A. 
Network design. The intent is to strengthen and extend the existing established street network within the Town of Dagsboro and to continue the overall character of the Town in new development. New or extended streets in the Town of Dagsboro shall be designed to the below listed standards.
(1) 
Required standards.
(a) 
Any proposed street(s) shall be consistent with the transportation component of the Comprehensive Plan.
(b) 
New development streets shall be laid out in a grid pattern creating numerous connections to existing streets. If possible, extension of existing streets shall be utilized. Streets do not necessarily need to be provided at right angles and should be provided as appropriate based on surrounding street network and natural characteristics of the site. Intersections, however, shall be as nearly at right angles as is possible and in no case be less than 70°.
(c) 
Isolated subdivisions providing no logical connections to existing streets or community shall be discouraged.
Undesirable
Desirable
(d) 
A street hierarchy shall be established in all residential subdivisions to include both minor and collector streets. Driveways serving residential lots shall not take access from collector streets within subdivisions.
(e) 
Primary subdivisions entrances for larger subdivisions of 50 units or more shall provide divided boulevard-type entrances incorporating a central planting island with mountable curbs.
(f) 
Intersections shall be designed for safety and to facilitate both pedestrian and vehicular movement.
(g) 
Internal roads and aisles within multibuilding developments shall provide clearly discernible and safe circulation throughout the development and especially within parking areas.
(h) 
Proposed subdivision street layout plans shall incorporate provisions for linkage streets which shall be designed to provide future access and street connection to adjacent vacant or undeveloped lands which may be developed in the future.
(i) 
Linkage street stubs shall be provided to adjacent vacant or undeveloped land greater than five acres. The locations and types of street stubs must be approved by the Planning Commission. Land under five acres may be subject to the same requirements if determined necessary by the Planning Commission.
(j) 
When a proposed subdivision is being planned adjacent to previously subdivided land and the previously subdivided land has incorporated linkage street stubs to its perimeter as part of its recorded subdivision plan, the proposed subdivision must incorporate street connections to the existing linkage street right-of-way stubs as part of its street system.
(2) 
Prohibitions.
(a) 
Gated communities shall be prohibited.
(b) 
Speed bumps or speed tables shall be prohibited on public streets.
(3) 
Encouraged guidelines.
(a) 
Transit stops and improvements where appropriate to the intensity of use and expected demand should be provided.
(b) 
Residential lots fronting on collector streets should take access from alleys or minor side streets. Alleys should be encouraged in residential development.
(c) 
Traffic calming should be incorporated into the design of new subdivisions to reduce vehicular speed, promote continuity in the traffic stream, and result in a net reduction in overall traffic volume for a given street or system of streets. Options may consist of traffic circles, islands, bump-outs and deflections or other techniques approved by the Planning Commission and Town Engineer.
B. 
Street signage. The Town's standard street sign has been identified in the pictures below; specific street sign information may be provided by the Town's Public Works Department.
C. 
Street specifications. The street specifications shall be designed in accordance with Chapter 238 of the Town Code.
A. 
Connectivity. The intent is to improve the pedestrian environment by making it easier, safer, and more comfortable to walk among residences, to businesses, to the street sidewalk, to transit stops, and to adjacent properties, and general connections throughout the Town.
(1) 
Required standards.
(a) 
Connections shall be created utilizing either sidewalks or pedestrian trails or a combination of both to link the community or development to facilities such as parkland, shopping centers, public buildings, employment centers, and schools. Sidewalks shall be provided on both sides of residential streets. The Planning Commission may approve another standard if appropriate to a specific location or situation.
(b) 
Sidewalks shall be provided along all street frontages. Connections to adjacent parcels and development shall be provided.
(c) 
Provisions shall be made to connect to future development. Planned or existing sidewalks or pedestrian trails shall be provided by dedication of easements for future connections.
(d) 
Crosswalks shall be required to create a visual and direct connection between barrier free access curb ramps for the purpose of demarcation of appropriate pedestrian street-crossing locations in the following instances:
[1] 
At points of intersection between sidewalk and collector streets and at all corners along a collector street or where local residential streets intersect the collector street.
[2] 
At all signalized intersections adjoining the development site.
[3] 
At key locations to provide safe street-crossing access to active or passive parkland and open space areas, schools, playgrounds, neighborhood shopping centers and similar pedestrian destinations within and adjoining the development
(e) 
Pedestrian and bicycle trails and connections shall be provided to adjacent pedestrian and bicycle facilities such as sidewalks and trails and provide linkages to destinations within Town such as public buildings, parks, commercial centers and other residential areas.
(f) 
Pedestrian and bicycle trails shall be constructed of durable pervious materials including soil cement, fine crushed stone, or paved with asphalt or other approved materials.
(2) 
Encouraged guidelines.
(a) 
Existing informal paths or trails should be recognized and improved to ensure connection to and through sites and access to parks and open spaces.
