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AGENDA
CITY OF DOVER PLANNING COMMISSION
Monday, April 18, 2011 – 7:00 P.M. - City Hall: Council Chambers
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
ADOPTION OF MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING of March 21, 2011
COMMUNICATIONS & REPORTS
1) Reminder: The next Planning Commission Quarterly Workshop is scheduled for Tuesday,
May 17, 2011 at 4:00pm in the City Hall Conference Room.
2) Report on City Council actions
a. Withdrawal of Waiver Request for ROW Reduction associated with C-10-05 New
Dover High School
3) Update on other Planning activities
OPENING REMARKS CONCERNING DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS
OLD BUSINESS
1) Requests for Extensions of Planning Commission Approval:
a. S-10-10 Mitten Industrial Park at Lafferty Lane - Request for a one year extension of the
Planning Commission approval granted May 17, 2010 for a Site Development Master
Plan application to develop an Industrial Park consisting of nine buildings, each 9,600
S.F. for a total of 86,400 S.F. of building area, the associated site improvements and a
4.591 acre Processing Area. The subject property consists of two parcels of land for a
total of 40.0897 Acres +/- of land zoned IPM (Industrial Park Manufacturing Zone) and
also subject to the AEOZ (Airport Environs Overlay Zone). The property is located on
the southeast side of Lafferty Lane east of Bay Road. The owner of record is Matthew
Mitten. Property Address: 141 Lafferty Lane. Tax Parcels: ED-05-077.00-01-26.00-000
and ED-05-077.00-01-27.00-000. Council District 2.
b. S-09-10 Fordham Brewery at 1284 McD Drive – Request for one year extension between
the construction of work authorized for the project at Fordham Brewery (Zoning
Ordinance, Article 10 §2.491(a)). Following Planning Commission approval of the Site
Plan on June 15, 2009 and Final Plan approval on November 11, 2009, the first phase of
construction for 4,000 S.F. building addition was constructed under Building Permit #09-
1912. The Site Plan indicated two building additions: the first phase consisting of 4,000
S.F. of building and the second phase consisting of 13,370 S.F. of additional building.
The property is zoned IPM (Industrial Park Manufacturing Zone) and is subject to the
AEOZ (Airport Environs Overlay Zone): Noise Zone C and Accident Potential Zone II.
The subject area is located on the south side of McD Drive near the intersection with
Horsepond Road. The owner of record is the William H. McDaniel, Inc. Property
Address: 1284 McD Drive. Tax Parcel: ED-05-077.12-01-13.00-000 (portion). Council
District 2.
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City of Dover Planning Commission Agenda
Public Hearing: April 18, 2011
Page 2 of 3
NEW DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS
1) C-11-01 Because We Care Veteran’s Shelter at Healing Wings Christian Center – Public
Hearing and Review of Conditional Use Site Development Plan to permit the philanthropic use
of an existing 6,344 S.F. building at 1420 McKee Road as a homeless veteran’s shelter. The
property is zoned R-8 (One Family Residence Zone) and COZ-1 (Corridor Overlay Zone). The
property is located on the west side of McKee Road, north of the Emerald Pointe subdivision.
The owner of record is Healing Wings Christian Center and lessee is Because We Care Inc.
Property Address: 1420 McKee Road. Tax Parcel: ED05-067.00-01-20.00-000. Council
District 1.
2) C-11-02 4-H After School Program at Capitol Green Community Center – Public Hearing and
Review of a Conditional Use Plan to permit use of an after school program (Day Care Center)
for grades K-6 within the existing community center at 416 Sussex Avenue. The property is
zoned RG-1 (General Residence Zone). The property is located on the south side of Sussex
Avenue east of River Road. The owner of record is Capitol Green Apartments, LLC. Property
Address: 416 Sussex Avenue. Tax Parcel: ED05-077.10-02-08.00-000. Council District 4.
3) SB-11-01 Lands of Conard at 633 Long Point Road – Public Hearing and Review of a Minor
Subdivision to allow for the creation of two (2) new parcels. The parcels will be subdivided
into two 2.5 acres ± parcels and one 162.6 acres ± parcel. The subject parcel of land totals
167.6 acres ± and is zoned A (Agricultural Zone) and is subject to the SWPOZ (Source
Water Protection Overlay Zone): Tier 2 and the AEOZ (Airport Environs Overlay Zone):
Noise Zone A. The subject area is located on the west side of Long Point Road north of
North Little Creek Road. The property is part of the Delaware Agricultural Lands
Preservation program as an Agricultural Preservation District and Purchase of Development
Rights program. The owner of record is Joan L. Conard. Property Address: 633 Long Point
Road. Tax Parcel: LC05-069.00-01-07.00-000. Council District 3. Waiver Request:
Elimination of Sidewalk.
4) S-11-05 DelTech Center for Energy, Education, and Training: Building Addition – Public
Hearing and Review of a Site Plan for the construction of a 5,412 SF addition to the existing
CEET Building on the campus of Delaware Technical & Community College: Terry
Campus. The property is zoned IO (institutional/Office Zone). The property is located on
the west side of North DuPont Highway north of Scarborough Road. The owner of record is
Delaware Technical & Community College. Address: 100 Campus Drive. Tax Parcel: ED-
05-057.00-01-01.00-000. Council District 4.
5) US-11-01 Bayhealth Medical Center: Comprehensive Signage Plan – Public Hearing and
Review of a Unified Comprehensive Sign Plan Approval for the Bayhealth Medical Center
campus. The Plan proposes the placement of wall, monument, and directional signs for the
campus. The properties are zoned IO (Institutional/Office Zone) and C-3 (Service
Commercial Zone) and some are subject to SWOZ (Source Water Protection Overlay Zone)
and H (Historic District Overlay Zone). The properties are located along West Water Street,
South Governors Avenue, South State Street, South Bradford Street, and Scull Terrace. The
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City of Dover Planning Commission Agenda
Public Hearing: April 18, 2011
Page 3 of 3
owners of record are Bayhealth Medical Center, Kent General Foundation, Central Delaware
Surgery Center and, Frederick Townsend II Trust. The property addresses are 208 West
Water Street, 540 South State Street, 530 South State Street, 540 South Governors Avenue,
560 South Governors Avenue, 738 South Governors Avenue, 100 Scull Terrace, 640 South
State Street, 701 South Governors Avenue, and 804 South Bradford Street. Tax Parcels: ED-
05-077.13-01-14.00-000, ED-05-077.13-01-18.00-000, ED-05-077.13-01-18.01-000, ED-05-
077.13-01-25.00-000, ED-05-077.13-01-25.01-000, ED-05-077.13-01-34.00-000, ED-05-
077.13-01-51.00-000, ED-05-077.13-01-52.00-000, ED-05-077.13-02-01.00-000, ED-05-
077.13-02-12.00-000. Council District 2.
NEW BUSINESS
ADJOURN
THE AGENDA ITEMS MAY NOT BE CONSIDERED IN SEQUENCE. THIS AGENDA IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE
TO INCLUDE THE ADDITION OR THE DELETION OF ITEMS, INCLUDING EXECUTIVE SESSIONS.
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CITY OF DOVER PLANNING COMMISSION
March 21, 2011
The Regular Meeting of the City of Dover Planning Commission was held on Monday March 21,
2011 at 7:00 PM with Chairman Hemmig presiding. Members present were Mr. Hemmig, Mr.
Tolbert, Mr. Shomo, Mr. Baldwin, Mr. Nichols, Mr. Ambruso, Mr. Holt, and Mr. Friedman
(arriving at 7:13 PM). Colonel Welsh was absent.
Staff members present were Mrs. Townshend, Mrs. Melson-Williams, Mr. Koenig, Ms.
Cornwell, Mr. Albert, and Ms. Metsch. Also present were Mrs. Carolyn Fredrick, Mr. Ed Ide,
and Mr. Conny Malmberg. Also speaking from the public was Mrs. Nancy Wagner, Mrs. Joyce
Breasure-Herrick, Mr. Bill Tolbert, Mr. James T. Flamer, Mr. L.D. Shank, Mr. James Hutchison,
Mr. Bill Shavicky, Mr. Ron Gogan, Mr. Mark Prata and Mr. James Galvin.
Mr. Hemmig stated that there is a revised agenda on your desk this evening adding Item #2 under
Old Business: MI-11-04 Treadway Towers Parking Waiver Request: Revisions.
Mr. Hemmig reminded those in the audience that application C-11-01 Because We Care
Veteran’s Shelter at Healing Wings Christian Center is being delayed until next month due to a
public notice problem.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Mr. Tolbert moved to approve the amended agenda as submitted, seconded by Mr. Ambruso and
the motion was unanimously carried 7-0 with Mr. Friedman and Colonel Welsh absent.
APPROVAL OF THE REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
OF FEBRUARY 22, 2011
Mr. Tolbert moved to approve the regular Planning Commission meeting minutes of February
22, 2011, seconded by Mr. Holt and the motion was unanimously carried 7-0 with Mr. Friedman
and Colonel Welsh absent.
APPROVAL OF THE QUARTERLY WORKSHOP PLANNING COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 23, 2011
Mr. Shomo moved to approve the Quarterly Workshop Planning Commission meeting minutes
of February 23, 2011, seconded by Mr. Nichols and the motion was unanimously carried 7-0
with Mr. Friedman and Colonel Welsh absent.
COMMUNICATIONS & REPORTS
Mrs. Melson-Williams stated that there are two educational opportunities. One was held last
week on March 16, 2011 that was an audio web conference entitled “Mitigating Hazards through
Planning” held at the Kent County Administration Building, co-sponsored by the Delaware
Chapter of the American Planning Association and the Kent County Department of Planning.
The second educational opportunity falls next week. A workshop entitled “Exploring Form
Based Codes” being held on March 29, 2011 beginning at 4:00 PM in the Kent County
Administration Building, Room 220. That session will be presented by the Renaissance
Planning Group which was here back in the fall doing work on the Dover Transit Center
Neighborhood Plan charrette. The event on “Form Based Codes” is co-sponsored by the Dover
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CITY OF DOVER PLANNING COMMISSION MARCH 21, 2011
Kent County MPO and the Delaware Chapter of the American Planning Association.
Mrs. Melson-Williams provided an update on the regular City Council and Utility Committee
meeting of February 28, 2011 and the regular City Council meeting of March 14, 2011.
Mr. Friedman, arriving at 7:13 PM, questioned regarding Planning activities what the outcome
was on our actions for the House of Pride? Responding to Mr. Friedman, Mrs. Townshend
stated that there were inspections done on February 18, 2010 and all of the interior corrections
had been made. There were a couple of minor things that were in progress at that time. With
regards to exterior items, we decided to give them until April to be able to have the weather
cooperate.
OPENING REMARKS CONCERNING DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS
Mrs. Townshend presented the audience information on policies and procedures for the meeting.
OLD BUSINESS
S-10-03 South Dover Plaza at 560 & 600 Bay Road – Request for a one year extension of the
Planning Commission approval granted April 19, 2010 for a Minor Lot Line Adjustment Plan
and Site Plan to permit the construction of a 142,825 S.F. shopping center and associated site
improvements. The project is located on two parcels of land totaling 12.9371 acres ± and is
zoned C-4 (Highway Commercial Zone). As part of the application, the two parcels are to be
consolidated into one parcel. The subject area is located on the south side of Bay Road across
from the Kent County Levy Court. The owner of record is S.H.E. Holdings, LLC. Property
Address: 560 & 600 Bay Road. Tax Parcels: ED05-077.00-01-09.00-000 and ED05-077.00-01-
09.00-000. Council District 2.
Representative: None
Ms. Cornwell provided an explanation and reasoning for the request for extension.
There were no questions raised from any Planning Commission members at this time.
Mr. Friedman moved to approve a one year extension for S-10-03 South Dover Plaza located at
560 and 600 Bay Road, seconded by Mr. Holt and the motion was unanimously carried 8-0 with
Colonel Welsh absent.
MI-11-04 Treadway Towers Parking Waiver Request Revision – Reconsideration of request
to utilize the “Combined Spaces” provisions of the Parking Regulations within the Zoning
Ordinance (Article 6, §3.8) to be able to lease parking spaces to the Post Office (for Post Office
vehicles). The property is located at 9 East Loockerman Street. The property owner is Colonial
Investment & Management Company. The tax parcel number is ED-05-077.05-04-52.00-000.
At the February 22, 2011 meeting the Planning Commission approved the original request
setting the required parking spaces as 123 spaces under the “Combined Spaces” provisions.
Representative: None
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Mrs. Townshend stated that if you will recall Colonial Investment and Management Company
had come to the Planning Commission last month with the request to have their parking
considered under the combined spaces provision of the parking regulations within the Zoning
Ordinance. At that time, the discussion related to Treadway Towers wanting the ability to lease
excess parking spaces to the Post Office for employee parking. It was discussed in a meeting
and a request letter from Colonial Investment said that the parking would be utilized between the
hours of 6:00 AM and 3:00 PM.
Mrs. Townshend further stated that after the meeting, Staff found out that there was a little
confusion between the Post Office and Colonial Investment Company in terms of what the
request actually was for. Colonial Investment found out after the fact that it was actually in fact
the Post Office mail delivery trucks parking that the Post Office was wanting to lease from
Colonial Investment Company. Because the discussion and request specifically mentioned
allowing them to lease those parking spaces between the hours of 6:00 AM and 3:00 PM for
employee parking and that this would be round the clock parking for the Post Office vehicles,
Staff believed that this did need to come back to the Commission.
Mrs. Townshend further stated in terms of the idea of excess under the combined spaces
provision of the Zoning Ordinance, if there are two uses that have separate peaks, you can apply
the parking requirement for the use that has the higher parking demand. In this case, the
restaurant Frazier’s has the higher demand which would require 123 parking spaces. The 123
parking spaces are what was accepted and is what the Code would allow you to accept; however,
the discussion included the idea that those spaces would be available other than 6:00 AM to 3:00
PM. Staff wanted to clarify this and request that the Planning Commission now consider that
123 parking spaces is what would now be available and the other 17 parking spaces they could
do as they wish. Staff is aware that the parking is underutilized here and does not feel it would
create a parking problem to allow it. In addition, the property is located in the Downtown which
is served by a variety of transportation such as transit, pedestrian access, and bicycle access.
Mr. Hemmig stated that Staff is saying that 123 parking spaces are enough for the restaurant
twenty-four hours a day.
Mr. Friedman stated that he was not here last month when this request was initially approved. Is
there a rule where he would not be able to vote on this application? Responding to Mr. Friedman
Hemmig stated that this would be correct; however, he was welcome to make comments.
Mr. Friedman questioned if anyone for the restaurant had been notified and discussed this?
Responding to Mr. Friedman, Mrs. Townshend stated that she was not sure about the restaurant
specifically; however, she has spoken with Colonial Investments, owner of the parking lot. What
this would do is authorize Colonial Investment to have 123 parking spaces and that would give
them in excess of seventeen (17) parking spaces. If they need to discuss this with Frazier’s
before they enter into an agreement, this is not in ink yet and could do so.
Mr. Friedman further stated that he would envision the possibility of some negativity. While the
owner of Frazier’s would like to have the parking lot overflowing with people so that he can
make some money, with government vehicles in this parking lot when people get heated up in
the evening, he is concerned about the potential of liability issues.
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Mr. Ambruso moved to grant approval of MI-10-04 Treadway Towers Parking Waiver Request
Revision with regards to the waiver request concerning parking as requested for 123 parking
spaces, seconded by Mr. Nichols and the motion was unanimously carried 7-0 with Mr.
Friedman abstaining from the vote and Colonel Welsh absent.
NEW DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS
S-10-11 Revision to Modern Maturity Center at 1121 Forrest Avenue: Building Addition –
Public Hearing and Review of a previously approved Site Plan to consider a request to remove a
required cross-access easement. The project is located on one parcel of land totaling 13.6 acres ±
and is zoned IO (Institutional/Office Zone) and subject to the COZ-1 (Corridor Overlay Zone).
The subject area is located on the north side of Forrest Avenue west of Saulsbury Road. The
owner of record is Modern Maturity Center Inc. Property Address: 1121 Forrest Avenue. Tax
Parcel: ED05-076.07-01-25.00-000. Council District 1.
Representatives: Mrs. Carolyn Fredericks, Executive Director, Modern Maturity Center; and
Mr. Ed Ide, i3a Consulting Engineers.
Mrs. Townshend stated that a diagram would be passed out that shows the Modern Maturity
Center location of the cross access and the access points from the properties to the east directly
to Route 8 and Saulsbury Road.
Mrs. Townshend further stated that the Modern Maturity Center has requested that the
requirement for cross access between the Modern Maturity site and the adjacent property to the
east be eliminated from the approved Site Plan that is currently under construction. This is cross
access that is in the way of an easement and construction of pavement to the property line.
Mrs. Townshend further stated that according to the Zoning Ordinance, Article 3, Section
27.64(d) where cross access is addressed as it relates to the Corridor Overlay Zone: “The cross
access shall be provided among abutting uses of similar categories whenever possible to provide
linkage between properties as an alternative to re-entering the corridor to access both existing
and future neighboring properties.” The location of the cross access easement is to the northeast
of the Modern Maturity Center building. It would be an extension of the east-west drive aisle.
The requirement is that the access be constructed to the eastern property line of the Modern
Maturity Center property.
Mrs. Townshend further stated that in order to eliminate the requirement of the cross access
easement, the Planning Commission would need to determine that the neighboring uses are not
of similar use categories. While currently a rezoning proposal is pending before City Council
that would allow the Dove View Apartments to reside as housing not restricted to senior citizens,
any housing in this location is likely to have senior citizens as residents even if they are also non-
senior residents as well. You can also have employees of the Modern Maturity Center living
adjacent to their work and they may not be seniors. Some residents of the apartments would
likely be patrons of the Modern Maturity Center campus. Additionally, patrons of the Modern
Maturity Center campus would most likely make use of the TD Bank and Walgreens Pharmacy
especially with a medical office being on that campus.
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Mrs. Townshend further stated that the purpose of the cross access is to eliminate traffic entering
the corridor, in this case Route 8, to access an abutting use. Concerns have been raised by the
Modern Maturity Center as to conflicts between the younger users of the potential apartments
and the senior citizen users of the Modern Maturity Center. In addition to being a senior center,
the Modern Maturity Center has developed into a regional multi-functional campus that provides
services for a variety of age groups. Staff notes that in addition to the senior center and the adult
daycare that is currently under construction, the Modern Maturity Center operates a conference
and banquet facility that hosts events for people of a variety of ages. There is also a physical
therapy practice on the campus as well.
Mrs. Townshend further stated that the issue of safety has been raised by the Modern Maturity
Center in terms of conflicts between seniors and cross traffic. Staff also has safety concerns
related to the growth of the Modern Maturity Center campus over time. The initial building was
designed with one access point to Route 8. The Modern Maturity Center has since grown from
one thirty-five thousand (35,000) square foot building to with the addition to the rear currently
under construction, a campus of multiple buildings in excess of 88,000 square feet of floor area.
Since the initial building, a large addition was built to the east which houses the conference and
banquet facility. In 2005 a new building was constructed to the rear with 43,000 square feet and
currently the addition that is under construction is over 14,000 square feet. With the size of the
campus, as it has expanded over time, one access point is no longer sufficient for providing
emergency access and for peak traffic times. The cross access required by the Zoning Ordinance
would improve the emergency access related to fire and EMS services. It would also provide
another exit in the event of an evacuation of the campus or if a large number of patrons were
leaving at the same time such as after a large event.
Mrs. Townshend further stated that additionally, as the campus has expanded, the parking
circulation layout has not changed in order to improve the safety of the parking lot. She and Mr.
Albert are currently taking a class at the Modern Maturity Center and with this matter pending,
have spent a good amount of time observing the parking lot circulation and layout with safety in
mind. We have identified a number of areas for circulation improvements that would likely
improve safety. Currently, there are no clear paths of travel or crosswalks to provide pedestrians
through the parking lot to identified locations.
Mrs. Townshend further stated that in 2005 when the Modern Maturity Center brought forward a
Site Plan, one of the requirements of that Site Plan was that the path of travel be extended south
from the new building to the original building. That was never constructed. In 2010, when they
came forward with the Site Plan that is under construction currently, Staff had made the
recommendation that the clear path of travel be a requirement of the Site Plan at that time. The
Modern Maturity Center did not want to provide that and the Planning Commission ultimately
allowed that not to be a part of the plan. Addition of cross walks and possibly signage or stop
signs at identified points would allow drivers to prepare for pedestrian crossing at identified
points rather than coming out between cars and potentially any location in the parking lot.
Mrs. Townshend further stated that if you look at any major campus or shopping center most of
them, especially if they have come through recently, have cross walks in place so that you are
directing pedestrians to single points of crossing rather than crossing throughout. If you go to
the Greentree Shopping Center, even as old as that is, there are crosswalks. Safeway, Target,
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North Dover Shopping Center, and Kohl’s all have crosswalks. At Kohl’s there are stop signs at
the crosswalks so that drivers know to stop because that is where pedestrians are crossing. That
type of facility would improve the safety and eliminate conflicts that currently exist between
vehicles and pedestrians. Additionally, the drive aisle between the building and the parking lot is
one way and two ways up to another point. The only indication if you were driving from the east
to the west, are faded pavement markings. There are no stop signs or stop bars, nothing to tell
you that you have to turn right. Again, you have potential conflicts of vehicles and pedestrians
or vehicles and vehicles. Signage in terms of one-way signs or must turn right stop signs could
reduce the potential for conflict in this regard. The concrete pork chop would also eliminate that;
however, Staff believes that it could also be achieved by signage.
Mrs. Townshend further stated that finally, due to the location of the exit point from the Modern
Maturity Center, all the way to the southwest of the Modern Maturity Center property, the
likelihood of cut-through traffic that would not be users of the Modern Maturity Center facilities
is highly over estimated. The idea of cutting through from those areas is unlikely; however, if
you are turning right and want to go west, you have an access point (located on the diagram that
was handed out.) If you want to go to the east, it is certainly going to be easier to access
Saulsbury Road at one of those points and go to the light rather than going west to then come
back east. Staff believes that the likelihood of significant cut-through traffic is over estimated.
