehicle storage, sales, or repairs.
96 12.4 Enclosed buildings. All permitted uses and all storage accessory thereto, other than off-
97 street parking, shall be carried on in buildings fully enclosed on all sides, except for
98 outdoor eating areas associated with restaurants and outdoor sales areas approved by the
99 city planner.
100 12.5 Performance standards. All uses are subject to performance standards as set forth in
101 article 5, section 8.1.
102 12.6 Site development plan approval. Site development plan approval in accordance with
103 article 10, section 2 hereof shall be required prior to the issuance of building permits for
104 the erection or enlargement of all structures and prior to the issuance of certificates of
105 occupancy for any change of use.
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106 BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED:
107 That Appendix B – Zoning, Article 3 – District Regulations, Section 13 – Central Commercial Zone
108 (C-2) be amended by deleting it in its entirety and inserting in lieu thereof the following:
109 Section 13. Central commercial zone (C-2).
110 13.1 Uses permitted. In a central commercial zone (C-2), no building or premises shall be
111 used, and no building or part of a building shall be erected, which is arranged, intended,
112 or designed to be used, in whole or in part, for any purpose, except the following:
113 (a) Retail stores.
114 (b) Restaurants.
115 (c) Hotels, including bed and breakfast inns.
116 (d) Art galleries and studios.
117 (e) Service establishments.
118 (f) Personal service establishments.
119 (g) Business, professional, and government offices.
120 (h) Apartments and multi-family dwellings, provided that no dwelling units shall be
121 permitted in the first floor on the street frontage of Loockerman Street.
122 13.2 Conditional uses. The following uses are permitted, conditional upon the approval of the
123 planning commission in accordance with the procedures and subject to the general
124 conditions set forth in article 10, section 1:
125 (a) Parking lots and parking structures as a principal use.
126 (b) Places of public assembly.
127 (c) Manufacturing, assembling, converting, altering, finishing, cleaning, or any other
128 processing of products where goods so produced or processed are to be sold at
129 retail exclusively on the premises, provided that:
130 (1) An area fully concealed from any street and equal to not more than 20
131 percent of the area devoted to retail sales shall be so used;
132 (2) Electrical power not to exceed a total of five rated horsepower, and steam
133 pressure not in excess of 60 pounds of pressure per square inch shall be used
134 exclusively;
135 (3) Not more than four (4) employees are engaged in such production or
136 processing.
137 13.3 Enclosed buildings. All permitted uses and all storage accessory thereto, other than off-
138 street parking, shall be carried on in buildings fully enclosed on all sides, except for
139 outdoor eating areas associated with restaurants and outdoor sales areas approved by the
140 city planner.
141 13.4 Performance standards. All uses are subject to performance standards as set forth in
142 article 5, section 8.1.
143 13.5 Site development plan approval. Site development plan approval in accordance with
144 article 10, section 2 hereof shall be required prior to the issuance of building permits for
145 the erection or enlargement of all structures and prior to the issuance of certificates of
146 occupancy for any change of use.
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147 BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED:
148 That Appendix B – Zoning, Article 3 – District Regulations, Section 14 – Limited Central
149 Commercial Zone (C-2A) be amended by deleting it in its entirety and inserting in lieu thereof the
150 following:
151 Section 14. Limited central commercial zone (C-2A).
152 14.1 Uses permitted. In a limited central commercial zone (C-2A), no building or premises
153 shall be used, and no building or part of a building shall be erected, which is arranged,
154 intended, or designed to be used, in whole or in part, for any purpose, except the
155 following:
156 (a) Retail stores.
157 (b) Business, professional or governmental offices.
158 (c) Personal service establishments.
159 (d) Restaurants.
160 (e) Service establishments.
161 (f) Hotels.
162 (g) Places of public assembly.
163 (h) Drive-throughs.
164 (i) One (1) family residences, including attached and semi-detached dwellings,
165 complying with the bulk standards of the RG-1 (General Residence) zone.
166 (j) Apartments and multi-family dwellings.