Mrs. Townshend further stated that the issue of cross access was discussed by City Council
during the review of the Comprehensive Plan Amendment and Rezoning Request for Dove
View. Three (3) Council members expressed concern about the interconnection. There were
seven (7) members present that night and the other four (4) remained silent. City Council
ultimately deferred action on the rezoning and Comprehensive Plan Amendment request until the
Planning Commission has taken action on this request this evening. Staff notes that the
Comprehensive Plan Amendment request and Rezoning request, if approved, would not preclude
age restricted housing or senior targeted housing at the Dove View location. We would also note
that the Plan for Dove View has expired and any current or future owner will need to make
application to the Planning Commission for Site Development Plan for any use to commence on
that site. Therefore, at that point, if it is determined that the neighboring use is in compatible and
would cause problems for the Modern Maturity Center, that requirement could be eliminated at
that point. The only way we will get cross access, and we have complained about it as we have
seen it out on Route 13 with Home Depot, is when we have an application. If you remove the
requirement tonight and Dove View ultimately develops as age restricted housing which is could,
or age targeted housing you would be unable to go back to the Modern Maturity Center and ask
that they build it. You can only require it at an application.
Mr. Ide presented a board for presentation purposes. He has had the opportunity to sit with Mrs.
Fredericks for quite some time to understand what the concerns were last year with respect to site
access between the two sites particularly with Dove View as well as the pharmacy and the bank.
Last year when we presented before you the requirement for the interconnection, it was located
on the northeast corner of the site which was roughly back where the existing daycare center is
being built as we currently speak. The discussion at that point in time was that the Dove View
site being an age restricted community was of similar use to the Modern Maturity Center and that
we should evaluate whether or not the access should go in or not based on those merits because
Dove View is contiguous to our site. As a point of reference, this being the Modern Maturity
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Center, the Fountainview site, the pharmacy, and bank at the other locations shown on the board.
We evaluated the cross access and whether or not it made sense to do that or not and after
discussions with Mrs. Fredericks and through discussions with the Planning Commission, we
found some common sense with putting the cross access in because there was some similarity
between Dove View and the Modern Maturity Center in being age restricted. We found no
commonality between the pharmacy or the bank of being similar use of the way that we
understand and the way the code interrupts this.
Mr. Ide further stated that in looking at this, we thought as a compromise that maybe it did not
make sense for the access to be at the far northeast corner and we asked that the access be
positioned more to the Center where there was an existing golf cart and pedestrian crosswalk
already previously approved under a different application. To set the record and what our
position was then versus what it is right now, we looked at Dove View as being an age restricted
community and we thought that there would be folks that would come from Dove View over to
the Modern Maturity Center. From a standpoint that is more common than it is if it was not age
restricted. He has also had the opportunity to sit down with Mrs. Townshend and more in-depth
to Mr. Albert to gain their understanding and perception of safety and whether it was a safety
issue between both of the sites. We decided, at that point, to try and figure out a way to mitigate
or negotiate this. When he went home he was talking to his wife regarding this and we looked at
the TV and saw Mrs. Fredericks on the television and her adamancy about not having the site
access because of safety issues made his mind up that it is an issue.
Mr. Ide further stated in looking at some of the comments from the DAC and also looking at
several issues that have come up since that point regarding safety, we do recognize that there is a
safety issue as far as folks coming from Dove View and entering the Modern Maturity site.
Although we agree in theory that it is hard to imagine that someone from Dove View is going to
traverse through the Modern Maturity site only to sit at the light that is at the Modern Maturity
site only to get out onto Route 8, we do believe that a majority of the time those folks will utilize
their own existing entrance that they have off of the side of the bank to exit that point or also go
to Saulsbury Road.
Mr. Ide further stated that safety is a concern. As far as traversing between the two buildings,
the building in the front versus the building in the back, folks do not walk that path to get from
the one building to the building in the back, they currently drive that path. At the last Planning
Commission meeting that interconnection between the interconnectivity of the site was removed
from the project. This obviously is a sensitive issue as you can tell from the many folks in the
room and he understands the passion the City has as far as this interconnection point; however, it
is also apparent that it is also a sensitive issue across the state. He just read an article the other
day regarding the Delaware Senate approving a bill not to allow interconnectivity or restriction
on entranceways into age restricted communities. This is something folks are facing up north
and as we evaluate the Modern Maturity Center where the bulk of their clientele is elder citizens,
we do also recognize the fact that they do open it up to weddings and other civic events like you
folks attended the other day.
Mr. Ide further stated in looking at some of the comments from Staff as reflected in the DAC
Report, we do agree with some of them. One of the things that had opened his eyes was from the
discussion regarding the event that you folks attended the other day at the Modern Maturity
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Center and a comment that was made that is also reflected in the DAC Reports was that if you
are able to open another access point into the site. If you had congestion which is actually not
congestion but stacking, as pointed out along the front portion of the building, and then stacking
along the western side of the existing site, that is what the intent is for. The Department of
Transportation has evaluated the entrance based on every single building that has been placed
there and they tell us whether or not the site entrance is adequate or whether it is not adequate for
the amount of patrons entering or exiting the site. Our number one concern is safety of the
Modern Maturity Center patrons, secondly is safety for Dove View and the adjacent property
owners. The fear that any one of us would have is if there is an event whether it is in the day or
whether it is during the evening time and you have the site filled to capacity which per the last
Plan revision was 505 parking spaces. He has personally been there when the parking lot was
full. If you have an opportunity for a second means of egress or ingress, you have the ability for
half of the patrons to decide to go to Route 8 or the other half or more decide to go whichever
direction they want to go; whether they go through the side access and navigate around the
building it still allows those folks to come into Dove View and navigate the Dove View
subdivision streets in order to go to Route 8 or navigate Dove View streets in order to get to
Saulsbury Road. Both of those points of egress have no control. The Modern Maturity Center
with all of its members as well as all of those folks who visit the site enter the site at one location
and they exit the site at one location which is the intent of mitigating and controlling the flow in
and out of the Modern Maturity Center onto Route 8. If you allow the other entrance to go in, it
no longer mitigates that control. Folks have access to Route 8 at two locations or they have
access to Saulsbury Road at two locations.
Mrs. Fredericks stated that on May 17, 2010 when we appeared before the Planning Commission
for the Site Plan approval for the adult daycare facility, we raised the issue many times about the
cross connection between the Modern Maturity Center to a site that may at some point or may
not be a 55 plus community. Numerous times that evening we were told it would be a 55 plus
community. She was concerned about the safety of the clients who attend the Modern Maturity
Center because any type of connection or road translates into more traffic coming onto the
property, but she understood. She did not like the decision, but she understood it. The
connecting road became a condition of receiving the Certificate of Occupancy for the new
building that is under construction and should be completed sometime next month. No matter
that the apartment project could be tied up for years; we were instructed that we were to build a
connection to the property line before a Certificate of Occupancy would be issued for the adult
daycare center facility.
Mrs. Fredericks further stated that last month the Planning Commission decided to change the
zoning for the apartments eliminating the age restriction. At that meeting, I stated that while I
believe that there is a need for affordable senior housing something needed to be done to the
apartments so she did not object to the zoning change. She did object to the road connection to
that non-aged restricted apartment complex. She has a letter from the attorney representing
Dove View apartments and in this letter he says “This cross access easement which is currently
unconstructed is a bi-product of previously approved Plans for our properties. As we discussed
given the cross access easement does not confer any tangible benefit to our property which
currently has three (3) different points of access from bordering streets, my client CRM Mid-
Atlantic Properties, LLC does not object to the elimination of the cross access easement from
your project. To that end you can certainly relay this objection to the City of Dover Planning
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Commission when you appear before them on March 21, 2011.” (A copy of the letter was
provided.)
Mrs. Fredericks further stated that her concern is for the safety of the clients that we serve at the
Modern Maturity Center. A cross connection would generate additional traffic through our
parking lot and that additional traffic would create significant problems. The Modern Maturity
Center has been in existence without a cross connection and with only one point of entrance and
one point of exit since it has opened. We have a signalized access point which has functioned
well. You might have to wait a while at the light but at least the traffic pattern is controlled and
much safer than trying to enter onto Route 8 from either the bank or the drug store. Her fear is
that once the customers of the bank and the drugstore learn that with some driving around the
Modern Maturity Center property they can access a light which will allow them to turn either
right or left turn the Modern Maturity Center could become a new exit for those businesses.
Mrs. Fredericks further stated that the Modern Maturity Center serves a population that needs to
be protected and not infringed upon. An open road or connection from a non-aged restricted
community to our center is just asking for trouble. We have many events that take place in the
evenings. An 80 year old woman walking to her car alone at night could become a target to
someone who is need of some fast cash. Not that this incident couldn’t happen now, it could.
Open access to an apartment complex would make it easier for our clients to become victims of
crimes. The Modern Maturity Center also serves as a DART bus hub so she feels that they are
doing their part to alleviate some of the concerns about the traffic on Route 8.
Mrs. Fredericks further stated that the Delaware State Senate passed a bill restricting entrance
into 55 plus communities. Part of that bill states that residents in age restricted communities
need protection from unwanted traffic. While we are not a housing complex, Modern Maturity
Center is a community that is age restricted for 50 plus and we probably have a lot more vehicles
in our parking lot than you would ever find in a 55 plus community. She asks you to consider
the safety of all those who participate in the programs at the Modern Maturity Center. Please
protect us from unwanted traffic on our campus.
Mr. Friedman stated in reading the May minutes for the last approval he remembers that the
access easement was added not to provide a transiting facility for people to get from point A to
other points. It was provided for people to get from point A to Point B that is to say from the
housing to the Modern Maturity Center. If that is no longer going to be a consideration, he
almost hates to hear himself say this because he is real strong about interconnectivity especially
when it relieves major roads; however, in the same way that Dover Downs does not wish to have
connectivity from the Dover Mall to Leipsic Road run right through its property, he can
understand why the Modern Maturity Center does not want it either. Plus, the type of turning
that would have to happen for someone to make it to that light as you suggested would not be an
easy matter. You would definitely have significant problems. Having said that, he is very much
in support of removing that requirement if in fact we remove the requirement for that facility to
be a 55 plus community.
Mr. Friedman further stated that he does not understand; however, if you reduced the number of
units on that property by the number suggested down to 144 units, the per-unit cost skyrockets.
It is the bank that is doing this so he assumes they are aware of how much money they are going
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to have to have in land only which is pretty significant. He questions the logic and questions
whether this is a logical project given that limitation. It is $22,000 per apartment under the old
number of apartments and $15,600 under the new that is a pretty significant difference.
Mrs. Townshend stated that she would like to respond to the issue of the compatibility and
pending rezoning. Typically that issue of compatibility would be determined when that next
property comes in because right now it is a zoning issue that could end up being age restricted. It
is currently zoned Institutional and Office and it could end up being leveled and putting up a
school there. At that point, it would be determined if those two uses are compatible. If you
don’t have it here and it does end up developing as a compatible use, you cannot come back and
impose it later. That is the Staff’s concern and the problem that we have ended up with in other
cases where we have not required it on one and then regret it later. The issue is that there zoning
does not mean that it will or will not be age restricted; what it means is that it would be, instead
of Institutional and Office zoning, it would be a high density residential zoning.
Mr. Hemmig opened a public hearing.
Mrs. Nancy Wagner – 283 Troon Road – Stated that she has previously been a member of the
Modern Maturity Center Board; however, she is not now this year. She is opposed to this project
and is not speaking for a group. She has three (3) concerns: legal, fiscal, and safety issues. From
the legal perspective, she thinks you run a slippery slope when what you do is try to project what
might happen in the future so that you rule on it now so that you cover your bases and that offers
problematic issues. When you go to the language, it is not abutting, the language states
“whenever possible.” If you look carefully at the words used in all of these recommendations
they are words like “the goal of the Corridor Overlay Zone,” “Recommend,” and “Likely” that is
very suggestive. These are not words that have the authority of law, they are simply suggestions.
DelDOT has their comments about City and the State Code in reference to this. Initially, the
bank was not required to build a connection when it did their piece. With regards to the fiscal
issues, I think you need to consider the cost of the road. This is a non-profit organization and by
the way the City does not support the Modern Maturity Center financially in anyway, so where
are they going to get the money? They get their money from foundations for programs, from
foundations to build a building, foundations don’t build roads. She is at a loss to say where they
will get the money to do this. Then there is the issue of snow removal if it in-fact becomes a
road that you want people to use to connect through. Who is going to remove the snow and who
is going to pay for it? Then there are liability issues and quite frankly have you ever required a
non-profit to build a road? If so, she would like to know who. The Staff has concerns; she read
the comments, with suggestions without merit, the comments were vague and not specific so let
her be specific. There are fifty-three (53) handicap parking spaces at the Modern Maturity
Center, there is a five (5) mile per hour speed limit that tells you the kind of traffic and issues
that you required and felt were appropriate for that facility. There are one-way directions in the
lot and it is clear to her that probably people from the bank will cut through there because it is
easier to cut through and get a light to be able to turn to head east. Who will be on duty to
monitor the speed of people coming through, will it be the Police? It is the duty of the
Committee to look after the best interests of the citizens of Dover; and therefore, if you decide to
require the connection with the zoning change, it will probably change the likely compatibility.
She would like some answers to some questions.
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Mrs. Wagner further stated that she would like the legal language that definitively fits this
situation. She does not think that what she read tonight does. She would like an answer as to
how the Modern Maturity Center would raise the money. She would like an acknowledgment
that the City will accept responsibility to patrol or monitor the traffic going through there as it
concerns the safety of the citizens. She would like acknowledgement that the City will be liable
for any injuries. It will be built only at the insistence of the City because we have repeatedly
requested that we do not have this. You basically have a City employee who is doing a very
good job and is very knowledgeable at what she is doing and the people who work here to follow
the latest theories and the latest plans for traffic; however, you also have a facility that provides
services for senior citizens which will be harmed and the public safety compromised by these
demands. I ask that you oppose the demand as required and that the Modern Maturity Center not
build this connector.
Mrs. Joyce Breasure-Herrick – President, Board of Directors, Modern Maturity Center –
Stated that she has spent many hours since the last hearing thinking about how she could get you
to see our people and activities at the Modern Maturity Center, the individuals as opposed to a
zoning ordinance. The people of the Modern Maturity Center provide services and our members
are a unique group. She would like to tell you that they are wonderfully fit and agile; however,
that is not always the case, it is not even with me. The populations of citizens that cross the road
where the new connector would look like it goes are from two full rows of handicap parking.
Our participants are often vision impaired, hearing impaired, physically walking with canes,
walkers or personal assistance and sometimes not able to respond quickly when required to
protect their own safety. Our activities start around 6:00 AM with one of our swim groups and
often go until midnight so now we are looking at darkness as an issue as well. We have large
events for example the Valentine’s dance had 500 in attendees and the Saint Patrick’s Day dance
last week which you all missed had 400. If it is a Thanksgiving meal, it could be 800 people
during the middle of the day. Our volunteers deliver home bound meals to Dover area citizens
and we also prepare and then transport hundreds of meals to the other centers in this County.
Because many of the Modern Maturity Center programs are not funded by anyone but the
Modern Maturity Center, the Modern Maturity Center does do a lot of catering of events
including proms from 300 to 600 in attendance and a prayer breakfast with 700 in attendance at
7:00 AM. I believe that if this property were already an existing school, the issue of connectivity
with entities that are not like it would not be an issue. Please see our members as precious as
those in a school zone and stop this road through our parking lot. She is well aware we can
mark, put up signs, and paint the ground and do all sorts of things. We can also tell you that
people will do what they want to do. Last week she sat at the stop light on Route 13 going south
where Route 1 comes in and the two people in front of her, one was texting, and one was on the
phone; the light turned completely green, they did not see it turn green and the semi tractor trailer
coming down the ramp didn’t care and went right straight through a red light. She can put up all
the stop signs she wants in the world and she still has no way of controlling the people. People
are unfamiliar with the Modern Maturity Center lot and they will go where what looks like the
easiest and fastest way and the wrong direction through our members and she can assure you not
at five (5) miles an hour. She has been on the Board for over twelve (12) years. There has been
construction of three major extensions and the issue of connectivity has never been brought to
the Board or to her Executive Director. Please let us maintain a closed parking area for the
safety of all those who use our center.
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Mr. Bill Torbert – 427 E. Brady’s Lane – Stated that he would like to address part of
something else that someone else has not said. He is also a member of the Elks Club and we are
presently going to have a super highway on Saulsbury Road. When it gets complete, he does not
know how he is going to get in or out of the Elks Club. If this road goes through and people are
trying to get out and go through this parking lot for the apartments and try to get out on
Saulsbury Road especially to turn left, it is going to be one mess. If he builds an apartment
house there, he would not want to live there because of all those people coming through if that is
what is going to happen with that connector. It is going to be a mess for anyone living there and
children playing in the street if they are going to allow people under 55. He sees a real safety
concern by putting the cross access in there especially trying to get out when they have big
things going on and they do have big things going on every day at the Modern Maturity Center.
He was pleased and it was a pleasure to serve as Board Director and on the Board of Directors
for fifteen years. He did not run last year as his time was up so he got out. He hopes that you
really consider this because it is very important for the safety of the people not only in the
Modern Maturity Center parking lot but the future apartment house and all those people getting
on the road.
Mr. James T. Flamer – Owner and Operator of Forever Blessed Lawn Service – Stated that
a lot of people who are going to speak tonight are going to probably speak from within the inside
looking out. He happens to be the ground maintenance person for the Modern Maturity Center
going on eight (8) years. A good nine (9) months out of the year he is at the Modern Maturity
Center two or three times a week to do the upkeep and he has seen it all. When he read in the
paper today about the cross access easement he had his concerns in reference to safety. Believe
him it can be crowded there and he thinks that if you open another driveway, per say an
easement, it is going to get even harder. His concern is for safety. He has a sixteen (16) foot
trailer that he moves from time to time and on Thursdays when he is there doing the lawns
everyone knows that it is grass cutting time. He really feels that it is important that you look this
over really well for the safety of everyone at the Modern Maturity Center. He has been there
eight (8) years and has seen several fender benders and most of the time it is something that is
real subtle. He believes that if you have an easement there will be other traffic that is going to be
shooting through and he feels that someone is going to really seriously get hurt. Also, the buses
that are out there and like. He said he is out there early in the morning around 6:00 AM when
the drivers are getting their coffee. From time to time, he might see a parked car out there that is
not from the Modern Maturity Center and he thinks that if they had this easement it is just going
to open it up to other people to come and do whatever. His main concern is for his safety as far
as being a business and working at the Modern Maturity Center and his employees that are there
for their safety as well. If we have so much traffic running through he feels that it will just be
unsafe.
Mr. L.D. Shank – 309 Corey Lane, Odessa, DE – Stated that his family is the adjacent
property owner to the Modern Maturity Center, Dove View and to TD Bank. When this project
was initially conceived, it was with the idea of having not only Dover’s but Delaware’s first
senior community where people could walk or roll in their wheelchairs to their friends, nutrition,
health club, their money, to their drugs, and to whatever the market would supply to them. He
realizes that emotions know no laws of logic. However, the gentleman behind him gave him his
three minutes; however, he is only going to take thirty seconds and he will be out of here in three
minutes before he faints from this heat. The bottom line is do not do anything rash; don’t slam
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the door shut. He agrees with these people as they have been great neighbors; however, this is
huge. It is called the market and we do not know what the market is going to give us. We
already know that the market has given us a bankruptcy so if nothing else make sure that people
can walk or roll to their friends, their health club, and their nutrition.
Mr. James Hutchison – 15 Glen Eagles Court – Stated that he is here tonight as a Board
member of the Modern Maturity Center and before he make his comments he would turn and ask
that everyone who is here tonight for the Modern Maturity Center to please raise their hands. (A
hand count was not taken as the hands were raised and put down too quickly). We are here
tonight because we are concerned. We are concerned about safety. He is retired from the Dover
Police Department as the Chief of Police. He spent twenty-five (25) years of his life in the
Police Department here in the City of Dover and he has deep concerns about the application here
this evening in allowing a road connector between the two. He goes to the Modern Maturity
Center on a regular basis and as it has already been said, there are trucks there unloading, there
are buses, and there are people getting in and out of their vehicles. The Modern Maturity Center
represents over 20,000 members. There is no other organization in this City or County that
represents that many people. He urges each and every one of you as you make a decision on this
application tonight that our number one concern that we come here tonight is safety. He urges
you to deny the easement between the two.
Mr. Bill Skavicky – 150 Winterton Lane, Dover – Stated that he is a retired Delaware State
Trooper and also a Defensive Driving Instructor for the AARP. He holds classes as the Modern
Maturity Center. He has personally seen many times issues that they have with the way that the
parking lot is setup as you drive into the parking lot and pull into a parking space, your vehicle is
angled. If you allow an easement, most of the time, these people are going to be coming in the
easiest access that they have which is going to be the wrong way. It is going to be in the area in
which we have handicap parking. Most of the time the people that take these handicap spaces
have impairments that do not allow them to back up properly and a lot of times the few fender
benders that were talked about were simply where someone was backing up as someone was
coming down the road and they did not see them. With a speed limit of five (5) miles per hour
we are not talking major accidents. If you allow an easement to come through that center, you
are talking about people who would be coming through there at twenty-five (25) miles per hour
and thirty (30) miles per hour just to make it out to the light because the accessibility will be
available to them. He does not think that this is a good idea.
Mr. Ron Gogan – 124 Tammy Drive – Stated that he is not a member of the Board merely a
caregiver for one of the clients at the adult daycare facility. I am extremely concerned for the
safety of what would happen in the parking lot if we allow an easement to go through this place;
however, as it has been mentioned here a couple times this evening already, they want to put this
easement in just in case it may be needed in the future. He would like to put a “just in case” too.
Much has been talked about the safety already. He understands that this easement is holding
hostage of the Certificate of Occupancy of the facility of this building “just in case” it may be
needed in the future. Should this happen to go through and it is approved, passed, and requires
for them to have to put this easement in, he asks that this not hold up the occupancy of this
building. A lot has gone into it by the volunteers to get this building ready with a lot of
heartache and fun and most important a lot of hard work. The clients of this facility are looking
forward to occupying this new building. He would ask that you consider this as well just in case
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it winds up being approved and that it not be tied to the requirement of the road to be completed
just in case it is needed sometime in the future.
Mr. Mark Prata – Representative of Solvern Properties – Stated that Solvern Properties owns
a number of apartment complexes and manages them in and around the City of Dover. He is
here to ask a question of the Modern Maturity Center. Would you consider a contingency on
installing the connector road if come next month or whenever City Council is scheduled to hear
the rezoning of Dove View if it stays a 55 plus community? We have done some research and
have found that there is a definite need for an age restricted community in the area and we fully
support all that the Modern Maturity Center does; you do a fantastic job. We are interested in
purchasing the property and have reached out to the current owners, the bank with consideration
of purchasing it. We also know that there are two other developers that have reached out to the
new owners also interested in this kind of community.
Responding to Mr. Prata, Mrs. Townshend stated that the hearing for the rezoning is next month;
however, even if the rezoning is approved, you could still go in and put in an age restricted
community.
Mr. Prata further stated that he understands your concerns of it being a market rate apartment
complex and the cross over between younger people and older people and your concern for
safety. The question is if it stays a 55 plus community would you consider putting in the
connector road?
Mr. James Galvin – 825 Westview Terrace – Stated that first he would like to talk to you as a
Staff member of the Kent County Metropolitan Planning Organization. For those who do not
know, we have the transportation planning for Kent County. We directly work with DelDOT
and the surrounding municipalities in the County. We just finished the Neighborhood Plan for
the south side of Downtown which brings him to the first point that he would like to make. You
are all invited to the meeting on March 29, 2011 to learn about “Form Based Codes,” Mr.
Clarence Eng from the Renaissance Planning Group that helped with the Neighborhood Plan is
going to be leading that discussion and it will be a great opportunity. Second, you have my
comments I made in the DAC Report. He would like to add a few things to that report. While
the City has a requirement for the way cross access should be offered, he wants to read to you the
cross access requirements that were a part of the Delaware Route 8 Plan that was adopted by the
MPO Council in 2008. “They would like a two way connection between McDonald’s and the
signal to Kenton Road and an interconnecting street from Independence Boulevard to Mifflin
Road” which is pretty significant and he does not know if it requires the purchase of any homes.
“An interconnection between Independence Boulevard and Bennington Street, interconnection
between Dove View and Modern Maturity Center, interconnection between Heatherfield Way
and Stoney Drive, and then Heatherfield and Cranberry Run.” All of these are recommendations
to preserve the Delaware Route 8 Corridor. What he does want to mention is that he lives in the
neighborhood and travels Route 8 a lot and while he might find traffic along Route 8, when you
get out beyond Mifflin Road, the traffic really lightens up. Many of the cars that are on Route 8
in the stretch between Saulsbury Road and just beyond Mifflin Road are there on short trips to
get from one place to another; they are not there travelling through. A few cars will continue on
and do not crowd out Route 8. He is here to support the Staff recommendation of maintaining
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the cross access easement. Cross access easement is not a local road; it is simply a way for
people to get through so the City should accept no responsibility for it.
Mr. Hemmig stated that before they close the public hearing we do have a couple of letters that
were presented on your desks this evening.
Mrs. Townshend stated that a letter was received from a Mr. Donald Leiter who references that
he is on the property daily for swim therapy and “Meals on Wheels.” He does AARP Driver
Safety and is aware of the driving hazards and pedestrian problems of seniors. Essentially, the
drive aisles are in constant use by senior drivers and pedestrians in addition to private and public
buses and to permit an access road onto the Modern Maturity Center property from a mixed age
use population would endanger the lives of persons for whom the Modern Maturity Center is
serving. He is supporting removal of the cross access easement.
Mrs. Townshend further stated that a letter was received from the City of Dover Fire Department
Chief who is writing to offer support of the vehicular cross access easement that would connect
the Modern Maturity Center, Bank and Pharmacy. It would be highly beneficial to emergency
responders for reasons as follows: it would create more than one access and to the commercial
buildings should one access be blocked due to traffic being backed up at lights, and it would
allow for more areas for apparatus placement in the event of a large scale emergency as timing
plays a key role in getting control of the situation. This letter is from Jack Fortney, Jr., Fire
Chief.
Mr. Hemmig closed the public hearing after seeing no one else wishing to speak.
Mr. Baldwin stated that his concern is that in the event of large events, it is rather hazardous
trying to get out of the Modern Maturity Center. What would be our position if the City Council
denied the rezoning request? Responding to Mr. Baldwin, Mr. Hemmig stated that we have to
hear this because they put a hold on the rezoning application until they know what we have
decided on the cross access easement. He does not know if our decision will affect theirs
greatly; however, they decided to wait to hear what our decision was regarding the cross access
easement.
Mrs. Townshend stated that we are looking at this as Dove View and senior apartments versus
non-senior apartments and that is because there are buildings there. We do not know at this point
if these buildings are even salvageable so for all intents and purposes you are looking at a vacant
piece of property next door that is either going to be zoned as it currently is as Institutional and
Office or be zoned General Residence for Mid-Rise apartments. That is all City Council is
considering and they wanted to wait to make that decision until they hear what the Planning
Commission’s decision was on this; however, again, no matter what happens on the Dove View
property, it will have to come back to you and at the point, you will know whether it will be age
restricted, apartments, or something we have not even envisioned.
Mr. Tolbert stated that an offer has been presented tonight by a previous speaker that there is a
possibility that the Dove View site will be developed as an age restricted development. Will that
have an impact on the Modern Maturity’s stand on the cross access easement? Responding to
Mr. Tolbert, Mrs. Fredericks stated that as Mr. Shank shared with the group initially when we
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worked out the arrangement between the apartments and the Modern Maturity Center. There
was no cross access road; it was a walking path between a 55 plus community and a small path
for a golf cart. She would maintain that this would be the safest thing to happen there should it
be a 55 plus community.
Mr. Nichols stated that he has a great concern tonight and it seems like the consensus of the
group that is here do not want a cross access for vehicles. He believes that as Mr. Torbert said,
originally it was a small walking path for a golf cart or wheelchairs to get across. That has since
changed and there is a lot of contention here. We have to look at what we have in the place that
provides for elderly people, safety, traffic, or whatever you have it does not matter. There is a lot
of forethought that has to go into this decision on whether you are going to have cars going
across there or you are going to have wheelchairs going across there. Laws and codes can be
changed and that is one thing that can be done. Years ago his wife had an accident and we went
before the JP Court and the Chief was there; his comments were if you are going up a road you
do not have the right-of-way if you have a green light and that is exactly what he said.
Mrs. Townshend stated that she would like to address the issue of chronology of approvals of
terms of what was required and when. In 2005, when the rear building for the Modern Maturity
Center came before the Planning Commission there was no requirement on that plan for cross
access. In 2006/2007 when Dove View came before the Planning Commission, there was the
pedestrian access that was mentioned that was going to be pedestrians and golf carts; however,
there also was, at that point, a note required to be on the plan for a cross access easement for
vehicles at the northwest corner of the Dove View site with the idea that if the Modern Maturity
Center came in at a future date, they would be required to connect. When the Modern Maturity
Center came in 2010, they had a great concern about an interconnection point there that would
essentially be bringing traffic through the parking lot and that is when it was moved to this
location further south on the site. A vehicle access was part of the Dove View plan. It was not a
part of the 2005 Modern Maturity Center Plan.
Mr. Tolbert questioned if it would be improper for the Modern Maturity Center to request a
waiver of that access that is in contention tonight? Responding to Mr. Tolbert, Mr. Hemmig
stated that this is essentially what they are doing with this request.
Also responding Mrs. Townshend stated that the Code does not give waiver ability. She thinks
the issue becomes, in your consideration of this, whether they are similar use categories and that
would be how you determine whether or not it is required.
Mr. Friedman stated that he is a practitioner of golf carts and they are going to be a part of our
future and to turn a blind eye to those would probably not be wise. He unfortunately had the
opportunity to use a wheelchair recently and he does think that a cross access easement that
would allow people to walk and roll without their vehicle between the two sites is a smart move.
If he were a senior citizen, he would be interested in living in a facility near the Modern Maturity
facility. He hears nothing but marvelous things about the Modern Maturity Center. If he is the
one to make the motion, his intention would be to include that type of access easement request in
the motion as he thinks that it is wise and a smart move for the future.
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Mr. Koenig stated that he realizes that this is a very emotional and highly charged issue for
everybody; however, he would like to take us back to some of the technical arguments associated
with both the Staff recommendations and the general planning issues and engineering issues
associated with site development throughout the City. As we have heard in the testimony
tonight, this is a large regional multi-use facility. There was testimony that they have 20,000
users and many of them live outside of the City he would assume. We have in the neighborhood
of 500 parking spaces. We had testimony that indicated dinners, lunches, and various functions
that have 500 to 1,000 people attending and there are currently no restrictions on the type of
programming that can be offered at the Modern Maturity Center so it can be geared toward
seniors or towards anything that the facility wants to gear the programming to. To his
knowledge, there are no zoning restrictions on the type of programming they can offer as long as
it is approved by the Board of Directors and it can happen within that zoning category. Staff has
been working on the issue of cross access for more than twenty (20) years. That goes back to a
number of residential communities and across the board to commercial facilities and is an issue
that we have struggled with for the past twenty (20) years. If you look at the residential code, if
you have more than twenty (20) housing units in a residential subdivision, you now have to have
a second point of access to be constructed. That was a code change that has happened in the last
twenty (20) years so multiple cross access is a very large part of community planning in the City
of Dover. The cross access easement was intended to be a dual way easement. People who were
on the properties to the east of the Modern Maturity Center would have access to go to the
Modern Maturity Center and the people who are visiting the Modern Maturity Center would
have the same access to the properties of TD Bank, Walgreens and any undeveloped property. In
his opinion, these are probably real types of uses the people at the Modern Maturity Center who
are visiting that facility are likely to go to the bank or to the drug store on the way to the Modern
Maturity Center.
Mr. Koenig further stated that the cross access, in the Staff’s opinion, improves the issue of
public safety. Right now the facility is served by a single entrance, a single point of access.
When we talk about public safety, we are talking about ambulance service, EMS service, and
also fire service. The fact of the matter is a single point of entry is subject to a single point of
failure. If there is ever a point where either an accident or equipment malfunction jeopardizes
the access to the Modern Maturity Center, they are essentially cut off from emergency services.
In his opinion, while that is not a likely condition, it is a condition that needs to be planned for
and people need to be aware of it when you are making decisions at this level.
Mr. Koenig further stated that at this point, we simply do not know what is going to happen with
the Dove View complex and whether it will be an age restricted complex or if there is going to
be an apartment complex or something else. But the fact of the matter is the cross access
easement was a requirement of the approval of the Modern Maturity Center and whether it is a
55 plus community versus an apartment community it is still a development application to the
east of this property where there would be cross access easements in place. The apartment plan,
at this point, has expired and Staff as well as the Planning Commission will have the opportunity
to essentially redesign the cross access conditions, alignments, and where those access points
may go on the former Dove View site when that site comes back for review because it cannot be
constructed under the current conditions out in the field. We are being sidetracked in some cases
by the fact that we have two very large vacant structures out there neither that we know at this
point will be able to remain intact because of the extended amount of time they have been open
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to the weather. When talking about this site, we need to review it as it is a vacant piece of land
without any structures on it.
Mr. Koenig further stated coming into his final points, there is currently a condition of approval
for the Modern Maturity Center expansion that was approved a few months ago that requires the
cross access easement to be constructed. It is not a road; it is an access area. It is a condition of
approval for that expansion and it is a condition of approval that will be required to be
constructed to get a temporary or final Certificate of Occupancy on that property as it stands
today. It is not a negotiable item. The item before the Commission is whether you are going to
remove that condition as has been requested by the Modern Maturity Center.
Mr. Koenig further stated that when we talk about some of the issues related to the drivers he
thinks as the Commission we need to assume that the people who are driving on the property are
safe drivers because when we have testimony stating they have concerns about people driving
and backing up and being impaired at five (5) miles per hour these are the same drivers that are
exiting the facility out onto state roads and the highways at 45 and 50 miles per hour. They have
driver licenses and we need to consider them as safe and adequate drivers as if we were
reviewing this as a facility that has all types of people coming and going from it. From the
technical merits for the application the Staff feels that it is appropriate to require and keep in
place the prior approval of cross access. That does not necessarily equate to some of the
emotional argument that is in front of us. From the technical merits of the application, the cross
access is required and should be in place and constructed so that in the future when the adjoining
property is brought forward for development, we can finish the access and interlock these
properties.
Mr. Hemmig stated that he is very torn between the matter as he is an advocate for cross access
for interconnectivity. Where we have not achieved it, it has become a major problem especially
along the commercial Route 13. This is not particularly a heavy commercial district considering
it is residential and the Modern Maturity Center is serving the senior residents; however, at the
same time it is very important to maintain this access. It may be something we may consider that
it is not necessary where we originally located it. We originally had an agreement on cross
access at the locations indicated on the Plan before you tonight. That is not necessarily a fixed
location. There are other ways to look at this to make it a safe cross access. If you go back to
the aisle between the last angled parking and the first perpendicular parking if the cross access
was back there and that aisle was somehow curbed off with stop signs so that people coming
across would have to make a couple of stops along the way you are not going to have fast traffic.
There are realistic possibilities to do this safely in his opinion. He understands the concern about
seniors; however, if it is somewhere midway back there you are talking about where the angled
parking is for people coming forward and people parking in the perpendicular parking as going
to the back building. You will not have as much pedestrian parking back in that area. We need
to think a little bit outside of the box and consider how this can be achieved; however, by
keeping and maintaining safety.
Mrs. Townshend showed on a map on the screen where interconnectivity is currently located.
Mrs. Fredericks stated that if we are acting like the property next to us is a vacant property, how
can it have a similar use to the Modern Maturity Center? She will also say that the focus of the
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Modern Maturity Center is programs for people who are 55 plus. The other things that we do are
simply to generate funds so that we can provide those programs for those who are 55 plus. The
other thing is even if you are not calling it a “road” she believes that it is twenty-four (24) feet
wide. It has curbs on the side and has a sidewalk and even at this small area the estimate is over
$25,000 dollars to construct it so that kind of constitutes a road to her. It is twenty-four (24) feet
wide and is two lanes. This is what they were instructed to do to come up with an alternate site.
We have buildings that are located on the property where you are talking about possibly
changing it to where it would bring it right through the middle of the parking lot. She begs to
differ with your alternate site.
Mr. Friedman moved that they consider the request of the Modern Maturity Center to remove the
required cross access easement and act in favor of the removal to the extent that vehicular traffic
will not be permitted; however, that the pedestrian and golf carts/wheelchair access be
constructed so that those types of transition can occur and that additional structures not be built
to prevent vehicular movement in the case of emergencies.
Mr. Friedman stated that he does not want real deep culverts in the case that a fire truck needs to
get across the grassy area. You have two pieces of ground and if you don’t want people to transit
them dig a nine (9) foot ditch and they can’t get across and the fire truck would not be able to get
across. He is not sure how to put that into a motion; however, he does not want a road built.
However, he would like for the Fire Department to be able to access the Modern Maturity Center
given the volume of people that come to their events if that is possible.
Mr. Hemmig stated that proper procedure is that we have a motion on the floor; however, before
we can have discussion on the motion we need a second on the motion. Is there a second on the
motion?
Mr. Ambruso moved to second the motion.
Mrs. Townshend asked Mr. Friedman to repeat the motion. Responding to Mrs. Townshend, Mr.
Friedman stated what he mentioned above; however, added not to put up concrete barriers that
cannot be removed. A concrete barrier that you can get out and remove would be fine but do not
eliminate the Fire Departments access to give them an additional access point.
Mr. Hemmig stated that your proposal is to create a pathway that a fire truck could go through;
however, otherwise if not needed, it would be otherwise restricted to golf cart size.
Responding to Mr. Hemmig, Mr. Friedman stated that it happens all over the country where you
drill a hole and you put a concrete pole in it and as long as the concrete pole sits in it, you cannot
drive through it. You pick it up and you can drive through it.
Mrs. Townshend stated they could put a sixteen (16) foot wide path and a bollard or two in.
Mr. Tolbert stated that some types of signs would be required prohibiting thru traffic.
Responding to Mr. Tolbert, Mr. Friedman stated that people are not going to get out of their car
and pick up a concrete pole and drive through.
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Mr. Koenig stated that if that proposal is going to be considered, he would ask that this be tabled
because that really needs to be reviewed in depth by Staff because sitting here and trying to
design it while talking about it at a Commission meeting is not appropriate in his opinion.
Mr. Hemmig stated that he feels that we would need input from emergency services such as the
Fire Department, Police and so on. He feels that this is a proposal with merit.
Mr. Friedman stated that it did not seem to be complicated to him; however, he does not want to
stall this whole process and he would be glad to amend and remove it from the motion.
Mr. Friedman stated that he would amend the motion to remove that portion (Fire Department
access) if it which is supported by the second on the motion. The motion is now cross access just
for the pedestrian and golf cart type vehicles.
Mrs. Townshend started that you need to move to amend the motion to remove that emergency
access and need a second on that and then vote on the amendment.
Mr. Hemmig stated that we have a motion to amend the original motion. Do we have a second
on that amendment?
Mr. Nichols moved to second the motion.
Mr. Hemmig questioned if there was any discussion on the motion to amend the original motion?
What we are voting on now is to amend the original motion to remove the requirement to allow
any kind of future access for fire trucks or any other emergency vehicles basically anything other
than larger than a golf cart.
Mr. Hemmig ask all those in favor of Mr. Friedman’s motion to amend the original motion to say
aye, all were in favor 7-1 with Mr. Hemmig in opposition and Colonel Welsh absent.
Mr. Hemmig stated that the original motion is for a golf cart or wheelchair and for pedestrian
access, further discussion on that motion? Mr. Hemmig questioned how do we define what is a
golf cart width path that would restrict vehicular traffic?
Responding to Mr. Hemmig, Mr. Friedman stated that he would say it would be a hard surface of
a width substantial enough to accommodate a small vehicle like a golf cart and not substantial
enough to accommodate a vehicle.
Mrs. Townshend stated that a typical multi-use path is going to be either eight (8) or ten (10) feet
wide.
Mr. Friedman stated that he would be glad to have the golf cart path be ten (10) feet.
Responding to Mr. Friedman, Mr. Hemmig stated that this would be wide enough to get a car
through. Mr. Friedman stated then let’s not make it ten (10) feet. He did not know that he
needed to be specific about the width. He thought that you could figure that out.
Mr. Ide stated that a golf cart width is five (5) feet.
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Mr. Hemmig stated that what he is trying to say here is if you create a golf cart path and you
build it to any type of specification, it is probably going to be wide enough to get a car through.
This is why he is concerned about your motion and getting into those technicalities.
Mr. Koenig stated that we are not designing anything lately with golf cart access because we just
do not have that in the manual at the moment.
Mr. Friedman questioned how wide a sidewalk is? Responding to Mr. Friedman, Mr. Koenig
stated that a sidewalk is five (5) feet wide.
Mr. Friedman further stated that he would suggest that the width of the golf cart path be five (5)
feet wide and that would not be sufficient for a vehicle, but would be sufficient for a vehicle of
that size.
Mrs. Townshend stated that the problem would be that it wouldn’t be sufficient for a golf cart if
there are pedestrians on it as well. The question is do you want it to be a golf cart path or do you
want it to be a sidewalk connection? Do you want it to be a multi-use path?
Mr. Friedman questioned why she was asking a question that he has already answered. He wants
it to be a golf cart path sufficient for a golf cart, but not sufficient for a vehicle so that a vehicle
would not be driving on it. Maybe you could do that by signage. He did not know that they
were going to design it or that we were going to describe it.
Mr. Tolbert questioned if it was incumbent upon us to get into that specificity as to the width and
the motion? He does not think so; this is ridiculous.
Mrs. Townshend stated from a process standpoint, whatever gets approved tonight and Mr. Ide
and I have talked about some changes that need to be made to the Site Plan, this will need to be
put on a Site Plan and we will have to have a revised set of final plans. Our concern on the Staff
end is without knowing what the Commission wants in terms of width we cannot really approve
it.
Mr. Friedman questioned what we called it the last time we had it on the books? The last time
we approved this before we made it a vehicular access we called it a golf path and pedestrian
walkway. How was it described at that time, lets describe it the same way, do you remember?
Responding to Mr. Hemmig, Mrs. Townshend stated that there was not any design for it as part
of the Plan.
Mr. Friedman further questioned was it not approved as a cross access so, how ever we described
it then lets describe it that way again or has something changed? Responding to Mr. Friedman,
Mrs. Townshend stated that it was a note on the Plan.
Mr. Ide stated that he agrees with everybody’s comments on this. He also agrees that God forbid
there is an emergency and that the Route 8 entrance is blocked and that Mr. Koenig’s suggestion
about emergency egress is a concern. One suggestion is that you could make the access on that
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side large enough for a fire apparatus to get through by use of mountable bollards which are
items that are placed that only a fire truck or emergency vehicle or someone who is not suppose
to be there can ride over top of those. You can place them to where a golf cart can ride through a
five (5) foot path and then have a three (3) foot path on the other side of that so that pedestrians
can walk safely. The suggestion would be five (5) foot, have the mountable partitions in the
center, and then three (3) foot to the right or left of that to allow pedestrians to go through and in
the case of emergency fire apparatus can access the site.
Mrs. Townshend stated that she thinks that this is a good suggestion; however, she would be
hesitant to have us accept something for fire apparatus access that the Fire Department has not
agreed would be acceptable to them because there are fire access types of surfaces that have been
done other places that our Fire Department will not accept as fire access. If we want to do that,
she is all for it; however, the motion can either say in a way that meets the specifications of the
Fire Department or it comes back. The cleanest way would be to have it come back so that you
know what you are approving.
Mr. Ide stated that his reservation to that is that the existing building that is under construction is
going to be done within the next month and as it stands right now, the access point for vehicular
traffic is a condition of that Certificate of Occupancy. He does not think that it is fair to require
the owners to wait for that. If you can create a motion that would allow for emergency vehicular
access and then gear the access to golf cart and allow us to work with Staff, he feels that is an
acceptable motion.
Mr. Hemmig stated that not to belittle the point; however, it is your presentation here tonight,
your request, that has created this situation so we have to deal with it so if it takes another month,
it takes another month. We want to do it right and in line with the Code and what the
requirement is of emergency vehicles.
Mr. Friedman stated that he is beyond perplexed here. He is sitting here as a Planning
Commission member making a motion that he would like access to be between these two
properties; however, he does not want it to be vehicular access. He would like it to be wide
enough for a human being to walk and wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair and/or a golf
cart. If it accommodates those things, it cannot accommodate a vehicle. Those things are
smaller than a vehicle. By definition, you should be able to figure out how wide it should be.
They would not go through this access easement at one hundred miles an hour; they are going to
slow down and make sure they are going to be okay.
Mr. Hemmig stated that there is a motion on the floor that will restrict all vehicular access
including emergency and fire. Responding to Mr. Hemmig, Mr. Ambruso stated that he would
leave out the emergency and fire. He feels that should be excluded.