167 14.2 Conditional uses. The following uses are permitted, conditional upon the approval of the
168 planning commission in accordance with the procedures and subject to the general
169 conditions set forth in article 10, section 1:
170 (a) Parking lots and parking structures as a principal use on suitably landscaped lots.
171 (b) Fuel pumps accessory to a permitted use.
172 14.3 Enclosed buildings. All permitted uses and all storage accessory thereto, other than off-
173 street parking, shall be carried on in buildings fully enclosed on all sides, except for
174 outdoor eating areas associated with restaurants and outdoor sales areas approved by the
175 city planner.
176 14.4 Performance standards. All uses are subject to performance standards as set forth in
177 article 5, section 8.1.
178 14.5 Site development plan approval. Site development plan approval in accordance with
179 article 10, section 2 hereof shall be required prior to the issuance of building permits for
180 the erection or enlargement of all structures and prior to the issuance of certificates of
181 occupancy for any change of use.
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182 BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED:
183 That Appendix B – Zoning, Article 3 – District Regulations, Section 15 – Service Commercial Zone
184 (C-3) be amended by deleting it in its entirety and inserting in lieu thereof the following:
185 Section 15. Service commercial zone (C-3).
186 15.1 Uses permitted. In a service commercial zone (C-3), no building or premises shall be
187 used, and no building or part of a building shall be erected, which is arranged, intended,
188 or designed to be used, in whole or in part, for any purpose, except the following:
189 (a) Service establishments.
190 (b) Personal service establishments.
191 (c) Business, professional or governmental offices.
192 (d) Retail uses accessory to a permitted use.
193 (e) Drive-throughs accessory to a permitted use.
194 (f) Wholesale, storage, and warehousing establishments.
195 (g) Indoor recreation and amusement establishments.
196 (h) Motor vehicle, boat, or farm equipment sales or service, subject to the following
197 regulations:
198 (1) The minimum lot size for such establishments shall be 20,000 square feet,
199 and the minimum street frontage shall be 150 feet.
200 (2) Entrance and exit driveways shall have an unrestricted width of not less than
201 16 feet, shall be located not nearer than ten feet from any property line and
202 shall be so laid out as to avoid the necessity of any vehicle leaving the
203 property to back out across any public right-of-way or portion thereof.
204 (3) Vehicle lifts or pits, dismantled and disabled automobiles and all parts or
205 supplies shall be located within a building enclosed on all sides.
206 (4) All service or repair of motor vehicles, other than such minor servicing as
207 change of tires or sale of gasoline or oil, shall be conducted in a building
208 fully enclosed on all sides. This requirement shall not be construed to mean
209 that the doors to any repair shop must be kept closed at all times.
210 (5) The storage of gasoline or flammable oils in bulk shall be located fully
211 underground in accordance with applicable provisions of the National Fire
212 Protection Association Code.
213 (6) No fuel pumps shall be located nearer than 15 feet to any street line.
214 (7) Fuel pumps shall not be permitted closer than 100 feet from a property line
215 of any school, day care, church, hospital, nursing home, or place of public
216 assembly designed for the simultaneous use and occupancy by more than 100
217 persons.
218 (i) Manufacturing, assembling, converting, altering, finishing, cleaning or any other
219 processing of products for sale on or off the premises, provided that not more than
220 25 persons shall be engaged in such activity; and provided further, that any such
221 use shall be subject to the performance standards procedure as set forth in article 5,
222 section 8.
223 (j) Mini-storage facilities, subject to the following regulations:
224 (1) No unit shall be placed within 30 feet of a residential property line.
225 (2) No outside storage, except for recreational vehicles, boats, or personal
226 automobiles when parked in specifically approved locations. Parking for
227 these vehicles shall not count toward the required parking set forth in
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228 subsection (e) below.
229 (3) No individual unit may be used for retail, garage sale or any other
230 commercial activities.
231 (4) No storage of flammable, explosive, corrosive or other hazardous products
232 may occur in the individual unit.