Mr. Hemmig stated that this is what his motion is doing. As it stands right now his motion is for
golf carts and pedestrian access only, does the second on the motion understand that this is what
the motion is? Responding to Mr. Hemmig, Mr. Nichols stated that yes, he does.
Mr. Hemmig asked for a vote on the motion. All were in favor of the motion 7-1 with Mr.
Hemmig opposed and Colonel Welsh absent.
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(Note: The following two applications were heard in conjunction with one another as they
pertain to the same property)
MI-11-01 Comprehensive Plan Amendments 2011 (Part B) - Public Hearing and Review for
Recommendation to City Council of an Amendment to the 2008 Comprehensive Plan, as
amended, for a request to revise the Land Use Classification associated with a series of
properties of application Z-11-02. Ordinance #2011-08. Consideration of this request for Land
Use Classification revision (Items #18-21) associated with rezoning application Z-11-02 was
rescheduled at the February Planning Commission Meeting.
Z-11-02 Lands of College Road Management Inc, Kent Storage Facilities Inc. & Loralex
Company, LLC at Railroad Avenue - Public Hearing and Review for Recommendation to City
Council on a rezoning application consisting of four parcels of land totaling of 30.78 acres ±.
The property is currently zoned M (Manufacturing Zone). The proposed zoning is RG-5
(General Residence Zone for Mid-rise Apartments). The subject property is located north of
College Road and east of the railroad corridor and Railroad Avenue. The owners of record are
College Road Management Inc., Kent Storage Facilities, LLC and Loralex Company, LLC.
Property Addresses: Grove Street and Railroad Avenue. Tax Parcels: ED05-067.00-02-53.00-
000, ED05-067.00-02-54.00-000, ED05-067.00-02-55.00-000, and ED05-067.00-02-56.00-000.
Council District 4. Ordinance #2011-04. This application was removed from the February
Meeting agenda due to complications with the Public Notice requirements.
Representative: Conny Malmberg, Principal of the Project.
Mrs. Townshend stated the proposed amendment to the 2008 Comprehensive Plan Part B, as you
recall, this was pulled from the list of amendments from last month due to an error in public
notice, no fault of the applicant. This is a request to change the Land Use Classification from
Industrial to Residential High Density on property adjacent to Railroad Avenue and Grove Street
just north of College Road behind College Settlement. The application includes four (4) parcels
of land currently zoned IPM and shown as Industrial in the Comprehensive Plan. It did come
forward to the Planning Commission as a manufacturing subdivision for a builder/contractor
yard or something of that nature. The challenge was that the only access was adjacent to the
railroad tracks which created issues with DelDOT approvals in terms of queuing on the tracks
and being an unsafe condition. The only other potential access is to come through College
Settlement. The applicant is requesting to change the Land Development Plan to allow for High
Density Residential because since they will need to take access through a residential community,
a residential use would be more appropriate than an industrial use.
Mrs. Townshend further stated that again, the Comprehensive Plan recommends that High
Density Residential be dispersed throughout the City along arterial roadways in close proximity
to other High Density Residential uses, schools, neighborhood commercial areas, transit service,
and other compatible non-residential land use areas. In terms of this particular property, it is
located just off of College Road which is identified as an urban minor arterial in the
Comprehensive Plan. It is near but across the railroad tracks from North Dover Elementary
School. It is also near Delaware State University. A number of employers include the College
Road Business Park adjacent to the site and on the other side of the railroad tracks are other high
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density residential development and transit services. The railroad tracks do impose somewhat of
an impediment accessing these services by foot. There is no neighborhood commercial in the
immediate location. There is limited road access. Access will need to be addressed at the time
of development and there are environmental constraints that could make it less suitable for high
density. There are significant woodlands on the eastern portion of the site wetlands as well. It is
adjacent to the Fork Branch Natural area.
Mrs. Townshend further stated that Staff would suggest that Medium Density Residential would
be more appropriate and that would allow for up to eight dwelling units per acre. High Density
would support more than that. We do believe that residential is more appropriate because the
access will need to take place through the residential development of College Settlement.
Mr. Malmberg stated that the original plan that we did some engineering on was an industrial
yard or a contractor’s storage yard. There is a lot of need for that because of restrictions,
especially the County on outdoor storage on people’s lots and houses. With regards to contractor
equipment, we went through the process with DelDOT and their concern was that left turning
traffic onto the existing industrial road which is Railroad Avenue has a fifty-five foot wide
access which would be adequate. We would be queuing on the railroad tracks that are
immediately to the left of the four (4) parcels that make up this application except for the one in
the middle which is Mishoe Towers. Left hand turning traffic would be queuing on the railroad
tracks and they were concerned with big vehicles. There was really no good way of getting in
there. We looked at jug handles and things like that and there was just no good right-of-way to
make it work. The College has tried to purchase the property a couple of times, but has never
been able to get it together to pull the trigger so that caused a lot of the delay between then and
now. We need to move forward and are looking for a reasonable use of the property. High
Density Residential made the most sense to them and requires access again for safety reasons not
most likely down Railroad Avenue but through College Development or Grove Street that would
require some improvements on our part. DelDOT disfavors if not actually prohibits industrial
traffic through residential neighborhoods. It is fairly obvious that it had to be residential since
we cannot access it very well for industrial purposes down Railroad Avenue and it does not make
sense to go through the residential neighborhood. Staff supports the change in zoning from its
current Industrial use. He questioned if he is doing their zoning and the Comprehensive Plan
change together?
Responding to Mr. Malmberg, Mrs. Townshend stated that it is two separate public hearings;
however, the case is the same for both so you can address both now.
Mr. Malmberg further stated that the Planning Department supports the residential use because
of the logical reasons that he just illustrated. The only difference we have is whether it is High
Density Residential or Medium Density Residential and the reasons that they suggest Medium
Density Residential are reasons that I would suggest you support High Density Residential. The
site has a very distinct drop-off almost like a cliff with it being a fairly high site and then it drops
off significantly down to the stream that runs down underneath the bridge next to DSU. The site
is contiguous to DSU and the site is about thirty (30) acres. Twelve to thirteen of those acres are
on the other side of the drop off which is basically all wetlands which leaves about seventeen
(17) acres. Three (3) of those seventeen acres are under restriction until 2019 for monitoring
because a long time ago part of this site was used for encasing bad stuff, some sort of hazardous
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materials in concrete and then shipping it out. There are monitoring wells on those three acres of
the site which makes them unusable for the next eight (8) years. Because of other constraints of
setbacks and things like that, by the time you factor all those things in, engineering, roadways,
and parking, we would not request and would commit to not putting more units in there than
would be allowable under the Medium Density Residential which is 240 apartment units;
however, we need a high density zoning classification so that we can achieve that because
without that because of design constraints, he does not think with three story garden style
apartments were permitted under the zoning classification suggested by Staff, we would be able
to achieve the density. We would commit to not exceeding the 240 units which Staff is okay
with; however, we would like the design ability to design buildings that would allow us to
achieve those 240 units.
Mr. Malmberg further stated that a couple of things that would suggest that you support this
position are that this is on an arterial roadway which is supportive of the high density zoning that
has been requested. There is, as noted by the Staff report, the transit services available. It says it
is not supporting commercial use; however, this property is adjacent to DSU and less than a mile
from the Acme Shopping Center and Dover Downs. It is a logical place for this use of the
property and for construction and design we think it is important to have the High Density
Residential zoning that we have requested.
Mr. Holt questioned that they would rather go with the High Density than the Medium Density is
that correct? Responding to Mr. Holt, Mr. Malmberg stated that the request is for RG-5 and was
surprised that it was not supported by the Planning Staff. Responding to Mr. Malmberg, Mrs.
Townshend stated that the height issues would prevent, without a PND, clustering of the density
in a taller building.
Mr. Friedman stated that his understanding in reading that the Staff’s concerns were primarily
the environmental constraints and those are defined specifically as the cliff drop off and the
wetlands that reside below. Responding to Mr. Friedman, Mrs. Townshend stated yes, these
were the concerns.
Mr. Friedman stated that with regards to the limited street access, he did not quite understand
that. Are we talking about percentage, could you explain further? Responding to Mr. Friedman,
Mrs. Townshend stated that they are not public streets so there is quite a bit that needs to be
figured out.
Also responding to Mr. Friedman, Mr. Koenig stated that not to mention that they are not public
streets; however, there is property that is not actually in City limits so there is property that is
located in Kent County. These are paper streets that were platted many, many years ago and in
some cases, there may be encroachments on those platted paper streets. The City has not
monitored this because the streets are located in Kent County. There are a number of challenges
related to access to the property that would have to be resolved for future development.
Mr. Hemmig questioned did you do the calculations for how many units you could build with
Medium Density versus High Density? Responding to Mr. Hemmig, Mr. Malmberg stated that
Medium Density is easy to figure out; it is eight (8) units per acre and there is thirty (30) acres so
it is 240 units. High density he does not even know if there is a density limit.
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Also responding to Mr. Hemmig, Mrs. Townshend stated that High Density is based on the
minimum square footage which is 900 square foot per unit; however, the arithmetic only gets
you so far because as Mr. Malmberg indicated, once you factor in certain things like parking.
Interjecting Mr. Malmberg stated that his figure would be forty-five (45) units per acre and
unless we are going to build a skyscraper that is not going to happen. He would be willing to
commit to not creating more than the 240 units which would be under the Medium Density
category. It just gives us more design flexibility for buildings that could actually get to that point
if we are down to a useable twelve (12) acres.
Mrs. Townshend stated that we cannot, through the zoning process, restrict any commitments
made during the rezoning process. It cannot be enforced as conditions on a development
application. That becomes the challenge; however, again the site restraints are going to push
down the density from a theoretical density of forty-five (45) units because the land area is not
there to support it once you take out the restrained portions. The other option would be under the
Medium Density zoning classification a Planned Neighborhood Design could be implemented to
allow for the bulk standard waivers to get that density higher up.
Mr. Hemmig stated that we essentially have a situation where we have to take Mr. Malmberg’s
word for it; if we allow High Density that he will not exceed 240 units.
Mrs. Townshend stated that you can do two public hearings at once consecutively since we
discussed both matters.
Mr. Hemmig opened the public hearing for MI-11-01 Comprehensive Plan Amendments 2011
(Part B) and after seeing no one wishing to speak closed the public hearing.
Mr. Hemmig opened a public hearing for Z-11-02 Lands of College Road Management, Inc.,
Kent Storage Facilities Inc & Loralex Company, LLC at Railroad Avenue.
Mr. James Galvin – Staff Member of Kent County MPO – Stated that in the comments that
they made on the rezoning application, which we technically do not do, one of the things that we
are concerned about is maintaining rail access into the City and County. The fact that this
property is immediately adjacent to the rail line and they share a right-of-way, the MPO would
like to see some kind of buffer between the rail line and the residential units. He is not sure how
you could use the property, but something to make it part of the project so that you do not have
the immediate nuisance of the rail with the residents of the property.
Mr. Hemmig closed the public hearing after seeing no one else wishing to speak.
Mr. Hemmig stated that this is one of his major concerns as well and apartment complex right
next to the railroad tracks. He has the occasion to be in JP Court quite often and that is a brick
building of masonry construction and it is a good 100 feet away from the railroad tracks and that
building shakes like crazy when a train comes through even at a very slow speed. He does not
know why anyone would want to live in an apartment right next to railroad tracks. Will you be
able to meet the MPO’s recommendation of the buffer?
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CITY OF DOVER PLANNING COMMISSION MARCH 21, 2011
Responding to Mr. Hemmig, Malmberg stated that he assures you that it would be in both the
uses best interest as well as the railroads best interest to give as much separation as possible for
the reasons that you just stated.
Mr. Friedman moved to forward to City Council approval of MI-11-01 Comprehensive Plan
Amendments 2011(Part B) from Industrial to Residential High Density, seconded by Mr. Tolbert
and the motion was unanimously approved 8-0 with Colonel Welsh absent.
Mr. Friedman moved to forward to City Council approval of Z-11-02 Lands of College Road
Management, Inc., Kent Storage Facilities, Inc., and Loralex Company, LLC at Railroad Avenue
with the four (4) parcels of lands associated with it and rezoning it to RG-5 as requested by the
applicant, seconded by Mr. Nichols and the motion was unanimously carried 8-0 with Colonel
Welsh absent.
MI-11-02 Text Amendments: Solar and Wind Energy Amendments - Public Hearing and
Review and Action on a Recommendation to City Council regarding proposed amendments to
the Zoning Ordinance. The proposed ordinance would allow solar energy systems and small
wind energy systems as accessory uses in all zoning districts, and set standards for such systems
within residential zones and non-residential zones. The proposed amendment adds a new Article
5 Section 20 to the Zoning Ordinance and additional definitions to Article 12. Ordinance #2011-
01.
Representative: Staff
Mrs. Townshend provided an overview of the application
Mr. Holt questioned that what you are saying is if you put a wind power unit on your house it
would be just for your house you could not be selling to your neighbors. Responding to Mr.
Holt, Mrs. Townshend stated that yes that is correct.
Mr. Tolbert stated that there are a lot of areas in Dover, because of the closeness of properties to
each other they would not be able to put in that kind of wind power unit. Responding to Mr.
Tolbert, Mrs. Townshend stated that this is correct. There are some places where it would not be
feasible because the setback is essentially the height of the tower plus one blade so you are
looking at probably fifty (50) feet from the property line. In some cases, that may not be a bad
thing because this is one of those things where it is new area and is a challenge. If you are real
close that’s where you end up with neighbors complaining about the noise of your wind turbine.
Mr. Holt questioned if Staff had any action on this now with anyone putting them in?
Responding to Mr. Holt, Mrs. Townshend stated that we have not had wind. If you drive up
Saulsbury Road you can see that The Little School, NCALL, and the City of Dover’s Electric
Administration building have solar roof mounted solar panels. We were approached by a
developer/property owner who owns a campus and they looked into putting solar panels on the
roofs. Because of the design of the building, the roof would not have supported them. That is
when they started looking at the idea of ground mounted and we determined that we need to set a
standard because the Code was virtually silent on it because we have not had this.
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CITY OF DOVER PLANNING COMMISSION MARCH 21, 2011
Mr. Nichols questioned what is the height of a free standing tower for wind? Responding to Mr.
Nichols, Mrs. Townshend stated that they are typically high; however, she does not know
specifically, but her understanding is they tend to be about fifty (50) feet high. They would have
to be setback by whatever the height of the tower plus one blade from the property line.
Mr. Nichols stated that there would be no wind at fifty (50) feet. The wind would not be there
and would have to be higher than that. The big towers are 240 feet tall and the propeller blades
are 240 feet in diameter and they are out where there is a lot of wind. There is hardly any place
around here where the wind would be restricted and would never turn it. Responding to Mr.
Nichols, Mrs. Townshend stated that anyone who is going to get a wind turbine for their house or
for their business, it would be on them to determine what the specifications are. Again, wind
varies depending on where you are so it would be on that person to determine if it is going to
work for them and how high it would need to be. What we would look at is if it is determined
that it needs to be seventy-five (75) feet then we would need to determine that it is seventy-five
(75) feet plus the length of the blade from your property lines.
Mr. Tolbert stated that in this letter that we have, they make mention that there are devices that
do not use those propeller type uses and that they may be better for some sites. Responding to
Mr. Tolbert, Mrs. Townshend stated that it appears that way. In looking at the letter it appears
that the turbines with the propellers are the types of systems that Mr. Malkiewicz is concerned
about. However, that specifically is what the State statute gets at and severely limits our ability
to limit them so unfortunately, we are not able to take something and change it from the
minimum of what the State lets us do.
Mr. Hemmig questioned on line #36 Paragraph B under 24.12 regarding the sound not exceeding
five (5) decibels above the existing average noise level, how would you ever determine that and
how is it enforceable? Responding to Mr. Hemmig, Mrs. Townshend stated that this is where we
just took what the State gave us. If we were going to have to do that we would have to get the
measuring equipment or hire someone with that measuring equipment.
Mr. Tolbert questioned if the Police Department would have this measuring equipment for when
they receive noise complaints? Responding to Mr. Tolbert, Mr. Koenig stated that this is
different. This type of sound study would be similar to what they do on Federal road projects
where there are Federal funds. If they have to do some noise attenuation studies you would hire
that type of contractor and they have all kind of standards on how they measure decibels and
what is average and what is not average. It is not cheap.
Mr. Hemmig stated that regarding Line #80 where it talks about the setbacks being one times the
height for the propeller. No where around here is a maximum height stated; however, aren’t
there going to be some height restrictions with regards to the Air Force Base or FFA
requirements on maximum heights of towers in City limits? Responding to Mr. Hemmig, Mrs.
Townshend stated that the issue is that this is the area where the State preempted us on this. She
does not believe that they can actually give a maximum height as long as it meets the setback. If
there is something in terms of FFA with a small wind system they are not going to be high
enough to get into the FFA concerns. She is not sure about the Air Force Base. The Air Force
Base would have more concerns with a large wind energy system field. The idea is that these are
going to be smaller because the generations are less.
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CITY OF DOVER PLANNING COMMISSION MARCH 21, 2011
Mr. Hemmig stated that he would like to talk about the removal of solar energy system that is not
being used or is in disrepair. There is no timeframe given on how soon it has to be removed.
Should we have something in there such as six (6) months? Responding to Mr. Hemmig, Mrs.
Townshend stated that we had some extensive discussion about decommissioning and the
concern was that once you set a time, the issue becomes when it comes into a state of disrepair
then you address it. What we did not want to do, if for instance there is an accessory solar
structure and it is maintained but it is not operational for whatever reason, as long as it is
maintained and can be useable, immediately non-use is not the problem. The problem is when
they start to deteriorate and then they become a nuisance. If we set a timeframe, we could end
up causing something to be removed that could be fully functional if you change tenants.
Mr. Hemmig further stated that on Line #119 where you define small wind energy system you
say primarily to reduce on-site consumption. That leaves them open for non on-site
consumption? Responding to Mr. Hemmig, Mrs. Townshend stated that typically as she
understands it, anywhere that people have solar or wind systems that are for that specific
property, there are typically cycles where they may produce more than they need and then can
sell it back into the grid. She does not know if this is regulated by the Public Service
Commission; however, there is a mechanism for doing that and becomes secondary when there is
an excess that they are not using.
Mr. Hemmig opened a public hearing.
Mrs. Townshend stated that a letter was received from Michael J. Malkiewicz, Esquire who is a
City resident. He wanted to bring a couple of issues to our attention. He talks about the height
of the propeller. Windmills are sold that have vertical centrifugal wing devices rather than a
propeller and the noise created by the propeller or the noise of the vibrations of the structure that
the windmill is attached to. Damages caused by the structure and the windmill can come apart
during a storm were issues of concern. Some of the windmills that can be purchased by residents
and installed on their roofs or attached to their homes have given rise to nuisance complaints by
neighbors who are bothered by the constant noise or thumping of the propeller. Essentially, his
concern is the issue of windmills rather than centrifugal wing device; however, this is an area
where the State has preempted us in terms of the legislation that they have passed.
Mr. Hemmig stated that we cannot add anything to say the tower plus any moving parts?
Responding to Mr. Hemmig, Mrs. Townshend stated that the height is the tower plus the blade.
In terms of something that spins horizontally and not vertically, we would end up looking at the
overall height because it is not higher than the tower. In terms of the central part of his concern,
she does not think that we are able to say that you cannot do the propellers.
Mr. Hemmig closed the public hearing after seeing no one else wishing to speak.
Mr. Ambruso moved to forward to City Council a recommendation of approval of MI-11-02 Text
Amendments: Solar and Wind Energy Amendments, the proposed ordinance that would allow
solar energy systems and small wind energy systems as accessory uses in all zoning districts and
set standards for such systems within the residential and non-residential zones, seconded by Mr.
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CITY OF DOVER PLANNING COMMISSION MARCH 21, 2011
Tolbert and the motion was unanimously carried 7-0 with Colonel Welsh absent and Mr.
Friedman leaving at 9:26 PM.
NEW BUSINESS
Dover Transit Center Neighborhood Plan
Mr. Hemmig stated that this Plan was presented to us at the Quarterly Workshop last month and
they have requested that we make a formal motion to bless the Plan which we could not do at
that Quarterly Workshop as we cannot vote on items at that meeting.
Mr. Tolbert moved to endorse/approve the Dover Transit Center Neighborhood Plan as
presented, seconded by Mr. Baldwin and the motion was unanimously carried 7-0 with Colonel
Welsh absent and Mr. Friedman leaving the meeting at 9:26 PM.
Meeting adjourned at 9:46 PM
Sincerely,
Diane Metsch
Secretary
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City of Dover
DATA SHEET FOR CONDITIONAL USE SITE PLAN REVIEW
DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING OF April 7, 2011
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING OF April 18, 2011
Plan Title: Because We Care Veterans Home
C-11-01
Plan Type: Conditional Use Site Plan
Property Location: West side of McKee Road, north of the Emerald Pointe subdivision
Property Addresses: 1420 McKee Road
Tax Parcel: ED05-067.00-01-20.00-000
Owner: Healing Wings Christian Center
Present Zoning: R-8 (One Family Residence Zone)
COZ-1 (Corridor Overlay Zone)
Existing Use: Church/School/Daycare
Proposed Use: Philanthropic Use of a Veterans Home
Site Area: 3.322 acres
Building Area: Existing – 6,344 S.F. (related to this project)
Impervious Areas: Existing – 35%
P. O. Box 475 Dover, DE 19903
Community Excellence Through Quality Service
Page 38
C P
I L
CITY OF DOVER T A
Y N
DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE N
O I
APPLICATION REVIEW COMMENTARY F N
G
D.A.C. MEETING DATES: April 7, 2011 D
O
V
E
APPLICATION: Because We Care – Veterans Home at 1420 McKee Road
R
FILE #: C-11-01 REVIEWING AGENCY: City of Dover Planning
CONTACT PERSON: Michael J. Albert, AICP PHONE #: (302) 736-7196
PLAN SUMMARY:
This Plan is for the review of a Conditional Use Site Plan for the use of an existing building at
1420 McKee Road as a Veterans Home/Dormitory under the philanthropic use provisions of the
One Family Residence Zone. The project area consists of one parcel of land totaling 3.322 acres
± of land zoned R-8 (One Family Residence Zone) and COZ-1 (Corridor Overlay Zone). The
property site is located on the west side of McKee Road, north of the Emerald Pointe
subdivision. The owner of record is Healing Wings Christian Center. The property address is
1420 McKee Road. Tax Parcel: ED05-067.00-01-20.00-000.
The existing site is currently used for both church services and school/daycare operations. The
proposed use as a veterans’ home would be an extension of the existing philanthropic use. The
dormitory use as proposed shall be treated as a residential use where in question for this review.