233 (5) Parking must be provided at a ratio of one (1) space for each 25 rental units,
234 plus a minimum of three (3) spaces for an office outside of the enclosure.
235 15.2 Conditional uses. The following uses are permitted, conditional upon the approval of the
236 planning commission in accordance with the procedures and subject to the general
237 conditions set forth in article 10, section 1:
238 (a) Crematory, subject to the following requirements:
239 (1) The building lot line upon which a crematory is to be established shall be
240 located at least 100 feet from any residential zone.
241 (2) Where adjacent to residential zones, all landscape buffers shall be required.
242 The buffer shall consist of a landscape screen no less than six and one half
243 (6½) feet high. All landscaping shall be properly maintained throughout the
244 life of the use on lot.
245 (3) Loading operations shall be conducted within a completely enclosed
246 building. Location of loading doors shall be at the side or rear of the building.
247 (4) The crematory shall comply with the Delaware Incinerator Regulations. A
248 copy of the approved air pollution permit issued by the State of Delaware
249 Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control shall
250 accompany the application for a certificate of occupancy.
251 15.3 Enclosed buildings. All permitted uses and all storage accessory thereto, other than off-
252 street parking, shall be carried on in buildings fully enclosed on all sides, except for
253 outdoor eating areas associated with restaurants and outdoor sales areas approved by the
254 city planner.
255 15.4 Performance standards. All uses are subject to performance standards as set forth in
256 article 5, section 8.1.
257 15.5 Site development plan approval. Site development plan approval in accordance with
258 article 10, section 2 hereof shall be required prior to the issuance of building permits for
259 the erection or enlargement of all structures and prior to the issuance of certificates of
260 occupancy for any change of use.
261 BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED:
262 That Appendix B – Zoning, Article 3 – District Regulations, Section 16 – Highway Commercial
263 Zone (C-4) be amended by deleting it in its entirety and inserting in lieu thereof the following:
264 Section 16. Highway commercial zone (C-4).
265 16.1 Uses permitted. In a highway commercial zone (C-4), no building or premises shall be
266 used, and no building or part of a building shall be erected, which is arranged, intended,
267 or designed to be used, in whole or in part, for any purpose, except the following:
268 (a) Retail stores.
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269 (b) Business, professional or governmental offices.
270 (c) Restaurants.
271 (d) Personal service establishments.
272 (e) Service establishments.
273 (f) Hotels and motels.
274 (g) Places of public assembly.
275 (h) Bus terminal.
276 (i) Wholesale, storage, warehousing, and distribution establishments.
277 (j) Indoor or outdoor recreation and amusement establishments.
278 (k) Hospitals and medical centers.
279 (l) Drive-throughs.
280 (m) Motor vehicle, boat, or farm equipment sales or service:
281 (1) The minimum lot size for such establishments shall be 20,000 square feet,
282 and the minimum street frontage shall be 150 feet.
283 (2) Entrance and exit driveways shall have an unrestricted width of not less than
284 16 feet, shall be located not nearer than ten feet from any property line and
285 shall be so laid out as to avoid the necessity of any vehicle leaving the
286 property to back out across any public right-of-way or portion thereof.
287 (3) Vehicle lifts or pits, dismantled and disabled automobiles, and all parts or
288 supplies shall be located within a building enclosed on all sides.
289 (4) All service or repair of motor vehicles, other than such minor servicing as
290 change of tires or sale of gasoline or oil, shall be conducted in a building
291 fully enclosed on all sides. This requirement shall not be construed to mean
292 that the doors to any repair shop must be kept closed at all times.
293 (5) The storage of gasoline or flammable oils in bulk shall be located fully
294 underground in accordance with applicable provisions of the National Fire
295 Protection Association Code.
296 (6) No fuel pumps shall be located nearer than 15 feet to any street line.
297 (7) Fuel pumps shall not be permitted closer than 100 feet from a property line
298 of any school, day care, church, hospital, nursing home, or place of public
299 assembly designed for the simultaneous use and occupancy by more than 100
300 persons.
301 (n) Manufacturing, assembling, converting, altering, finishing, cleaning, or any other
302 processing of products for sale on or off the premises, provided that not more than
303 25 persons shall be engaged in such activity; and provided further, that any such
304 use shall be subject to the performance standards procedure as set forth in article 5,
305 section 8.
306 (o) Mini-storage facilities, subject to the following regulations:
307 (1) No unit shall be placed within 30 feet of a residential property line.
308 (2) No outside storage, except for recreational vehicles, boats, or personal
309 automobiles when completely parked in specifically approved locations.
310 Parking for these vehicles shall not count toward the required parking set
311 forth in subsection (e) below.
312 (3) No individual unit may be used for retail, garage sale, or any other
313 commercial activities.
314 (4) No storage of flammable, explosive, corrosive, or other hazardous products
315 may occur in the individual unit.
316 (5) Parking must be provided at a ratio of one (1) space for each 25 rental units,
317 plus a minimum of three (3) spaces for an office
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318 (p) Adult entertainment establishments, subject to the provisions stated in article 5,
319 section 13.
320 16.2 Conditional uses. The following uses are permitted, conditional upon the approval of the
321 planning commission in accordance with the procedures and subject to the general
322 conditions set forth in article 10, section 1:
323 (a) Apartments and multi-family dwellings.
324 (b) Crematory, subject to the following requirements:
325 (1) The building lot line upon which a crematory is to be established shall be
326 located at least 100 feet from any residential zone.
327 (2) Where adjacent to residential zones, all landscape buffers shall be required.
328 The buffer shall consist of a landscape screen no less than six and one half
329 (6½) feet high. All landscaping shall be properly maintained throughout the
330 life of the use on lot.
331 (3) Loading operations shall be conducted within a completely enclosed
332 building. Location of loading doors shall be at the side or rear of the building.
333 (4) The crematory shall comply with the Delaware Incinerator Regulations. A
334 copy of the approved air pollution permit issued by the State of Delaware
335 Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control shall
336 accompany the application for a certificate of occupancy.
337 16.3 Enclosed buildings. All permitted uses and all storage accessory thereto, other than off-
338 street parking, shall be carried on in buildings fully enclosed on all sides, except for
339 outdoor eating areas associated with restaurants and outdoor sales areas approved by the
340 city planner.
341 16.4 Performance standards. All uses are subject to performance standards as set forth in
342 article 5, section 8.1.
343 16.5 Site development plan approval. Site development plan approval in accordance with
344 article 10, section 2 hereof shall be required prior to the issuance of building permits for
345 the erection or enlargement of all structures and prior to the issuance of certificates of
346 occupancy for any change of use.
347 BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED:
348 That Appendix B – Zoning, Article 3 – District Regulations, Section 26 – Commercial/Professional
349 Office Development District be amended by deleting it in its entirety and inserting in lieu thereof
350 the following:
351 Section 26. Commercial and professional office zone (C-PO).
352 26.1 Uses permitted. In a commercial and professional office zone (C-PO), no building or
353 premises shall be used, and no building or part of a building shall be erected, which is
354 arranged, intended, or designed to be used, in whole or in part, for any purpose, except
355 the following:
356 (a) Business, professional or governmental offices.
357 (b) Banks.
358 (c) Medical laboratories.
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359 (d) Drive-in facilities accessory to any permitted use.
360
361 26.2 Conditional uses. The following uses are permitted, conditional upon the approval of the
362 planning commission in accordance with the procedures and subject to the general
363 conditions set forth in article 10, section 1:
364 (a) Conditional uses accessory to permitted uses on the same lot:
365 (1) Cafeteria.
366 (2) Restaurant.
367 (3) Barbershop/beauty shop.
368 (4) Copy center.
369 (5) Office supply.
370 (6) Retail store.
371 (7) Newsstand.
372 (8) Spa and health club.
373 (9) Associated laboratories (other than those affiliated with permitted medical
374 uses).