CONDITIONAL USE:
Due to its location, this type of land use as a benevolent/philanthropic use requires Conditional
Use approval by the Planning Commission as noted in Article 3 §3.14 of the Zoning Ordinance.
1.14 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 section 10.1
and to any specified requirements set forth below:
(a) Places of worship, including parish houses; [and] schools, including nursery schools,
kindergartens and day care centers in accordance with article 5, Supplementary
Regulations, section 14. Day care facilities; philanthropic and eleemosynary institutions;
hospitals and sanitariums for general medical care; and funeral homes subject to the
following requirements:
i. Any school permitted under this paragraph [subsection 1.14(a)] shall be a
nonprofit organization within the meaning of the Internal Revenue Act and shall
be registered effectively as such there under.
ii. Any school permitted under this paragraph [subsection 1.14(a)], other than a
kindergarten, nursery school, or day care center, shall occupy a lot with an area
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C-11-01 Because We Care – Veterans Home at 1420 McKee Road
DAC Report for April 7, 2011
of not less than two acres, plus one acre for each 100 pupils for which the
building is designed.
iii. Any kindergarten or nursery school permitted under this paragraph
[subsection 1.14(a)] shall be limited to a maximum of 50 children in zones R-8
thru R-20 and a maximum of 100 children in all other zones. At least 100 square
feet of outdoor play space per child shall be provided. Outdoor play space shall
be fenced or otherwise enclosed on all sides and shall not include driveways,
parking areas, or land unsuited by other usage or natural features for children's
active play space. Fencing or other enclosures shall be a minimum height of four
feet. The minimum lot area for each ten, or remainder over the multiple of ten,
children shall be the same as the minimum lot area requirement for each dwelling
unit in the districts in which such uses are to be located.
iv. No such building or part thereof shall be erected with less than a 50-foot front
yard or nearer than 25 feet from any other street or property line.
v. The sum of all areas covered by all principal and accessory buildings shall
not exceed 20 percent of the area of the lot.
vi. Courts shall conform to the requirements of article 5, section 3 hereof.
(b) Railroad and public utility rights-of-way and structures necessary to serve areas
within the city, subject to such conditions as the planning commission may impose in
order to protect and promote the health and safety and general welfare of the community
and the character of the neighborhood in which the proposed structure is to be
constructed.
(c) Country clubs or other annual membership clubs, catering exclusively to members
and their guests, and accessory private playgrounds, golf courses, swimming pools,
tennis courts and recreation buildings not conducted as business enterprises, provided
that the following operations shall be prohibited:
i. Outdoor entertainment, live or mechanical;
ii. The use of outdoor public address systems for any purpose; and
iii. Exterior lighting producing glare at the lot line other than that essential for the
safety of the users of the premises.
No building erected under the provisions of this paragraph [subsection 1.14(c)] shall be so erected nearer
than 50 feet to any street or property line.
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. The sections of
the Zoning Ordinance which relates to the role of the Commission in reviewing Conditional Use
applications are particularly relevant when reviewing this application:
1.1 [Accessibility for fire and police protection.] That all proposed structures, equipment or
material shall be readily accessible for fire and police protection;
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C-11-01 Because We Care – Veterans Home at 1420 McKee Road
DAC Report for April 7, 2011
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
indirectly adjacent to, a residential zone:
a. 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 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
b. The location and height of buildings, the location, nature and height of walls and
fences, and the nature and extent of landscaping on the site shall be such that the use
will not hinder or discourage the appropriate development and use of adjacent land and
buildings.
1.4 [Permits.] The commission may require that conditional use permits be periodically renewed.
Such renewal shall be granted following due public notice and hearing, and may be withheld only
upon a determination by the building inspector to the effect that such conditions as may have
been prescribed by the commission in conjunction with the issuance of the original permit have
not been, or are being no longer, complied with. In such cases, a period of 60 days shall be
granted the applicant for full compliance prior to the revocation of the said permit. Any use for
which a conditional use permit may be granted shall be deemed to be a conforming use in the
district in which such use is located, provided that:
a. The provision in this ordinance under which such permit was issued is still in effect;
b. Such permit was issued in conformity with the provisions of this ordinance; and
c. Such permit shall be deemed to affect only the lot or portion thereof for which such
permit shall have been granted.
For a property seeking Conditional Use approval in the R-8 Zoning District, Article 10 §1.6
outlines the submission requirements. These requirements include a map of the property showing
existing conditions with the appropriate legal data.
PARKING SUMMARY
The parking requirements for the different uses on this site are set forth in Article 6, Section 3.
For places of worship, one parking space is required for every 200 SF of building area or one
space per every four seats. Based on the proposed square footage of the church use, 18 parking
spaces are required by square footage and thirty-eight (38) parking spaces are required by seat
count. The stricter requirement is the one used for the parking requirement.
For elementary and junior schools, one parking space is required for every 8 seats of the
auditorium/cafeteria/gymnasium. This particular school however does not have this building
type to base the calculation on. The plan uses a calculation of one space per 8 students for a total
of nine additional parking spaces. Planning Staff recommends that this calculation be approved
as part of any motion to approve the proposed use.
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C-11-01 Because We Care – Veterans Home at 1420 McKee Road
DAC Report for April 7, 2011
Lastly, the dormitory use is required to provide one parking space per three beds. The plan states
that 14 rooms are provided in the dormitory and as such, five additional parking spaces are
required.
The total required parking on site (should the parking calculation for the school be approved) is
51 (fifty-one). The site currently provides 52 (fifty-two) parking spaces and meets the required
parking.
Bicycle Parking
The site is required to provide bicycle parking. The bicycle parking calculation is one (1) for
every twenty (20) parking spaces. Based on the number of required parking spaces, three (3)
bicycle parking spaces are required. The location of the bike rack needs to be located on the site
plan.
SITE CONSIDERATIONS
Loading Berths
Article 6, Section 4.21 requires that one loading berth be provided for the first 10,000 S.F. of
building area. The plans state that 13,707 S.F. of building area is located on the site. As such,
the site is required to provide two loading berths. The plans show five bus parking spaces that
are identified for this purpose.
Dumpsters
Dumpsters for trash collection are required for the development of the site. Based on the amount
of size of the building, one (1) dumpster pad location is required. The plan provides a dumpster
pad location; however, the location as depicted does not meet the current standards for dumpster
location and orientation. The minimum dimensions for a dumpster pad is 12 feet deep and 12
feet wide. The applicant needs to revise the dumpster pad on the site and align it such that access
is not in conflict with the existing parking.
Sidewalks
Sidewalks are required along the property’s entire street frontages of Old McKee Road.
Sidewalk is constructed already and is shown on the plan.
BUILDING ARCHITECTURE
No additions or improvements to the existing structures are planned. The buildings will remain
unchanged.
COZ-1: Corridor Overlay Zone
The parcel involved with this application is within the COZ-1 (Corridor Overlay Zone). The
Zoning Ordinance details the requirements of the COZ-1 in Article 3 §27 and its subsections.
The Corridor Overlay Zone as a planning and growth management tool is designed to foster and
attractive, efficient, and economically vibrant commercial corridor along Route 8/Forrest Avenue
and Saulsbury/McKee Roads. To this end, more stringent standards are applied to commercial
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C-11-01 Because We Care – Veterans Home at 1420 McKee Road
DAC Report for April 7, 2011
development taking place in the corridor. A discussion of the provisions of the COZ-1 which
apply to this application follows below.
No new buildings or parking facilities are proposed with this plan. Aspects of the COZ-1
that relate to building architecture, building placement, parking lot design, etc., are not
required as the site is considered an existing condition.
Where the COZ-1 is concerned, the applicable portions of the Code relate to planting
requirements.
The plans must be revised to meet the planting requirement of 1 tree per 50 feet of frontage and 1
tree per 75 feet of side and rear yard along the property boundaries. These plantings are
permitted to count towards the required tree planting requirement.
TREE PLANTING AND LANDSCAPE PLAN
The submitted plan does not include the required Landscaping details. Based on the site area of
3.322 acres, a total of forty-nine (49) trees are required. The plan shows some existing trees on
site as well as a portion of the site that appears to be woodlands. The exact tree planting
requirement must be determined once the applicant has provided the non-woodland area of the
site and has confirmed the number of existing tree plantings.
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 data column needs to be updated prior to Final Approval. Some of the items which need
revising are as follows:
a) Several items require updating to current Code standards and all area totals must be re-
checked to confirm they are correct.
b) The parking count must be updated to reflect current parking requirements.
c) The statement pertaining to shared use of the parking facilities must be removed from the
plan.
d) Update the number of required loading spaces to two as it appears the total square
footage for the site exceeds 10,000 S.F.
e) Include a note in the Data Column detailing the proposed use, the number of rooms
allotted towards that use, and the maximum number of permitted residents.
f) Indicate the calculation of required bicycle parking spaces. 1 bicycle parking space for
every 20 parking spaces.
g) Indicate the amount of non-woodland area.
h) Any changes recommended by the Planning Commission.
2) The dumpster enclosure must be re-oriented to avoid conflict with the existing parking on
site.
3) Indicate the location of the required bicycle parking space. (Bike rack)
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C-11-01 Because We Care – Veterans Home at 1420 McKee Road
DAC Report for April 7, 2011
4) The applicant has provided a written statement of purpose that describes the use as a
veteran’s home and describes the services provided by this proposed use for consideration by
the Planning Commission.
5) The plan must be resubmitted with a landscape plan (may be the same sheet), detailing all
existing and proposed tree plantings, required plantings for the Corridor Overlay Zone, and a
planting schedule.
6) Provide the following information on the Plan Sheet:
a) Location for bicycle parking.
b) Details for proposed tree plantings.
c) Locations for proposed tree plantings.
d) Provide a note stating that the trees shall be guaranteed for one year and will be replanted
if they do not survive the one year.
7) The Final Plan sheets must be signed.
a) A Landscape Architect or certified nursery professional must sign off on the landscape
plan.
RECOMMENDATIONS SUGGESTED AS CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL TO MEET CODE
OBJECTIVES:
1) Staff recommends that the Conditional Use for the veterans home be approved to be
located in the existing rear building (western most) on the property. The use is in
character with existing operations on the site and would not create significant impact on
the surrounding neighborhood or properties.
ADVISORY COMMENTS TO THE APPLICANT:
1) Other agencies and departments which participate in the Development Advisory Committee
may provide additional comments related to their areas of expertise and code requirements.
2) 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. Upon
determination that the Plan is complete and all agency approvals have been received, copies
of the Plan may be submitted for final endorsement.
3) In the event, that major changes and revisions to the site plan occur in the finalization of the
site plan contact the Department of Planning and Inspections. These changes may require
resubmittal for review by the Development Advisory Committee, Planning Commission, or
other commissions making recommendations in regards to the plan.
4) The applicant shall be aware that Conditional Use Site Plan approval does not represent a
Building Permit and associated construction activity permits including Certificates of
Occupancy. A separate application process is required for issuance of a Building Permit from
the City of Dover.
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C-11-01 Because We Care – Veterans Home at 1420 McKee Road
DAC Report for April 7, 2011
5) The requirements of the building code or fire code must be complied with for use of the
existing building as a veterans Home.
6) 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 Dover prior to
placement of any such sign.
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 45
CITY OF DOVER
DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
APPLICATION REVIEW COMMENTARY
STAFF D.A.C. MEETING DATE: MARCH 3, 2011
APPLICATION: HEALING WINGS CHRISTIAN CENTER
1420 MCKEE ROAD
FILE #: C-11-01
REVIEWING AGENCY: City of Dover Public Utilities Department
CONTACT PERSON: Steve Enss - Electric
Sharon Duca, P.E. - Water, Wastewater, Stormwater
CONTACT PHONE #: 302-736-7070
T HE S UBJECT P ROPOSAL HAS BEEN R EVIEWED FOR C ODE C OMPLIANCE , P LAN C ONFORMITY AND C OMPLETENESS IN
A CCORDANCE WITH THIS A GENCY ’ S A UTHORITY AND A REA OF E XPERTISE .
T HE F OLLOWING I TEMS HAVE BEEN I DENTIFIED AS E LEMENTS W HICH N EED TO BE A DDRESSED BY THE A PPLICANT :
CITY AND STATE CODE REQUIREMENTS
ELECTRIC
1. Our office has no objection to the conditional use proposed for the subject property.
WATER
1. Our office has no objection to the conditional use proposed for the subject property.
2. It is our understanding that the existing water service to this site will remain adequate for the proposed use. If this is
not the case, additional information will be required for our review. All proposed water utility components must meet
the requirements of the Public Utilities Water Wastewater Handbook, effective date March 22, 2010. Please contact
our office for more information.
WASTEWATER
1. Our office has no objection to the conditional use proposed for the subject property.
2. It is our understanding that the existing wastewater service to this site will remain adequate for the proposed use. If
this is not the case, additional information will be required for our review. All proposed wastewater utility components
must meet the requirements of the Public Utilities Water Wastewater Handbook, effective date March 22, 2010.
Please contact our office for more information.
STORMWATER / GENERAL
1. None.
RECOMMENDATIONS SUGGESTED AS CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL TO MEET CODE OBJECTIVES
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/departments/electric/documents/.
WATER / WASTEWATER / STORMWATER / GENERAL
1. None.
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Healing Wings Christian Center
File #: C-11-01
March 3, 2011
Page 2 of 2
ADVISORY COMMENTS TO THE APPLICANT
ELECTRIC / WATER / WASTEWATER / GENERAL
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 .
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DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
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APPLICATION REVIEW COMMENTARY F A
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D.A.C. MEETING DATE: D S
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APPLICATION: Healing Wings Veteran’s Shelter
FILE #: C-11-01 REVIEWING AGENCY: City of Dover, Office of the Fire Marshal
CONTACT PERSON: David Truax, Fire Marshal PHONE #: (302) 736-7011
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:
Proposed building is two stories . Primary fire lanes are required to be 24 feet wide and cover
the side of the building that has the primary entrance and exit. Secondary fire lanes can be
reduced to 16 feet wide. Both can be no closer than 10 feet to the building and no farther than 50
feet from the building. Building has proper fire lanes.
Any gas fired HVAC equipment must be equipped with emergency cut off switches remotely
located.
Address numbers of at least 12 inches in height must be placed on the street side of the building
visible from the street.
Any natural or LP gas bottles, meters, values, regulators, etc., must have impact protection.
Full building and fire plan review is required.
Building cannot be occupied or construction or renovations started until completion of building
and fire plan review.
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.
Knox Box required.
Page 48
Gate to be operational with Fire Department Opti-Con system. If gate is to be locked
Project to be completed per approved Site Plan.
RECOMMENDATIONS SUGGESTED AS CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL TO MEET CODE
OBJECTIVES:
ADVISORY COMMENTS TO THE APPLICANT:
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.
All comments from this office, approved by the Planning Commission are at the expense of the
owner/applicant.
The proposed building will be reviewed under : Could not determine use of building with
information provided.
The City of Dover uses the 2009 NFPA Life Safety Code, 2009 IBC, latest editions of all other
NFPA Codes and the 2009 Delaware State Fire Prevention Regulations.
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.
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CITY OF DOVER D
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APPLICATION REVIEW COMMENTARY D
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D.A.C. MEETING DATE: March 10, 2011 T
===============================================================
APPLICATION: Healings Wings Christian Center at 1420 McKee Road
FILE#: C-11-01 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. DelDOT 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 53
City of Dover
DATA SHEET FOR CONDITIONAL USE SITE PLAN REVIEW
DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING OF April 7, 2011
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING OF April 18, 2011
Plan Title: 4-H Afterschool at Capitol Green Community Center at
416 Sussex Avenue
C-11-02
Plan Type: Conditional Use Site Plan
Property Location: South side of Sussex Avenue east of River Road.
Property Address: 416 Sussex Avenue
Tax Parcel: ED-05-077.10-02-08.00-000
Owner: Capitol Green Apartments, LLC.
Present Use: Community Building
Proposed Use: Community Building with a Day Care (afterschool program)
Sewer & Water: City of Dover
Zoning Classification: RG-1 (General Residence Zone)
P. O. Box 475 Dover, DE 19903
Community Excellence Through Quality Service
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D.A.C. MEETING DATE: April 7, 2011 G
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APPLICATION: 4-H After School Program at Capitol Green Community Center
E
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FILE #: C-11-02 REVIEWING AGENCY: City of Dover Planning
CONTACT PERSON: Janelle M. Cornwell, AICP PHONE #: (302) 736-7196
*Staff notes that the application is utilizing a former Site Plan. There are no proposed changes to
the parking or buildings as a part of this application.
PLAN SUMMARY:
This Conditional Use Site Plan Review is to permit a child care use in the existing community
building located at the Capitol Green Community Center at 416 Sussex Avenue. The project
area is on one parcel of land. The project area consists of the community building and the
outdoor play area. The property for the proposed development is zoned RG-1 (General
Residence Zone). The property is located on the south side of Sussex Avenue east of River
Road. The owner of record is Capitol Green Apartments, LLC. The property address is 416
Sussex Avenue. Tax Parcel: ED-05-077.10-02-08.00-000.
The proposed use is for an afterschool program for children within the immediately surrounding
neighborhood in grades K-6. The proposed afterschool program is considered a day care center
per the Zoning Ordinance and requires Conditional Use review and approval by the Planning
Commission.
Due to its location, this type of land use as a day care center requires Conditional Use approval
by the Planning Commission as noted in Article 5 §14 of the Zoning Ordinance.
Section 14. Day care facilities.
14.1 General. In order to promote the development of quality child care outside of the home
(day care facilities), the following two basic assumptions have been made:
14.11 The establishment of day care services and facilities, wherever there is a need, is a
necessary public objective; and
14.12 Day care programs shall be treated as community facilities and shall be permitted
to locate in any zoning district, provided that need has been demonstrated, state
licensing requirements have been met and no physical hazard to children can be
reasonably anticipated.
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C-10-03 4-H After School at Capitol Green Community Center at 416 Sussex Ave.
DAC Report – April 7, 2011
Page 2
14.2 Definitions.
Day care facility. For the purposes of this ordinance, the facilities described furnishing
care, supervision and guidance of a child or group of children unaccompanied by a
parent or guardian, for periods of less than 24 hours per day shall be defined as follows:
14.21 Day care center.
(a) Any place, other than an occupied residence, which receives children for
compensation for day care or large family day care home; and
(b) Any occupied residence which receives 13 or more children for
compensation for day care.
Day care centers shall be required to obtain conditional use approval by the
planning commission in accordance with the procedures and subject to the
general conditions set forth in article 10 and to any specified requirement set
forth in subsection 14.3 below, except in zoning districts where listed as a
permitted use.
14.22 Family day care home. An occupied residence in which a person provides care for
care in a family day care home is limited to that care given to six or fewer children. Such
child care facility shall be permitted as an accessory use in all residential zones and shall
be exempt from obtaining a conditional use permit and site plan approval.
14.23 Large family day care home. A facility which provides child care for more than six,
but less than 13 children. This care may be offered in a private home or in a property
converted to the purpose of providing child day care. This form of day care facility
requires the submission of a site plan application in accordance with the procedures and
subject to article 10, section 2 of the zoning ordinance. If a large family day care home is
not to be located in an occupied residence, then a conditional use site plan application
shall be required in accordance with article 10 section 1 of the zoning ordinance.
14.3 Zoning criteria.
14.31 Number of children. Day care centers shall be limited to a maximum of 50 children
in all residential zones.
14.32 Outdoor play area. Must meet the state requirement for day care centers.
14.33 Off-street parking/loading. One space per each adult attendant, plus one space for
every ten children.
14.34 Signs in all residential zones. Signage shall be limited as follows:
(a) Family day care homes and large family day care homes. One wall-
mounted sign limited to two square feet.
(b) Day care center. One sign, wall-mounted or freestanding, limited in area to
12 square feet. The planning commission shall consider the location of such sign
as part of the conditional use review and may approve a lesser amount of sign
area if deemed necessary by the commission to protect the general health,
safety and welfare of the public in general and the residents of the immediate
neighborhood in particular.
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C-10-03 4-H After School at Capitol Green Community Center at 416 Sussex Ave.
DAC Report – April 7, 2011
Page 3
Signs in nonresidential zones. Day care centers within nonresidential zoning
districts shall be governed by the sign regulations in effect for the particular
nonresidential zoning district in which the day care center is located.
14.35 Licensing requirements. Day care facilities must meet state standards, and a
license from the state shall be submitted to the department of planning and inspections
prior to the issuance of a City of Dover Business License.
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. The 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 fire and police protection.] That all proposed structures, equipment or
material shall be readily accessible for fire and police protection;
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
indirectly adjacent to, a residential zone:
a. 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 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
b. The location and height of buildings, the location, nature and height of walls and
fences, and the nature and extent of landscaping on the site shall be such that the use
will not hinder or discourage the appropriate development and use of adjacent land and
buildings.
1.4 [Permits.] The commission may require that conditional use permits be periodically renewed.
Such renewal shall be granted following due public notice and hearing, and may be withheld only
upon a determination by the building inspector to the effect that such conditions as may have
been prescribed by the commission in conjunction with the issuance of the original permit have
not been, or are being no longer, complied with. In such cases, a period of 60 days shall be
granted the applicant for full compliance prior to the revocation of the said permit. Any use for
which a conditional use permit may be granted shall be deemed to be a conforming use in the
district in which such use is located, provided that:
a. The provision in this ordinance under which such permit was issued is still in effect;
b. Such permit was issued in conformity with the provisions of this ordinance; and
c. Such permit shall be deemed to affect only the lot or portion thereof for which such
permit shall have been granted.
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C-10-03 4-H After School at Capitol Green Community Center at 416 Sussex Ave.
DAC Report – April 7, 2011
Page 4
Site Considerations
The site has an existing community building. A portion of the existing community building and
the outdoor play area will be utilized for the after school program. The community building was
reviewed by the Planning Commission in 2006 (S-06-32) and the building received a Certificate
of Occupancy in 2009.
Parking
The site will utilize the existing parking lot located on the site. Staff notes that the children will
come to the daycare straight from school and will walk or bike home. The afterschool program
is only for the children in the immediately adjacent neighborhood so additional parking will not
be necessary.
Bicycle Parking
Bicycle parking is required for parking areas at a rate of one bicycle parking space for every
twenty parking spaces. Bicycle parking is provided on the site.
Sidewalk
There is existing sidewalk along Sussex Avenue and around the community building. The
sidewalk along Sussex Avenue connects into the site to the building entrances.