375 (b) Residential uses as follows:
376 (1) Apartments and multifamily residences, provided at least two off-street
377 parking spaces shall be provided in the area for each unit.
378 (2) One (1) family residences subject to the requirements of the RG-1 (General
379 Residence) zone.
380 26.3 Enclosed buildings. All permitted uses and all storage accessory thereto, other than off-
381 street parking, shall be carried on in buildings fully enclosed on all sides, except for
382 outdoor eating areas associated with restaurants and outdoor sales areas approved by the
383 city planner.
384 26.4 Performance standards. All uses are subject to performance standards as set forth in
385 article 5, section 8.1.
386 26.5 Site development plan approval. Site development plan approval in accordance with
387 article 10, section 2 hereof shall be required prior to the issuance of building permits for
388 the erection or enlargement of all structures and prior to the issuance of certificates of
389 occupancy for any change of use.
390 BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED:
391 That Appendix B – Zoning, Article 4 – Zoning Bulk and Parking Regulations, Sections 4.14 and
392 4.15 be amended by deleting the text shown in red bold strikethrough and inserting the text shown
393 in blue bold italics as follows:
394 Section 4.14. [C-1, C-1A, C-2, C-2A zones.]
395 Bulk and parking regulations for neighborhood commercial (C-1), limited commercial (C-1A),
396 central commercial (C-2), and limited commercial (C-2A) zones are as follows:
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C-1 C-1A C-2 C-2A
397 Minimum required:
Lot area (sq. ft.) 2,500
Lot width (ft.) 35 100 25 0 50
Lot depth (ft.) 100 75 70 100
Front yard (ft.) 25 25 0 15
Side yard (ft.) None required, but 15 None Same as C-1 None Same as C-1
10 5 feet min. if required, but required, but 5 feet min. if None required,
provided 5 feet min. if provided but 5 feet min. if
provided provided
Rear yard (ft.) 20 15 15 20 above ground floor. At Same as C-2
ground floor, 5 ft. required
Side or rear yards which adjoin a 25 15 2515 25 15 25
residential zone (ft.)
Off-street parking
Per 300 sq. ft. floor area or 2 1½ ½ for new construction 1
Per employee (whichever is 0 1 0 1
greater)
398 Maximum permitted:
Building height
Stories 2 2 6 6
Feet 30 30 60 75 60 75
Floor area ratio 0.5 1.0 0.35 1.5 4.0 4.0
399 Section 4.15. [C-3, C-4, R-C, IO zones.]
400 Bulk and parking regulations for service commercial (C-3), highway commercial (C-4), recreation
401 and commercial (RC), and institutional and office (IO), and commercial and professional office
402 (C-PO) zones are as follows:
C-3 C-4 RC IO C-PO
403 Minimum required:
Lot area 5 acres 10,000 sq. 5,000 sq. ft.
ft.
Lot width (ft.) 100 150 per 250 50 100 50
building
Lot depth (ft.) 100 150 400 100 100
Front yard (ft.) 25 20 30 20 30 20 10 10
Side yard (ft.) 20 15 25 15 50 10 5
Rear yard (ft.) 10 10 or equal 50 15 or equal 15
to bldg. to bldg.
height height
Side or rear yards which adjoin a residence 30 30 100 30 25
zone (ft.)
Off-street parking
Per 300 sq. ft. floor area or 1 1½ 1 1 1
Per employee (whichever is greater) 1 1 1
404 Maximum permitted:
Building height
Stories 26 46 10 10 3
Feet 30 75 45 75 130 130 150 45
Floor area ratio 0.5 4.0 2.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 6.0 2.0
Lot coverage 0.5 2.0 4.0 4.0
Lot coverage 85% 75%
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405 BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED:
406 That Appendix B – Zoning, Article 10 – Planning Commission, Section 2 - Site Development Plan
407 Approval, be amended by deleting the text shown in red bold strikethrough and inserting the text
408 shown in blue bold italics as follows:
409 Section 2. - Site development plan approval.
410 2.1 Required. Site development plan approval shall be required for the erection or
411 enlargement of all structures and the establishment of any use for which site
412 development plan approval is required by this ordinance. Site development plan shall be
413 required according to the following criteria:
414 2.11 Planning commission site plan review. Site development plans shall be subject to
415 review and approval by the planning commission if they meet the following
416 thresholds:
417 (a) Site plans for new structures of 5,000 square feet or greater in floor area
418 and building additions of 3,000 5,000 square feet or greater in floor area or
419 greater than 15 percent of existing floor area, whichever is greater; or
420 (b) Site plans with a total of 5,000 square feet or greater of new or added
421 impervious surface, including new structures or building additions; or
422 (c) Nonresidential site plans with site disturbance greater than 2,500 1,500
423 square feet and adjacent to residential uses or residential zones.
424 2.12 Site development master plan. Site development master plans shall be subject to review
425 and approval by the planning commission in accordance with subsection 2.44.
426
427 2.13 Zoning review. For site development plans involving construction of a single-family
428 detached, single-family attached, or single-family semidetached dwelling; an accessory
429 structure; or a nonresidential change of use for which no building addition or increase
430 in impervious cover is proposed, the city planner or his designee may approve the site
431 development plan in conjunction with building permit review.
432 2.14 Administrative site plan. All site development plans that do not meet the thresholds for
433 zoning review in accordance with subsection 2.13 or planning commission site plan
434 review in accordance with subsection 2.11 shall be reviewed as administrative site
435 development plans.
436 BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED:
437 That Appendix B – Zoning, Article 12 – Definitions be amended by adding the following definitions
438 in the appropriate alphabetical order:
439 Apartment: A dwelling unit, within a building with other uses and/or dwelling units, that is
440 intended for use as a residence by an individual or a single family.
441 Dwelling, multi-family: (see “dwelling, multiple” - A building, or portion thereof, containing more
442 than two dwelling units)
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443 Emergency shelter: A facility providing temporary housing to homeless or transient persons in
444 a dormitory style setting; such facility may also provide or facilitate other social services including
445 counseling and vocational training.
446 Personal Service Establishment: Establishments primarily engaged in providing individual
447 services generally related to personal needs, such as a hair salon.
448 Place of Public Assembly: Establishments where the principal use is for the gathering of persons
449 for activities such as civic, social, or religious functions, including but not limited to night clubs,
450 theaters, civic halls, and places of worship.
451 Retail: The selling of goods, wares, or merchandise directly to the ultimate consumer or persons
452 without a resale license.
453 Restaurant: An establishment in which the principal use is preparation and sale of food and
454 beverages.
455 Service Establishment: Any establishment whose primary activity is the provision of assistance,
456 as opposed to products, to individuals, business, industry, government, and other enterprises.
457 Transitional housing: A residential facility developed in a one-family dwelling unit that is
458 established to provide transition from homelessness to permanent housing, and generally integrated
459 with other social services and counseling programs to assist in the transition to self-sufficiency
460 through acquisition of stable income and permanent housing.
461 Vocational Training: A specialized instructional establishment that provides on-site training of
462 business, commercial, and/or trade skills. Incidental instructional services in conjunction with
463 another primary use shall not be considered vocational training.
464 ADOPTED: *
465 (SPONSORS: HARE, BONAR)
466 Actions History
467 May 27, 2014 - Scheduled for First Reading at Council
468 May 12, 2014 - Considered by Parks, Recreation, and Community Enhancement Committee
469 April 14, 2014 - Deferred by the Parks, Recreation, and Community Enhancement Committee
Page 72
CITY OF DOVER
DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
APPLICATION REVIEW COMMENTARY
STAFF D.A.C. MEETING DATE: MAY 28, 2014
APPLICATION: TEXT AMENDMENT: REVISIONS TO COMMERCIAL
AND OFFICE ZONES
FILE #: MI-14-10
REVIEWING AGENCY: City of Dover Electric and Public Works Departments
CONTACT PERSON: Aren Wright - Electric
Jason A. Lyon – 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 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 .