Tree Planting
The existing trees on the site meet the tree planting requirement.
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 Site Data Column needs to be provided on the plan drawing and will need to include the
following information prior to Final Approval:
a) Any changes recommended or approvals by the Planning Commission.
RECOMMENDATIONS SUGGESTED AS CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL TO MEET CODE
OBJECTIVES:
1. None.
ADVISORY COMMENTS TO THE APPLICANT:
1) 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. Upon determination that the Plan is complete and all agency
approvals have been received, copies of the Plan may be submitted for final endorsement.
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C-10-03 4-H After School at Capitol Green Community Center at 416 Sussex Ave.
DAC Report – April 7, 2011
Page 5
2) The applicant shall be aware that the 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 Dover prior to placement of any such sign.
3) The applicant shall be aware that the Conditional Use Site Plan approval does not
represent a Certificate of Occupancy, nor does it convey permission to occupy the
building. A Certificate of Occupancy shall be obtained prior to the use of the building as
a day care center.
4) The applicant shall be aware that the 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.
5) All appropriate Building and Fire Codes shall be complied with.
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
CITY OF DOVER
DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
APPLICATION REVIEW COMMENTARY
STAFF D.A.C. MEETING DATE: MARCH 31, 2011
APPLICATION: 4-H AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM - CAPITOL GREEN
COMMUNITY CENTER
FILE #: C-11-02
REVIEWING AGENCY: City of Dover Public Utilities Department
CONTACT PERSON: Steve Enss - Electric
Sharon Duca, P.E. - Water, Wastewater, Stormwater
CONTACT PHONE #: 302-736-7070
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
1. Our office has no objection to the conditional use proposed for the subject property.
RECOMMENDATIONS SUGGESTED AS CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL TO MEET CODE OBJECTIVES
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/departments/electric/documents/.
WATER / WASTEWATER
1. None.
ADVISORY COMMENTS TO THE APPLICANT
ELECTRIC / WATER / WASTEWATER / GENERAL
1. None.
WATER
1. It is our understanding that the existing water service will be utilized for this site and that there will not be any changes
to the quantity or type of plumbing fixtures. As such, the existing water meter should also be adequate for the
proposed use. Should water service requirements or plumbing fixtures change for this site, additional review will be
required by our office. The applicant / developer will be responsible for all costs associated with providing the
appropriate service to this site based upon the use. All proposed water utility components must meet the
requirements of the Public Utilities Water Wastewater Handbook, effective date March 22, 2010.
WASTEWATER
1. It is our understanding that the existing sanitary sewer lateral will be utilized for this site. Should wastewater service
requirements or plumbing fixtures for this site change, additional review will be required by our office. The applicant /
developer will be responsible for all costs associated with providing the appropriate service to this site based upon the
use. All proposed wastewater utility components must meet the requirements of the Public Utilities Water Wastewater
Handbook, effective date March 22, 2010.
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 .
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DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
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APPLICATION REVIEW COMMENTARY F A
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D.A.C. MEETING DATE: April 7, 2011 D S
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APPLICATION: After School Program - Capital Green____________________________
FILE #: C-11-02 REVIEWING AGENCY: City of Dover, Office of the Fire Marshal
CONTACT PERSON: David Truax, Fire Marshal PHONE #: (302) 736-7011
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. Buildings under 5,000 Sq. Ft. no fire lanes required.
2. Any gas fired HVAC equipment must be equipped with emergency cut off switches
remotely located.
3. Address numbers of at least 12 inches in height must be placed on the street side of the
building visible from the street.
4. Any natural or LP gas bottles, meters, values, regulators, etc., must have impact
protection.
5. Full building and fire plan review is required.
6. Not to house more than 34 kids. More than 5 kids over the age of 2 ½ years of age,
sprinklers will be required.
7. Drawing does not show where in the building the daycare will be.
8. Drawing does not show what fire protection is in the building
9. Show location of fire hydrant.
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DAC Report
After School Program – Capital Green
Page 2
10. Building cannot be occupied or construction or renovations started until completion of
building and fire plan review.
11. 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.
12. Fire alarm system required.
13. Knox Box required.
14. Project to be completed per approved Site Plan.
RECOMMENDATIONS SUGGESTED AS CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL TO MEET CODE
OBJECTIVES:
None
ADVISORY COMMENTS TO THE APPLICANT:
1. 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.
2. All comments from this office, approved by the Planning Commission are at the expense
of the owner/applicant.
3. The proposed building will be reviewed under Daycare Occupancy.
4. The City of Dover uses the 2009 NFPA Life Safety Code, 2009 IBC, latest editions of all
other NFPA Codes and the 2009 Delaware State Fire Prevention Regulations.
5. 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.
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CITY OF DOVER D
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APPLICATION REVIEW COMMENTARY D
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D.A.C. MEETING DATE: March 31, 2011 T
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APPLICATION: After School Program at Capital Green Community Center
FILE#: C-11-02 4-H 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. DelDOT 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 63
CITY OF DOVER
DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
APPLICATION REVIEW COMMENTARY
DEVELOPER APPLICATION MEETING DATE: APRIL 2, 2011
APPLICATION: After School Program Capital Green Center
FILE #: C-11-02
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:
The Following comments are advisory and apply to the development of a detailed site plan for this project.
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.
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City of Dover
DATA SHEET FOR MINOR SUBDIVISION PLAN REVIEW
DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING OF April 7, 2011
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING OF April 18, 2011
Plan Title: Lands of Conard at 633 Long Point Road*
SB-11-01
Plan Type: Minor Subdivision Plan
Property Location: On the west side of Long Point Road, just north of North
Little Creek Road
Tax Parcel Numbers: LC05-069.00-01-07.00-000
Owner: Joan L. Conard
Site Area: 167.6 ac +/-
Parcels to be created: Lot 1: 162.6 acres +/-
Lot 2: 2.5 acres +/-
Lot 3: 2.5 acres +/-
Sewer & Water: Water: City of Dover
Sewer: Residential septic system
Zoning Classification: A (Agricultural Zone)
SWPOZ (Source Water Protection Overlay Zone): Tier 2
AEOZ (Airport Environs Overlay Zone): Noise Zone A
Waiver Requested: Elimination of sidewalk
* The property is part of the Delaware Agricultural Lands Preservation program as an
Agricultural Preservation District and Purchase of Development Rights program.
P. O. Box 475 Dover, DE 19903
Community Excellence Through Quality Service
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D.A.C. MEETING DATE: March 31, 2011 O
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APPLICATION: Lands of Conard at 633 Long Point Road
FILE #: SB-11-01 REVIEWING AGENCY: City of Dover Planning
CONTACT PERSON: Michael J. Albert, AICP PHONE #: (302) 736-7196
PLAN SUMMARY
This Minor Subdivision Plan proposes the subdivision of 167.6 ac. ± of land into three (3)
parcels: two 2.5 acre ± parcels and one 162.6 acres ± parcel. The property is zoned A
(Agricultural Zone) and is subject to the SWPOZ (Source Water Protection Overlay Zone): Tier
2 and the AEOZ (Airport Environs Overlay Zone): Noise Zone A. The property is located the
west side of Long Point Road north of North Little Creek Road. The owner of record is Joan L.
Conard. Property Address: 633 Long Point Road. Tax Parcel: LC05-069.00-01-07.00-000.
This subdivision of land and any future development on the parcels are subject to the
requirements found in the City of Dover Zoning Ordinance. Article 3 §23 and referenced
sections outline the permitted uses for the A (Agriculture Zone). Article 3 §29 references the
SWPOZ (Stormwater Protection Overlay Zone) and establishes the requirements for the
properties as they are developed in this area (though the residential uses as proposed here are
exempt from those requirements). Lastly, the subdivision is affected by the AEOZ (Airport
Environs Overlay Zone) Noise Zone A. Single family residences are a permitted use in this
Noise Zone and the primary design consideration placed on development of these properties for
residential use is the requirement for the implementation of noise reduction at 25db. The AEOZ
is referenced in Article 3 §22.
Site Considerations
For the Minor Subdivision Plan, the proposed parcels are in compliance with the lot
requirements of the Zoning Ordinance. The parcels will be subdivided into two 2.5 acres ±
parcels and one 162.6 acres ± parcel. The proposed lots do not have specific setback, lot
dimension, nor lot coverage requirements within the A (Agriculture Zone) Zoning District.
Waiver Request: Elimination of Sidewalks
Sidewalk is not present along Long Point Road in front of the proposed lots. The applicant has
submitted a waiver request to eliminate the required sidewalk. The plans must be corrected to
show the required sidewalk unless a waiver is granted by the Planning Commission.
Delaware Agricultural Lands Preservation
The Conard farm is part of the Delaware Agricultural Lands Preservation program and has a
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SB-11-01 Lands of Conard: Minor Subdivision
DAC Report for April 7, 2011
Page 2
preservation easement on the parcel in question. The details of this easement as it pertains to the
proposed subdivision limit the amount of land that may be used for residential purposes to eight
(8) acres or one acre for every twenty acres of usable farm land. The subdivision as proposed
complies with this requirement. In addition to this, the Conard farm is restricted to using the
newly created parcels for the residential use of family members and farm labor only.
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 Plan will need to be updated to reflect any changes recommended or approvals by the
Planning Commission.
2) Indicate the following in the Site Data Column on the Plan Sheet:
a.) Move the Source Water Protection Overlay Zone to the zoning portion of the data
column.
3) Update all owner information for properties surrounding the subject site. Include parcel
identification numbers for all surrounding parcels.
4) Sheet #2 is not necessary for recordation as the information is clearly presented on Sheet #1.
Please remove the “See Sheet 2” notation on the record plan.
5) Check and confirm the easements as shown on the plan.
a) The 30ft. of right of way dedication may not be required per DelDOT due to the
nature of the proposed use. See DelDOT comments.
b) Ensure that the easement on Long Point Road is identified on the plan.
RECOMMENDATIONS SUGGESTED AS CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL TO MEET CODE
OBJECTIVES:
1) Recommendation on waiver to eliminate the required sidewalk – Staff supports the waiver
request to eliminate the required sidewalk along Long Point Road. The area is isolated and
there are no sidewalks along the road. It is not abutting development that would benefit from
the implementation of sidewalk at this time. Further, the existing property extends into the
right of way for Long Point Road and should the road be expanded, any sidewalk along it
would likely be replaced or implemented at that time.
ADVISORY COMMENTS TO THE APPLICANT:
1) In the event, that major changes and revisions to the plan occur in the finalization of the plan
contact the Department of Planning and Inspections. These changes may require resubmittal
for review by the Development Advisory Committee, Planning Commission, or other
agencies making recommendations in regards to the plan.
2) Following Planning Commission approval of the Minor Subdivision Plan, the Plan must be
revised to meet all conditions of approval from the Development Advisory Committee or as
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SB-11-01 Lands of Conard: Minor Subdivision
DAC Report for April 7, 2011
Page 3
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.
3) Upon final approval and endorsement, this Minor Subdivision Plan must be recorded at the
Kent County Recorder of Deeds Office.
4) The applicant shall be aware that Minor Subdivision approval does not represent a Site Plan
approval for development. A separate application process is required for Site Plan Review.
5) The applicant shall be aware that Minor Subdivision 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 68
CITY OF DOVER
DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
APPLICATION REVIEW COMMENTARY
STAFF D.A.C. MEETING DATE: MARCH 31, 2011
APPLICATION: LANDS OF CONARD, 633 LONG POINT ROAD
FILE #: SB-11-01
REVIEWING AGENCY: City of Dover Public Utilities Department
CONTACT PERSON: Steve Enss - Electric
Sharon Duca, P.E. - Water, Wastewater, Stormwater
CONTACT PHONE #: 302-736-7070
T HE S UBJECT P ROPOSAL HAS BEEN R EVIEWED FOR C ODE C OMPLIANCE , P LAN C ONFORMITY AND C OMPLETENESS IN
A CCORDANCE WITH THIS A GENCY ’ S A UTHORITY AND A REA OF E XPERTISE .
T HE F OLLOWING I TEMS HAVE BEEN I DENTIFIED AS E LEMENTS W HICH N EED TO BE A DDRESSED BY THE A PPLICANT :
CITY AND STATE CODE REQUIREMENTS
ELECTRIC
1. The right-of-way must be within 6" of final grade.
2. The property corners must be staked.
3. Owner is responsible for locating all water, sewer, and storm sewer lines.
4. Owner is responsible for installing all conduits and equipment pads per the City of Dover Engineering Department
specifications.
5. Owner is responsible for site and/or street lighting.
6. Meter locations will be determined by City of Dover Engineering Department.
7. Load sheets and AutoCAD compatible DXF or DWG diskettes of site plans, including driveways, are required prior to
receiving approved electrical construction drawings.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. Must maintain 10' clearance around all electrical equipment, unless pre-approved by the City of Dover Electric
Engineering Department.
12. 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.
13. 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 69
Lands of Conard, 633 Long Point Road
File #: SB-11-01
March 31, 2011
Page 2 of 3
WATER
1. All water utility components must meet the requirements of the Public Utilities Water Wastewater Handbook, effective
date March 22, 2010. Please contact our office for more information.
2. The following notes must be added to the plans:
a. Hydrant connections by the contractor are prohibited. This method may not be utilized during any phase of the
project.
b. Any existing water lines not to be utilized by the proposed facility must be properly abandoned at the mains in
accordance with the City of Dover Public Utilities Department specifications and requirements.
c. The site contractor shall contact the City of Dover Public Utilities Construction Manager at (302) 736-7070 prior to
the start of construction. A representative from the City of Dover Department of Public Utilities must observe and
approve all City owned water and sanitary sewer interconnections and testing. All water taps must be performed
by a City of Dover approved contractor. The proposed location for the water connection may need to be adjusted
in the field due to conditions of the existing main. Possible conditions that would require tapping relocation
include proximity to pipe joints, other taps, concrete encasements, conflict with other utilities, and the like. Test
holes must be performed by the contractor to determine the best tapping location. The City of Dover will not be
held responsible for field conditions requiring adjustment of the tapping location or for any work required by the
contractor to make an appropriate and lawful connection.
3. The size, type, and location of all proposed and existing water lines and valves must be shown on the plan.
4. Water service lines shall be shown for each residential lot meeting the following requirements: The water services
shall be one-inch (1”) diameter Type K copper tubing, and installed five feet (5’) to the right of the sewer lateral as
viewed from the center line of the street. Curb stops shall be installed one foot (1’) outside of the right-of-way for each
lot. A water meter and meter pit must be installed on the domestic water service, in a non-traffic bearing location just
downstream of the curb stop.
WASTEWATER
1. Public sanitary sewer is not available to these lots. Onsite systems will be required.
STORMWATER
1. Final site plan approval will not be granted until a copy of the approved Stormwater/Erosion and Sediment Control
Plan from Kent Conservation District submitted to our office.
GENERAL
1. Add the following note to the plans, “A seven and one half feet (7.5’) wide easement is retained along all side and rear
lot lines, to be unoccupied by building, for utilities, drainage and sanitary sewer purposes. Except where lots are
divided for any reason whatsoever, said easements shall fall along the actual side and rear lot lines as conveyed. A
fifteen feet (15’) wide utility easement is retained along all rear lines of lots abutting the project boundary and other
open spaces.” A ten feet (10’) wide utility easement is required along all front yard lot lines for utility installation.
When a water, sewer, or storm sewer main is not located in the right of way, it shall be located within five feet (5’) of
the center of a twenty feet (20’) wide utility easement.
2. The final site plan must be submitted in a digital format compatible with AutoCAD 2010 (.dwg format).
RECOMMENDATIONS SUGGESTED AS CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL TO MEET CODE OBJECTIVES
ELECTRIC
1. Owner must give the City of Dover Electric Department three (3) months notice prior to construction. Owner is
responsible for following the requirements outlined in the City of Dover’s Electric Service Handbook. The handbook is
now available on the website at the following link:
http://www.cityofdover.com/media/documents/2010%20Electric%20Service%20Handbook.pdf
WATER / WASTEWATER / STORMWATER / GENERAL
1. None.
Page 70
Lands of Conard, 633 Long Point Road
File #: SB-11-01
March 31, 2011
Page 3 of 3
ADVISORY COMMENTS TO THE APPLICANT
ELECTRIC
1. City of Dover currently has an existing electrical transmission line in front of properties. Any relocation of this line can
require seasonal scheduling.
WATER
1. The City of Dover water system is available to this site. The developer is responsible for all costs associated with
extending and providing service to the proposed development.
WASTEWATER / STORMWATER
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.
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 71
CITY OF DOVER D
E
DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
L
APPLICATION REVIEW COMMENTARY D
O
D.A.C. MEETING DATE: March 31, 2011 T
===============================================================
APPLICATION: Lands of Conard at 633 Long Point Road
FILE#: SB-11-01 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 will require the applicant to provide the proper forms, fees, and plans
in order to be issued an entrance permit.
2. According to Kent County Classification Maps, KCR 341 (Long Point Road) is
classified as a local road, which requires a 30-foot wide right-of-way from the
centerline of the roadway. The department will require a right-of-way dedication to
public use.
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 72
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
APPLICATION REVIEW COMMENTARY
DEVELOPER APPLICATION MEETING DATE: APRIL 2, 2011
APPLICATION: Lands of Conard 633 long Point Road
FILE #: SB-11-01
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 the subdivision of the above referenced site.
ADVISORY COMMENTS TO THE APPLICANT:
The Following comments are advisory and apply to the development of a detailed site plan for this project.
1. Label the White Oak Tax Ditch located on the property.
2. A detailed Sediment and Stormwater Management Plan must be approved by our office prior to any land
disturbing activity (i.e. clearing, grading, filling, etc.) over 5000 square feet.
Page 73
Physical Address: Phone: 302-465-5567
34 The Green Fax: 866-672-6428 mountain
Dover, DE 19901 Web: www.mountainconsultinginc.net consulting
inc.
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 558
Dover, DE 19903
March 3, 2011
Ann Marie Townshend
City of Dover Planning & Inspections
P.O. Box 475
Dover, DE 19903
RE: Request for Sidewalk Waiver
Minor Subdivision at 633 Long Point Road
Dear Mrs. Townsend:
On behalf of the applicant, Joan L. Conard, it is requested that the sidewalk requirement be waived for the
proposed Lots 2 & 3. Lots 2 and 3 are 2.5 acres in size and front on Long Point Road as shown on the
submitted minor subdivision plan. The property is zoned A (Agricultural) and located in a rural area where
there is no sidewalk to tie into. For these reasons, please grant a waiver from the installation of sidewalk as
required in the Land Subdivision Regulations, Article VI.B.
Please feel free to give me a call with any questions. I can be reached directly at 302-465-5567 or by email
at tadams@mountainconsultinginc.com. Thank you for your cooperation.
Sincerely,
MOUNTAIN CONSULTING, INC.
Troy L. Adams, P.E.
Vice President
Cc: Joan L. Conard
Page 74
City of Dover
DATA SHEET FOR SITE PLAN REVIEW
DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING OF April 7, 2011
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING OF April 18, 2011
Plan Title: DelTech Center for Energy, Education and Training: Building
Addition
S-11-05
Plan Type: Site Plan Review
Tax Parcel: ED-05-057.00-01-01.00-000
Owner: State of Delaware c/o Delaware Technical & Community College
Project Engineer: Landmark Engineering
Proposed Use: Education Building
Site Area: 27,358 SF± (total area of site disturbance)
Building Areas: Existing CEET Building – 29,700 S.F.
Proposed Building Addition – 5,412 S.F.
Total – 35,112 S.F.
Impervious Areas: Project Site Existing – 11,888 S.F.
Project Site Proposed – 14,269 S.F.
Off Street Parking: Required for Campus – 940 spaces
Provided for Campus – 1,282 spaces
Sewer & Water: City of Dover
Present Zoning: IO – Institutional and Office Zone
Waiver Requested: None
P. O. Box 475 Dover, DE 19903
Community Excellence Through Quality Service
Page 75
C P
I L
T A
Y N
CITY OF DOVER N
O I
DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE F N
G
APPLICATION REVIEW COMMENTARY D
O
D.A.C. MEETING DATE: April 7, 2011 V
E
R
APPLICATION: DelTech Center for Energy, Education and Training (CEET): Building
Addition at Terry Campus
FILE #: S-11-05 REVIEWING AGENCY: City of Dover Planning
CONTACT PERSON: Dawn E. Melson-Williams, AICP PHONE #: (302) 736-7010
PLAN SUMMARY:
This Site Plan application for review is to permit the construction of a 5,412 SF building addition to
the existing Center for Energy, Education, and Training (CEET) Building on the campus of
Delaware Technical & Community College: Terry Campus. The property is zoned IO
(Institutional/Office Zone). The property is located on the west side of North DuPont Highway
north of Scarborough Road. The owner of record is State of Delaware c/o Delaware Technical &
Community College. Address: 100 Campus Drive. Tax Parcel: ED-05-057.00-01-01.00-000.
Council District 4.
Previous Applications:
Several applications for projects on the DelTech Campus have been reviewed. In August, 2007,
the Planning Commission reviewed a Site Plan application to permit the realignment of a portion
of the existing Loop Road on the northeast side of the campus (near the Science and Engineering
Technology Center Building) and construction expanding the adjacent Parking Lot 2. The project
area involved 2.45 acres +/- of the DelTech Terry Campus. Following Final Plan approval,
construction commenced to relocate the road and as a result approximately 96 parking spaces
were added to Parking Lot 2 (Lots P16 and P17 on Campus Parking Plan of 3/4/11).
Prior to 2007, application S-99-20 Del Tech Loop Road Master Plan was reviewed by the
Planning Commission in September 1999 with Final Plan approval received May 9, 2000. Site
Plan S-99-20 consisted of a conceptual plan for a series of loop roads to circle the existing
buildings on the campus, and a detailed site plan for the Phase I of the loop road project. Also
included in the submission were a detailed site plan for a sports complex in the southwest side of
campus and a detailed landscape plan for the campus. The first phase of construction involved
building the loop road and associated pedestrian/bicycle path from the Scarborough Road around
the former PolyTech High School building and linking into the main campus access road. A
conceptual plan for Phase II of the loop road on the eastern side of campus was provided for
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S-11-05 DelTech CEET: Building Addition
DAC Report for April 7, 2011
Page 2
informational purposes in order to connect the remaining lands reserved for future development
into the campus road system.
SITE CONSIDERATIONS
The Center for Energy Education and Training (CEET) Building is located in the center of the
campus near the intersection of East and West Campus Drive. The building area includes a small
existing parking lot (Lot P2 on Campus Parking Plan of 3/4/11) on the south side of the building
that will be reconfigured to accommodate the proposed building addition. The proposed plan
appears to feature several elements of energy and/or resource conservation: green roof display
planter, collection cistern for roof runoff, geothermal field, and three vertical windmills.
PARKING SUMMARY
For colleges and universities, the required parking is based on the seat count within the main
auditorium/cafeteria or gymnasium gym at a rate of one parking space per every five seats
(Zoning Ordinance, Article 6 §3.1). If these types of spaces are not present then the calculation is
based on the bulk standards of the zoning district. The minimum off-street parking requirement
for the IO (Institutional and Office Zone) is based upon the building square footage at a rate of at
least 1 spaces per 300 square feet of floor area (Zoning Ordinance Article 4 §4.14).
As part of the application, the applicant provided a Campus Parking Plan (3/4/2011) as a
reference with information on the building square footage and parking lot space counts (Plan
copy on file in application file S-11-05). Based on a building area total of 281,892 S.F. for entire
campus (including the proposed project for the building addition), the campus requires 940
parking spaces. On the DelTech campus there are several large surface parking lots. The data
column on the plan lists a total of 1,282 parking spaces including 37 handicapped parking spaces.
While the number of parking spaces exceeds the maximum parking limitations of the Zoning
Ordinance, the parking is considered an existing condition and can remain. (Note: As a result of
this project, Lot P2 is reduced from nineteen (19) to eighteen (18) parking spaces.)
With this building addition to the CEET Building, the existing parking lot on the south side of
the building will be reconfigured and as a result will decrease from nineteen (19) parking spaces
to eighteen (18) parking spaces consisting of sixteen (16) regular and two (2) handicapped
accessible spaces. Also there are areas adjacent to the CEET Building which may serve as
loading areas.
Bicycle Parking
The minimum bicycle parking is one (1) bike space for every twenty (20) parking spaces. Based
on the total number of parking spaces in the CEET Building parking lot upon completion, a
minimum of one bicycle parking space is required. The Plan shows bicycle racks for parking of
eight (8) bicycles near the entrance to the CEET Building addition. The Campus Parking Plan
shows the bicycle parking for the remainder of the campus as a total of 26 bicycle parking spaces.
Throughout the DelTech campus there are four bicycle parking racks, each located near the major
buildings on campus and one in the Park and Ride Parking Lot.
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S-11-05 DelTech CEET: Building Addition
DAC Report for April 7, 2011
Page 3
Sidewalks
With the CEET Building Addition, an entrance plaza area will be created connecting to the
existing sidewalk network in the area. There is an existing sidewalk along the east side of West
Campus Drive and along east Campus Drive.
Lighting
The Plan indicates the placement lighting along the loop road, near the parking lot, and the
building entrance plaza. The type of lighting fixture is not identified.
Dumpsters
Based on the CEET building (an institutional building) size of 35,112 S.F., one Dumpster is
required in accordance with Article 5 §6.12 of the Zoning Ordinance. The location of the
required Dumpster pad site is depicted on the plan east of the building. The applicant has noted
that trash collection is private and that with this project the existing Dumpster at the CEET
Building will need to be relocated; thus a new pad site is shown.
BUILDING ARCHITECTURE
Elevation Drawings for the new CEET Building Addition were submitted with this application.
The building addition is one story clad in a masonry veneer. Part of the building addition’s flat
roof is a green roof and another section is a gable pitched roof with a south facing series of solar
panels. The elevations emphasize the horizontal with curtainwall windows and sunshade
systems.
LANDSCAPE PLAN
As part of application S-99-20 for the 112 acre campus, based on the non-woodland area of the
site (85.1 acres), a total of 1252 trees were required for the entire campus. At that time, a survey
of the existing trees at that time determined that there were 608 trees to be preserved throughout
the campus with a majority of them located in the Phase II area. The Master Plan proposed to
plant 284 new tree plantings in Phase I of the campus, and 360 trees in Phase II.
Associated with this CEET Building Addition, an evaluation of the existing tree plantings in
Phase I of the campus indicated that approximately 191 trees of the required 284 trees were
planted. Thus, it appears a number of tree plantings have yet to be implemented on this portion of
the campus.
A portion of the trees required for the Phase II area of the campus were to be planted with the
Loop Road Realignment project of 2007. For that project area of disturbance of 2.45 acres, a total
of thirty-six (36) new trees were required and fifteen (15) existing trees removed for the project
were to be replanted; a total of fifty-one (51) trees. Thus, the tree planting balance for other areas
in remaining Phase II development area will require new tree plantings to achieve a minimum of
324 additional trees (a total of 360 trees in Phase II).
The current project for the CEET Building Addition is primarily located with the Phase I area of
the campus. A consistent project area will need to be defined in order to calculate the project’s
tree planting requirement based on the rate of one tree per 3,000 S.F. The Landscape Plan sheet
L-1 indicates that an area of 43,530 S.F. was utilized to determine the required tree plantings;
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S-11-05 DelTech CEET: Building Addition
DAC Report for April 7, 2011
Page 4
however, the boundaries of the area are unclear. For an area of 43,530 S.F., a total of fifteen (15)
trees would be required. The Plan counts seven (7) new tree plantings and eight (8) existing trees
to be preserved towards this requirement. The project also includes numerous shrub plantings
near the building addition and other plantings (shrubs and perennials) within bioretention areas.
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 data column (Sheet CC01) needs to be updated prior to Final Approval. Some of the
items which need revising are as follows:
a) Check the information on the Flood Plain as the overall parcel may be impacted and show
on plan as necessary. Identify if the project area is impacted.
b) In Item #12 clarify that this information is for the entire campus and provide an overall
total.
c) Identify that Item #13 applies to the entire campus.
d) Complete the information in Item#20.
e) Provide building square footage tallies for CEET Building existing, addition, and total.
f) Any changes recommended by the Planning Commission.
2) A key plan of the overall campus should be provided to give context for the location of this
project area for the CEET Building Addition.
3) Define project area for this project providing the boundary of and the total area thereof.
Several different numbers are presented throughout the plan set.
4) Add north arrow to Sheet YE01. Also check for text overprints on this sheet.
5) Sheet CC03:
a) Add location of handicapped parking signage.
b) Add parking bumpers to parking spaces with depressed areas at the head of the space.
c) Ensure that proposed Landscape tree plantings do not conflict with utility lines. Adjust
the planting locations as necessary.
d) Correct text labels overprints.
6) Details of construction elements such striping, handicapped signage, sidewalks, bicycle rack,
dumpster enclosure, etc. must be added to the plan set.
7) Landscape Plan:
a) Clearly define the project area utilized for tree planting calculation. On the plan it appears
to be the area south of the existing CEET building between the building and the Campus
Drives. Planning Staff recommends that the project site area consist of the entire area
surrounding the CEET Building including areas on its east side and bounded by existing
circulation sidewalks, access lanes, and the Campus Drive streets.
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S-11-05 DelTech CEET: Building Addition
DAC Report for April 7, 2011
Page 5
b) Check the building floor area for the existing CEET Building as it is labeled differently
on the site plan sheets.
c) Portions of the base plan lines appear to be missing.
d) On Sheet L-2, several of the notes are repeated in both the Landscape Plan Notes and the
General Planting Notes lists.
e) Changes to the Landscape Plan, especially those pertaining to trees, require review by the
Planning Office as well (Note #13).
f) Revise Note #19 about tree spacing from utilities (variation in text and number).
8) Currently, there is a text amendment to the Zoning Ordinance that is under consideration
pertaining Solar Energy and Wind Energy Systems (First Reading 2/14/11, Planning
Commission recommendation 3/21/11, and Hearing/Final Action by City Council 4/11/11).
The installation of these elements will be subject to the established requirements and the
appropriate permit process.
RECOMMENDATIONS SUGGESTED AS CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL TO MEET CODE
OBJECTIVES:
1) Planning Staff recommends that the tree plantings for Phase 1 area of the campus be
evaluated for compliance with the required Tree Planting and Preservation requirements
of the Zoning Ordinance. If the area is found to be deficient in tree plantings, an
implementation plan for tree planting and ongoing maintenance and care should be
developed.
2) Planning Staff recommends acceptance of the total of thirty-four (34) bicycle parking
spaces on the DelTech campus consisting of the existing 26 bicycle parking spaces and
the proposed additional 8 bicycle parking spaces (for CEET Building Addition project) as
satisfying the bicycle parking requirement. Zoning Ordinance, Article 6 §3.10.
ADVISORY COMMENTS TO THE APPLICANT:
1) Other agencies and departments which participate in the Development Advisory Committee
may provide additional comments related to their areas of expertise and code requirements.
Compliance with other agency technical review comments is required.
2) 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 other agencies
providing comments. Upon determination that the Plan is complete and all agency approvals
have been received, copies of the Plan may be submitted for final endorsement.
3) In the event, that major changes and revisions to the Site Plan or building design occur in the
finalization of the Site Plan contact the Department of Planning and Inspections. These
changes may require resubmittal for review by the Development Advisory Committee,
Planning Commission, or other commissions making recommendations in regards to the plan.
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S-11-05 DelTech CEET: Building Addition
DAC Report for April 7, 2011
Page 6
4) Construction activities will have an effect on-site visitors and nearby circulation routes. Any
work requiring the closing or rerouting of students, staff, and visitors to the on-site building,
to adjacent parking areas and streets should be coordinated as to offer the least amount of
inconvenience.
5) The applicant/developer shall be aware that prior to the continuation of ground disturbing
activities on the site the project must receive Final Plan approval and the appropriate City
Departments and agencies must be notified. Submission of a Building Permit application will
be required to track the project’s compliance with the Final Plan.
6) 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. This would include separate permits
for the installation of the solar and wind energy systems.
7) 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. The installation of certain types
of signs requires a Sign Permit from the City of Dover prior to placement of any such sign.
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 81
CITY OF DOVER
DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
APPLICATION REVIEW COMMENTARY
STAFF D.A.C. MEETING DATE: MARCH 31, 2011
APPLICATION: DelTech Center for Energy, Education & Training:
Building Addition
FILE #: S-11-05
REVIEWING AGENCY: City of Dover Public Utilities Department
CONTACT PERSON: Steve Enss - Electric
Sharon Duca, P.E. - Water, Wastewater, Stormwater
CONTACT PHONE #: 302-736-7070
T HE S UBJECT P ROPOSAL HAS BEEN R EVIEWED FOR C ODE C OMPLIANCE , P LAN C ONFORMITY AND C OMPLETENESS IN
A CCORDANCE WITH THIS A GENCY ’ S A UTHORITY AND A REA OF E XPERTISE .
T HE F OLLOWING I TEMS HAVE BEEN I DENTIFIED AS E LEMENTS W HICH N EED TO BE A DDRESSED BY THE A PPLICANT :
CITY AND STATE CODE REQUIREMENTS
ELECTRIC
1. Load sheets and AutoCAD compatible DXF or DWG diskettes of site plans, including driveways, are required prior to
receiving approved electrical construction drawings.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Must maintain 10' clearance around all electrical equipment, unless pre-approved by the City of Dover Electric
Engineering Department.
6. 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.
7. All Engineering and design for Dover Electric will be engineered upon final approved plans. All Engineering work will
be furnished by the City’s Electric Engineering Department.
WATER
1. All water utility components must meet the requirements of the Public Utilities Water Wastewater Handbook, effective
date March 22, 2010. Please contact our office for more information.
2. The following notes must be added to the plans:
a. Hydrant connections by the contractor are prohibited. This method may not be utilized during any phase of the
project.
b. Any existing water lines not to be utilized by the proposed facility must be properly abandoned at the mains in
accordance with the City of Dover Public Utilities Department specifications and requirements.
c. The site contractor shall contact the City of Dover Public Utilities Construction Manager at (302) 736-7070 prior to
the start of construction. A representative from the City of Dover Department of Public Utilities must observe and
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DelTech Center for Energy, Education & Training
File #: S-11-05
March 31, 2011
Page 2 of 3
approve all City owned water and sanitary sewer interconnections and testing. All water taps must be performed
by a City of Dover approved contractor. The proposed location for the water connection may need to be adjusted
in the field due to conditions of the existing main. Possible conditions that would require tapping relocation
include proximity to pipe joints, other taps, concrete encasements, conflict with other utilities, and the like. Test
holes must be performed by the contractor to determine the best tapping location. The City of Dover will not be
held responsible for field conditions requiring adjustment of the tapping location or for any work required by the
contractor to make an appropriate and lawful connection.
3. The size, type, and location of all proposed and existing water lines and valves must be shown on the plan.
4. Water usage projections (peak demand or plumbing fixtures) must be submitted to our office to correctly determine
the size of the domestic and irrigation (if applicable) water meter for the proposed building. These projections must be
submitted prior to approval so the meter size can be placed on the final site plan. The proposed water meter must be
installed in a pit per City of Dover requirements and manufacturer’s recommendations. Also, a dual check valve is
required downstream of the meter.
5. The domestic service, fire main connection and valves must be clearly shown for each building. A valve must be
installed at the tee to isolate combined fire and domestic water service to the building from the water loop. Typically
this valve is installed at the tee or an acceptable distance from the building. A valve must be provided on the
domestic water service, which must be tapped off of the combined eight-inch (8”) fire/domestic service outside of the
building. The domestic water tap and valve should be as close to the building as possible. Typically, the domestic tap
and valve are located within five feet (5’) to ten feet (10’) of the building. A blow up detail of this layout is
recommended.
6. Provide a construction detail for the proposed restraining system for the fire main located within the buildings. The
Public Utilities Department will test and inspect all fire mains to a blind flange located inside the buildings. The blind
flange with tap is used for hydrostatic pressure testing (200 psi for two (2) hours) and dechlorination. The flange must
be restrained in the direction of the pipe entering the facility. A pipe entering horizontally through a wall sleeve shall
be restrained with rods through the wall. A pipe entering vertically through a slab shall be restrained through the floor
to the ninety degree (90°) bend and thrust block. All rods shall be a minimum of ¾” all thread. All pipes through walls
and slabs must be Class 52 cement lined ductile iron pipe. Confirm particulars to meet this requirement with
mechanical designer.
7. As per the City of Dover Water Wastewater Handbook no structures, including permanent signage, may be located
within ten feet (10’) of water utility infrastructure. The existing one and one-half inch (1.5”) water service must be
relocated so that it is offset a minimum of 10’ from the proposed building.
WASTEWATER
1. All wastewater utility components must meet the requirements of the Public Utilities 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 Public Utilities Department 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.
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.
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File #: S-11-05
March 31, 2011
Page 3 of 3
5. If kitchen facilities are proposed a minimum 1,000 gallon, two chamber grease trap, meeting all Kent County
ordinance requirements, must be provided. A construction detail for the proposed grease trap, as well as the
proposed location, must be provided on the plan.
6. As per the City of Dover Water Wastewater Handbook no structures, including permanent signage, may be located
within ten feet (10’) of water utility infrastructure. The existing sanitary sewer lateral must be relocated so that it is not
located under the footprint of the proposed building.
STORMWATER
1. Final site plan approval will not be granted until a copy of the approved Stormwater/Erosion and Sediment Control
Plan from Kent Conservation District submitted to our office.
2. The size, length, slope, type and flow directions must be shown on all existing and proposed storm sewer lines. Rim
and invert elevations must be labeled on all stormwater structures.
GENERAL
1. All existing utilities shall be adjusted to final grade in accordance with current City of Dover requirements and
practices. A note to this effect must be placed on the plans.
2. The final site plan must be submitted in a digital format compatible with AutoCAD 2004 (.dwg format).
RECOMMENDATIONS SUGGESTED AS CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL TO MEET CODE OBJECTIVES
ELECTRIC
1. Owner must give the City of Dover Electric Department three (3) months notice prior to construction. Owner is
responsible for following the requirements outlined in the City of Dover’s Electric Service Handbook. The handbook is
now available on the website at the following link: http://www.cityofdover.com/departments/electric/documents/.
ADVISORY COMMENTS TO THE APPLICANT
ELECTRIC
1. Customer is a primary account and is responsible for all private electric. Dover owns a feeder through the campus
from Scarborough Rd along the west side of W Campus Dr. Dover owns to Primary taps to the primary metering.
WATER
1. Hydrant flow testing is currently only performed during the spring and fall. The applicant must call the Public Utilities
Department directly to schedule these tests. This applies to both existing hydrants as well as those proposed for the
site.
WASTEWATER
1. None.
STORMWATER
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.
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 .
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C F
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CITY OF DOVER T R
Y E
DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
O M
APPLICATION REVIEW COMMENTARY F A
R
D.A.C. MEETING DATE: April 7, 2010 D S
O H
V A
E L
R
APPLICATION: Del Tech Center for Energy Education____________________________
FILE #: S-11-05 REVIEWING AGENCY: City of Dover, Office of the Fire Marshal
CONTACT PERSON: David Truax, Fire Marshal PHONE #: (302) 736-7011
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 fire lanes are approved.
2. Any gas fired HVAC equipment must be equipped with emergency cut off switches
remotely located.
3. Address numbers of at least 12 inches in height must be placed on the street side of the
building visible from the street.
4. Any natural or LP gas bottles, meters, values, regulators, etc., must have impact
protection.
5. Full building and fire plan review is required.
6. Building cannot be occupied or construction or renovations started until completion of
building and fire plan review.
7. 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.
8. Sprinkler system to be extended from existing building into new addition
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DAC Report
Del Tech Center for Energy Education
9. Fire alarm system to be extended from existing building into new addition.
10. Project to be completed per approved Site Plan.
RECOMMENDATIONS SUGGESTED AS CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL TO MEET CODE
OBJECTIVES:
NONE
ADVISORY COMMENTS TO THE APPLICANT:
1. 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.
2. All comments from this office, approved by the Planning Commission are at the expense
of the owner/applicant.
3. The proposed building will be reviewed under Business Occupancy.
4. The City of Dover uses the 2009 NFPA Life Safety Code, 2009 IBC, latest editions of all
other NFPA Codes and the 2009 Delaware State Fire Prevention Regulations.
5. 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.
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CITY OF DOVER D
E
DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
L
APPLICATION REVIEW COMMENTARY D
O
D.A.C. MEETING DATE: March 31, 2011 T
===============================================================
APPLICATION: DelTech Center for Energy, Education, and Training: Addition Bldg.
FILE#: S-11-05 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. DelDOT 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 87
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL
DIVISION OF WATERSHED STEWARDSHIP
89 KINGS HIGHWAY
DOVER, DELAWARE 19901
OFFICE OF THE PHONE: (302) 739-9921
DIRECTOR FAX: (302) 739-6724
Memorandum
DATE: March 31, 2011
TO: Dawn Melson-Williams, Planner
City of Dover
FROM: Elaine Z. Webb, P.E., Engineer IV
Sediment & Stormwater Program
RE: Development Advisory Committee
S-11-05 DelTech Center for Energy, Education, and Training
Building Addition
CC: Jamie Rutherford, Program Manager
Please accept the following comments from DNREC Sediment and Stormwater Program in regards to the above
referenced application:
1. A detailed sediment and stormwater management plan must be approved prior to any land disturbing
activity taking place on the site. The DNREC Sediment and Stormwater Program will be the approval
agency for this project. The consultant has already met with our office to discuss the stormwater
management design for this project.
2. If the land disturbance will exceed 1.0 acre, a Notice of Intent for Storm Water Discharges Associated with
Construction Activities and the $195 NOI fee must be submitted to DNREC prior to any construction
activity taking place on the site.
3. Stormwater quality management must be provided for all new and redeveloped areas of impervious on the
site. Green Technology BMPs including bioretention, biofiltration swales, and filter strips must be given
first consideration in meeting the stormwater quality management requirements for the site.
If you should have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at (302) 739-9921 or
Elaine.Webb@state.de.us.
Delaware’s good nature depends on you!
Page 88
City of Dover
DATA SHEET FOR UNIFIED COMPREHENSIVE SIGN PLAN REVIEW
DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING OF April 7, 2011
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING OF April 18, 2011
Plan Title: Bayhealth Medical Center
US-11-01
Plan Type: Unified Comprehensive Signage Plan
Property Location: East and west sides of South Governors Avenue, east and west
sides of South State Street, north and south of Hope Street and
north and south of South Street.
Property Addresses: 208 West Water Street
540 South State Street
530 South State Street
540 South Governors Avenue
560 South Governors Avenue
738 South Governors Avenue
100 Scull Terrace
640 South State Street
701 South Governors Avenue
804 South Bradford Street
Tax Parcels: ED-05-077.13-01-14.00-000
ED-05-077.13-01-18.00-000
ED-05-077.13-01-18.01-000
ED-05-077.13-01-25.00-000
ED-05-077.13-01-25.01-000
ED-05-077.13-01-34.00-000
ED-05-077.13-01-51.00-000
ED-05-077.13-01-52.00-000
ED-05-077.13-02-01.00-000
ED-05-077.13-02-12.00-000
Owners: Bayhealth Medical Center
Kent General Foundation
Central Delaware Surgery Center
Frederick Townsend II Trust
Project Professionals: Becker Morgan Group Inc. and Two Twelve Associates
P. O. Box 475 Dover, DE 19903
Community Excellence Through Quality Service
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Site Area: 34.7 acres +/-
Existing Signs: 20 monument, directional and wall signs
Proposed Signs: 40 monument, directional and wall signs
Zoning Classification: IO (Institutional/Office Zone)
C-3 (Service Commercial Zone)
SWPOZ (Source Water Protection Overlay Zone)
Tier 3 Excellent Recharge Area
H (Historic District Overlay Zone)
Roadway Classifications: South Governors Ave – Urban Minor Arterial
South State Street – Urban Local Collector
Scull Terrace – Urban Local Collector
South Bradford Street – Urban Local Collector
West Water Street – Urban Local Collector
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C P
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T A
CITY OF DOVER Y N
N
DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE O I
F N
APPLICATION REVIEW COMMENTARY G
D
D.A.C. MEETING DATE: April 7, 2011 O
V
E
APPLICATION: Bayhealth Medical Center Unified Comprehensive Sign Plan R
FILE #: US-11-01 REVIEWING AGENCY: City of Dover Planning
CONTACT PERSON: Janelle M. Cornwell, AICP PHONE #: (302) 736-7196
PLAN SUMMARY:
This is an application to the Planning Commission for a Unified Comprehensive Sign Plan
Approval. The Plan proposes the placement of wall, monument, and directional signs for the
campus. The properties are zoned IO (Institutional/Office Zone) and C-3 (Service Commercial
Zone) and some are subject to SWOZ (Source Water Protection Overlay Zone) and H (Historic
District Overlay Zone). The properties are located along West Water Street, South Governors
Avenue, South State Street, South Bradford Street, and Scull Terrace. The owners of record are
Bayhealth Medical Center, Kent General Foundation, Central Delaware Surgery Center and,
Frederick Townsend II Trust. The property addresses are 208 West Water Street, 540 South
State Street, 530 South State Street, 540 South Governors Avenue, 560 South Governors
Avenue, 738 South Governors Avenue, 100 Scull Terrace, 640 South State Street, 701 South
Governors Avenue, and 804 South Bradford Street. Tax Parcels: ED-05-077.13-01-14.00-000,
ED-05-077.13-01-18.00-000, ED-05-077.13-01-18.01-000, ED-05-077.13-01-25.00-000, ED-05-
077.13-01-25.01-000, ED-05-077.13-01-34.00-000, ED-05-077.13-01-51.00-000, ED-05-
077.13-01-52.00-000, ED-05-077.13-02-01.00-000, ED-05-077.13-02-12.00-000.
The Bayhealth Medical Center Unified Comprehensive Sign Plan consists of ten parcels. The
project area qualifies for the Unified Comprehensive Sign Plan because the sites are considered a
campus (Zoning Ordinance, Article 5 §4.8A1).
SIGNAGE REGULATIONS
The Zoning Ordinance permits a site on an urban minor arterial and urban collector roads two (2)
signs: one monument sign and one wall sign. The Bayhealth Medical Center Campus consists of
a number of properties and numerous buildings and fronts on multiple streets. The following
table illustrates the size and types of signs permitted under the Zoning Ordinance:
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SIGN TABLE
Use Permitted Signs
Max %
Number Max Setback Exclusion
Specific Road Type Sign Type Height of
Permitted Size (R.O.W.) Zone
Wall**
<=
Wall & 1/frontage 32 30' *** N/A N/A
15%
Monument
Urban Minor
or Post and
Arterial 1/entrance 32 S.F. 10' N/A 10' 50'
Panel #
OR
Nonresidential
Uses Non- Post **** 1/frontage 8 S.F. 7' N/A 10' 25'
in Residential
Nonresidential Uses <=
Wall & 1/frontage 32 S.F. 30' N/A N/A
Districts 15%
Monument
Urban Local
or Post and
Collector 1/entrance 32 S.F. 7' N/A 10' 50'
Panel #
OR
Post **** 1/frontage 8 S.F. 7' N/A 10' 25'
Under the Uniform Campuses and Complexes section of the Sign Regulations (Article 5 §4.8),
an applicant may request the Planning Commission to grant additional signage and sign area;
however, “the number type and size of sign proposed may not be excessive and must be in
proportion to the scale of the building and the uses on the site.” For the Unified Comprehensive
Signage Plans, there shall be architectural harmony and unity of signs within a united campus or
complex. Sign type, color scheme, size, and illumination within the site shall be coordinated and
shall be compatible with the architecture of the center and the surrounding area. All
comprehensive signage plans must comply with all design guidelines found in Article 5 §4.4 of
Design Requirements the ordinance, which focus on freestanding signs, material and
craftsmanship of sign, wall sign placement, illumination, changeable copy signs and sign
lettering size as well as all specific guidelines found in this section.
DESIGN GUIDELINES AND OBJECTIVES FOR COMPREHENSIVE SIGNAGE PLANS
In reviewing the overall sign package, each of the sign locations must be reviewed individually
and as a whole. The Planning Commission must take into consideration the public health, safety
and welfare, the comfort and convenience of the public in general and of the residents, business
and property owners of the immediate neighborhood in particular and shall ensure that the
Unified Campus/Complex has adequate, but not excessive signage.
The Sign Ordinance specifically spells out the guidelines for the Planning Commission to use to
approve or disapprove a Unified Campus or Complex Signage Plan (Zoning Ordinance, Article 5
§ 4.8 B and C). The pertinent design guidelines and objectives are as follows:
B. Design guidelines for comprehensive signage plans.
1. Unified campuses and complexes applying for a comprehensive signage plan may
not be held to the height, size, number and area regulations for signs found in other
sections of this ordinance. However, the number, type and size of signs proposed may
not be excessive, and must be in proportion to the scale of the buildings and the uses on
the site.
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2. All comprehensive signage plans must comply with all design guidelines found in
[sub] sec. 4.4 of this ordinance, as well as all specific design guidelines found in this
section.
3. Building signs shall be in harmony with the overall architectural concept for the site,
and be compatible with each other and the building facades.
4. The freestanding signs identifying shopping centers and other unified campuses and
complexes shall identify the name of the campus or complex and no more than three
separate tenants within the campus or complex.
5. There shall be architectural harmony and unity of signs within a united campus or
complex. Sign type, color scheme, size, and illumination within the site shall be
coordinated and shall be compatible with the architecture of the center and the
surrounding area.
C. Planning commission duties. In reviewing and approving comprehensive signage plans, 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, businesses, and property
owners of the immediate neighborhood in particular, and shall ensure that united campuses and
complexes have adequate, but not excessive, signage. Specifically, the following objectives shall
guide the commission when reviewing such plans:
1. That the size and complexity of the campus or complex warrants the need for extra
signage under the provisions of this ordinance;
2. That, in respect to the number and type of entrances, the placement of signage at or
near those entrances provides superior visibility in order to ensure the safety of the
driving public;
3. That the proposed signs are adequate in number to safely direct the public to the use
or uses on the site;
4. The proposed signs must not have an adverse impact on the visibility of adjacent
signs, and shall be consistent with, or an improvement over, the prevailing type and style
of signage in the general area;
5. That the proposed signs will be of a style and color which will complement the
architecture of the site, and the area in general.
SUMMARY OF PROPOSED SIGNS
As part of the Site Development Master Plan review for the Bayhealth Medical Center (S-06-14),
the development of an Unified Comprehensive Sign Plan was recommended to address the
signage for the facility. The applicant is requesting 40 signs for the Bayhealth Medical Center
Campus. The request includes removing some existing signs, refacing signs, and installing new
wall and directional signs throughout the ten parcels. The applicant has presented the sign
information on and overall site plan and summary booklet “Bayhealth Medical Center Kent
General Unified Campus Plan”.
SUMMARY OF SIGNAGE AND RECOMMENDATIONS
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WALL SIGNAGE
New Wall Signs-Building Identification Signs (pages SD.4- SD.10) Sign A1, A3,A4, A6, A7
The applicant is requesting seven (7) new wall signs. The proposed wall signs state the name of
the hospital, the ambulance entrance, emergency room location and name of the emergency
department. These signs are to be located on the building additions to Bayhealth Medical Center
currently under construction as part of the hospital expansion. A number of these signs identity
the new points of entry for key hospital services as they are being relocated. Three of the
proposed wall signs state Bayhealth Kent General (A1, A4). All three of these signs will be
individual letter with rear illumination. Two of the three wall signs will be located on the sides
of the parking garage, one along South Governors Avenue, and the other along South State
Street both will have a sign area of approximately 69.7 SF each. The sign on the South
Governors Avenue side of the building will have an overall height over the maximum 30ft. This
sign will have an overall height of approximately 34 ft. The third Bayhealth identification sign
will be located on the wall along South Street and will have a sign area of 17 SF.
There are wall two signs that identity the emergency area of the hospital. Upon completion of
construction, the emergency department will be located on the South Governors Avenue side of
the building. The main “Emergency” sign (Sign A3) is located over the emergency entrance will
have an overall height of approximately 30 ft and a sign area of 13.8 SF. The second wall sign
(Sign A6) will identify the name of the emergency department “J. Allen and Esther S. Frear
Emergency Department” This sign will have an overall height of approximately 6 ft and a sign
area of 49.2 SF.
Further south on the South Governors Avenue side of the building are the remaining two wall
signs. These two wall signs (A7) identify the ambulance area and are red in color. The
“Ambulance” wall sign is located over the ambulance entrance and has an overall height of
approximately 15 ft and a sign area of 5.6 SF. The second ambulance sign will be lower on the
building and have a sign area of 18.33 SF.
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends approval for all of the new wall signs (pages
SD.4-SD.9). The seven (7) new wall signs are in keeping scale of
the building and provide adequate identification of the building.
(Signs A1, A3, A4, A6 & A7)
Parking and Regulatory Signs- Parking/Regulatory Identification Signs SD.11-SD.15
There are four (4) signs included in the parking and regulatory signs. These signs include the
“do not enter” and clearance height for the parking garage, the valet parking sign interior to the
site, a parking sign and sign at the entrance to the pedestrian bridge.
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends approval of all four (4) of the parking and
regulatory signs (pages SD.11-SD.15). These signs are for
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Page 5
informational purposes once a person is on the campus. The
proposed signs are not visible from the road and will not require a
permit.
Existing Wall Signs – Existing Sign Requirements to Remain SD.25-SD.26 and Existing Signage
to be Replaced SD.28-SD.29
There are ten (10) existing wall signs that currently exist on the buildings throughout the campus.
There are seven (7) existing wall signs that are proposed to remain. These seven (7) signs are
located on five separate buildings throughout the campus. Three of the existing wall signs are
located on the main hospital building identifying “Kent General Hospital” and “Outpatient
Service Center.” The other four existing wall signs identify the uses of the other buildings
located at 208 West Water Street, 738 South Governors Avenue, 560 South Governors Avenue,
and 530 South State Street. The other three (3) existing wall signs will be replaced in the future.
These three (3) signs are located on the main hospital building in the area of the current
emergency room on South State Street. this building space is repurposed following the
relocation of the emergency room, the new signs may be installed. The sign area for new signs
will match the sign area of the existing signs.
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends approval of all ten (10) of the existing wall
signs. The existing signs are located on six different buildings
throughout the campus, identifying the uses within those buildings
or identifying the name of the building.
DIRECTIONAL SIGNAGE- Wayfinding Signs
Directional/Wayfinding Signage – Vehicle Directional pages SD.17- SD.23 and SD.31 and
Large Plan Sheet, Signs 1-14
There are six (6) existing directional signs (as shown on page SD.31) that will be removed and
replaced by the new directional signs (as shown on pages SD.17-SD.23). The existing
directional signs are vertical in orientation with a white background and colored lettering; these
signs are 20 SF in sign area. The applicant is requesting fourteen (14) new directional signs
around the main campus. The directional signs area located around the main campus for the
hospital to identify the main entrance, emergency department, and parking. They are located at
key street intersections and drive aisles entrances to parking and circulation drives.
The Sign Regulations of the Zoning Ordinance define a directional signs as “a freestanding sign
whose primary function is to give aid to motorists of pedestrians in locating buildings or roads.”
The Sign Regulations state that the maximum sign area for a directional sign is 5 SF and have a
maximum height of four (4) feet. (Zoning Ordinance Article 5 Section 4.5D) While the function
of these signs fits the definition of “directions signs”, the format of the sign is that of a
“monument sign.” Staff recognizes that a hospital campus in the middle d of the downtown is
unique in the City and that the wayfinding signage needs are different from a typical use.
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The fourteen (14) new directional signs are located around the hospital on South Governors
Avenue, South Street, South State Street, and Hope Street. The majority of the directional signs
help direct traffic to the appropriate location on the campus (i.e. Main Entrance with an arrow).
There are a number of signs that indicate the location of office buildings (i.e. Dover Surgicenter).
The new directional signs are horizontal in orientation (rectangular in shape) and present a
standardized Bayhealth logo and lettering in color on a white background. The directional signs
are labeled as primary and secondary signs. The directional signs have two different sizes. Half
of the proposed directional signs are 57.25 SF in sign area with a height of 5 ft 9 in. and width of
10 ft. and the other half are proposed to be 23.75 SF in sign area with a height of 4 ft 9 in and
width of 5 ft. A number of the signs are located close to the property line.
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends approval of directional Signs 5, 7, and 9-13
(pages SD.17-SD.23). These signs are the 23 SF in sign area and
are consistent with the road classification (Urban Local
Collectors, and Urban minor Arterial) and character of the
neighborhood in which they are located. The site is located near
several schools and residential areas.
Staff recommends a reduction in the sign area of directional signs
1-4, 6, 8, and 14 (pages SD.17-SD.23). These signs are 57.25 SF
in sign area almost three (3) times larger than the existing
directional signs. Staff notes that secondary Signs 6, 8, and 14 are
proposed to have the same sign area as the primary signs. The size
of these signs is not consistent with the road classification (Urban
Local Collector and Urban Minor Arterial) and the character of
the neighborhood in which they are located. The site is located
near several schools and residential areas. The large signs while
providing assistance with getting around the campus takes away
from the setting in which it is located. Staff also notes that the
speed limit along the streets is between 25 and 35 mph. The lower
speed limit and the location of the sign close to the road reduce the
need for such large signs. Signs 1, 4, 6, 13 and 14 are located on
South State Street. Sign 2 is located on Hope Street (see page
SD.17). Signs 5 and 7 are located on South Street. State Street,
South Street and Hope Street are all classified as Urban Local
Collectors. Signs 3 and 8-12 are located on South Governors
Avenue. South Governors Avenue is classified as an Urban Minor
Arterial.
A Sign area reduction could be achieved by a change in letter size
and elimination of excess “background”. The minimum letter
height for a secondary message on an Urban Local Collector is
four (4) inches. The minimum letter height for a secondary
message on an Urban Minor Arterial is five (5) inches. All of the
signs have a letter height of five (5) inches. The only road
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classified as an Urban Minor Arterial requiring five (5) inch
letters is South Governors Avenue.
Staff notes that secondary Signs 6, 8, and 14 are proposed to have
the same sign area as the primary signs. Staff would recommend a
reduction in the overall height, a reduction in the length of the
signs or both (i.e. reduce length from 10’ to 6’ and height from
5’9” to 4’9” or somewhere in that range).
Staff recommends evaluation of the placement of Sign 2 may be
located closer to South Street as proposed the sign is 30+/- feet
back from the right-of-way and would be difficult to view.
Staff notes that Sign 4 is located within the corner visibility area.
Signs shall not be located within the corner visibility area to
ensure adequate vehicular safety. The current sign placement of
Sign 4 may also impact sight distance from Hope Street. Sight
distance shall not be impacted by signs. This sign may need to be
moved to ensure adequate sight distance.
Staff recommends a sign may be warranted at the staff parking lot
off of South Street. The only sign indicating staff parking is
located across the street at the main entrance.
Staff notes that an explanation of the design philosophy and
functional needs of the Directional Signage package may prove
helpful in evaluating the signage proposal.
FREESTANDING SIGNAGE
Existing Sign Requirements to Remain SD.25-SD.26 and Existing Signage to be Replaced
SD.28-SD.29
The freestanding signs are made up of “Existing Signs to remain” and “Existing Signs to be
Replaced”. The applicant is requesting to keep the existing five (5) freestanding signs located
throughout the campus. There are three (3) monument signs and two (2) post and panel signs.
The two post and panel signs are located at 100 Scull Terrace and 530 South State Street. The
monument signs are all located at facilities fronting on South Governors Avenue. The
monument sign located at 738 South Governors Avenue is a portion of the existing shared sign.
Three of the existing signs (two post and panel and one monument sign) are to remain as they
are. The other two (monument signs) are proposed to be refaced in the future; these signs area
located at 540 and 560 South Governors Avenue. These two monument signs are both 72.5 SF
in sign area. The plan proposes that the signs have a sign area of 120 SF.
Staff Recommendation
Existing signs to Remain
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Staff recommends approval of Signs 1, 5, and 9. (Pages SD.25-
SD.26) Signs 1, 5, and 9 include the two post and panel signs
located at Scull Terrace and 530 South State Street and the portion
of the monument sign located at 738 South Governors Avenue.
Existing signs to be replaced
Staff recommends a reduction in the sign area for Sign 4, and 5.
(Pages SD.28-SD.29) These are the two signs located at 540 and
560 South Governors Avenue. These two existing signs are 72.5
SF in sign area. These signs would be considered legal non-
conforming under the existing Sign Regulations of the Zoning
Ordinance. The applicant is proposing to increase the sign area to
120 SF. A typical monument sign in this location on an Urban
minor Arterial would be permitted a 32 SF monument sign. The
existing signs are twice the size of a permitted sign.
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) This request does not include window signs or any other types of signage proposed for the
site.
2) Provide a page listing of all parcels included within the Comprehensive Unified Sign Plan
within the sign book.
3) Clarify the scale of information being presented in the summary booklet, it appears that the
current plans /elevations have been reduced for publication purposes.
4) Provide centerline information and location of the stop sign at the intersection of Hope Street
and South State Street to determine if sight distance at this intersection is impaired by
proposed placement of Sign 4 on page SD.17. Consult with Public Works Office.
5) Clarify the location of vehicular wayfinding Sign 4. It appears to be located within the
corner visibility. Sign shall not be located within the corner visibility area.
6) Check spelling and revise if necessary the name “Ester” on the Emergency Department sign
to “Esther”.
7) Indicate the overall height for the new wall signs on pages SD.4-SD.10.
8) Provide dimensions for Sign 3 on page SD.29.
9) Staff notes that a number of the proposed vehicular wayfinding signs are located close to the
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Page 9
property line. Staff notes that signs shall not be placed within the right-of-way.
10) Revise the calculation for the sign area for both Signs 4 and 5 on page SD.30. The sign area
was calculated from the edges of the structure, and not from the edges of the sign.
11) The parking and regulatory signs should be noted throughout the plan, however, they will not
require a permit.
RECOMMENDATIONS SUGGESTED AS CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL TO MEET CODE
OBJECTIVES:
See main text of report for Staff Recommendation on Signs.
ADVISORY COMMENTS TO THE APPLICANT:
1) In the event, that major changes and revisions to the Signage Plan occur in the
finalization of the site plan contact the Department of Planning and Inspections.
Examples include reorientation of signage, relocation of signs, changes in sign area, etc.
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.
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) The applicant/developer shall be aware that prior to any ground disturbing activities on
the site the appropriate site inspections and permits are required.
4) 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.
5) Staff requires a final submittal of the Unified Comprehensive Sign Plan, including any
revisions and conditions of Planning Commission approval, to be reviewed
administratively before applications for Sign Permits will be accepted.
6) The applicant shall be aware that Unified Comprehensive Sign Plan approval does not
represent a Sign Permit. Any proposed site or building identification sign shall require a
Sign Permit from the City of Dover prior to placement of any such sign.
7) Staff notes that the directional signs, if approved, will require a Sign Permit due to their
size. Approval of the Unified Comprehensive Sign Plan does not represent a Sign
Permit.
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8) Signs should be placed in a manner that meets NESC requirements.
9) Be advised that the City of Dover, Public Utilities Department does not permit signs to be
installed within 10’ of existing or proposed water lines.
10) Be advised that the City of Dover, Public Utilities Department does not permit signs to be
installed within 10’ of existing or proposed sanitary sewer lines.
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 100
CITY OF DOVER
DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
APPLICATION REVIEW COMMENTARY
STAFF D.A.C. MEETING DATE: MARCH 31, 2011
APPLICATION: BAYHEALTH MEDICAL CENTER: COMPREHENSIVE
SIGNAGE PLAN
FILE #: US-11-01
REVIEWING AGENCY: City of Dover Public Utilities Department
CONTACT PERSON: Steve Enss - Electric
Sharon Duca, P.E. - Water, Wastewater, Stormwater
CONTACT PHONE #: 302-736-7070
T HE S UBJECT P ROPOSAL HAS BEEN R EVIEWED FOR C ODE C OMPLIANCE , P LAN C ONFORMITY AND C OMPLETENESS IN A CCORDANCE
WITH THIS A GENCY ’ S A UTHORITY AND A REA OF E XPERTISE .
T HE F OLLOWING I TEMS HAVE BEEN I DENTIFIED AS E LEMENTS W HICH N EED TO BE A DDRESSED BY THE A PPLICANT :
CITY AND STATE CODE REQUIREMENTS
ELECTRIC
1. Signs should be placed in a manner that meets NESC requirements.
WATER / WASTEWATER
1. As per the City of Dover Water Wastewater Handbook no structures, including permanent signage, may be located
within ten feet (10’) of water and wastewater utility infrastructure.
RECOMMENDATIONS SUGGESTED AS CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL TO MEET CODE OBJECTIVES
ELECTRIC / WATER / WASTEWATER
1. None.
ADVISORY COMMENTS TO THE APPLICANT
ELECTRIC / WATER / WASTEWATER
1. Miss Utility must be contacted before placing/installing signs.
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 .
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CITY OF DOVER D
E
DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
L
APPLICATION REVIEW COMMENTARY D
O
D.A.C. MEETING DATE: March 31, 2011 T
===============================================================
APPLICATION: Bayhealth Medical Center: Comprehensive Signage Plan
FILE#: US-11-01 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. DelDOT has no comments.
RECOMMENDATIONS SUGGESTED AS CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL TO MEET CODE
OBJECTIVES:
• The department recommends that the locations of the stop bars and the other striping on Hope
Street be shown on the plan sheet. Also, the department recommends of placing the intersection
sight distance triangles on the plan sheet for the intersections of Hope Street and S. State Street,
Hope Street and S. Governors Avenue, South Street and S. State Street, and South Street and S.
Governors Avenue. Additionally, ensure that the legs of the intersection sight distance triangles
are per the AASHTO Green Book 2004, “A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and
Streets”.
• Proposed signs that fall within the intersection sight triangles must be thoroughly reviewed prior
to approval.
• Proposed sign PG.SD.19 may impede sight distances, depending on the location of the stop bar.
Please ensure that all criterias are met for safe departure sight triangles per the AASHTO Green
Book.
ADVISORY COMMENTS TO THE APPLICANT:
• No signs shall be erected within the State maintained right-of-ways without the proper permits. To
obtain the necessary information and permits for sign erection within the State’s right-of-ways,
please contact Mr. Robert Moyer at (302) 760-2443 or by e-mail at Robert.Moyer@state.de.us.
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 102
CITY OF DOVER
DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
APPLICATION REVIEW COMMENTARY
DEVELOPER APPLICATION MEETING DATE: APRIL 2, 2011
APPLICATION: Bayhealth Medical Center Signage Plan
FILE #: US-11-01
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 the signage plan for the above referenced site.
ADVISORY COMMENTS TO THE APPLICANT:
The Following comments are advisory and apply to the development of a detailed site plan for this project.
• A detailed Sediment and Stormwater Management Plan must be approved by our office prior to any land
disturbing activity (i.e. clearing, grading, filling, etc.) over 5000 square feet.