(b) 
Sidewalks and trails crossing parking lots and driveways should be made more visible by varying the texture and color of walkway materials.
(c) 
Sidewalks, paths and trails should be integrated with landscaping design.
B. 
Specifications. The sidewalk specifications shall be designed as stated in Chapter 238 of the Town Code, unless the frontage is located on a state-maintained highway. If the frontage is not a municipal roadway, the requirements must be met for DELDot standards.
A. 
General design. The intent is to assure that new neighborhoods and infill residential development will be of a compatible style with existing neighborhoods within Dagsboro.
(1) 
Required standards.
(a) 
Residential units or infill development shall be code-compliant and be of an equal or higher architectural style than that of adjacent residential structures. Residential structures within new subdivisions shall also be of a consistent architectural style to that of the surrounding community and incorporate similar material in the design of the homes, or of an architectural style approved by the Planning Commission.
(b) 
Buildings shall incorporate front porches or stoops with or without overhangs constructed of materials appropriate to the structure.
(2) 
Encouraged guidelines.
(a) 
Architectural styles that reflect traditional architectural and historic context of the Town of Dagsboro should be encouraged.
(b) 
The use of additional architectural detail and features, such as picket fences, hedge rows, trellises, etc., is also encouraged.
(c) 
The use of front porches, alleys, and rear- or side-accessed garages or parking areas behind homes is encouraged.
B. 
Building materials. The intent is to provide residential structures constructed of durable and architecturally appropriate materials and to create a quality living environment.
(1) 
Required standards.
(a) 
Exterior materials shall consist of brick, stone, stucco, fiber-cement composite, wood clap board or shake type, or vinyl. Materials other than standard building materials may be approved.
(b) 
Roofing materials shall consist of asphalt or wood shingle, slate, or colored segmented metal roofing materials. Other materials may be approved.
(c) 
Home foundation shall be faced with brick, stone or pargeted stucco surfacing.
(d) 
No exposed concrete or concrete block shall be visible.
(2) 
Encouraged guidelines.
(a) 
When vinyl siding is used, a variety of styles utilizing decorative architectural elements should be used.
C. 
Roof pitch (minimum/maximum). The intent is to maintain the residential scale and character of neighborhoods.
(1) 
Required standards.
(a) 
Structures shall have pitched roofs with slopes between 6:12 (rise:run) and 12:12 (not applicable to porches and dormers).
(2) 
Encouraged guidelines.
(a) 
Gables facing the street are encouraged.
(b) 
Dormers should be used to break up long lengths of roof.
(c) 
No adjacent residential structures shall have identical roof face or style.
D. 
Windows. The intent is to enhance the scale of a building and delineate stories.
(1) 
Required standards.
(a) 
Windows shall be provided in facades facing streets, comprising at least 20% of the building wall area.
(2) 
Encouraged guidelines.
(a) 
Windows should have visually prominent trim.
(b) 
Other decorative window features are encouraged, such as:
[1] 
Arched windows.
[2] 
Mullions.
[3] 
Awnings.
[4] 
Flower boxes.
[5] 
Window shutters, sized appropriately and proportionately to the window.
(c) 
A variety of window sizes and shapes that contribute to overall composition is also encouraged.
E. 
Articulation of walls. The intent is to provide visual variety along the street facade.
(1) 
Required standards.
(a) 
Buildings shall include articulation along the facades facing and visible from public view. Flat, bland walls are discouraged.
(b) 
Horizontal facades longer than 30 feet shall be articulated into smaller units, consistent with the residential scale. At least two of the following methods shall be included:
[1] 
Variable roof forms.
[2] 
Changes in materials.
[3] 
Window patterns.
[4] 
Color differentiations.
[5] 
Recesses/offsets.
(c) 
No adjacent residential structures shall have identical front facades.
F. 
Front yard/entrances. The intent is to provide separation between buildings and the public pedestrian areas, where the front yard functions as usable outdoor space and provides a clear, welcoming, and safe entry for pedestrians from the sidewalk into the building.
(1) 
Required standards.
(a) 
Primary building entrances shall be clearly identifiable and visible from the street with well-defined walkways from pedestrian routes to building entrances.
(b) 
Landscaping shall screen or reduce views to adjacent commercial or industrial development and utility boxes in accordance with Chapter 285 of the Town Code.
(c) 
Primary building entrances shall face the street. If the doorway does not face the street, a clearly marked and well maintained walkway shall connect the entrances to the sidewalk.
(2) 
Encouraged guidelines.
(a) 
Front yards should include an entrance sequence between the sidewalk and the building including features such as porches, stoops, trellises, site furnishings, low hedges, landscaped borders, and special paving.
(b) 
Accent lighting may be used to highlight special focal points, building/site entrances, public art and special landscape features.
(c) 
Signage identifying building address should be visible from the street and public pedestrian walkway.
(d) 
Primary entrance doors should provide decorative elements such as architectural trim, lighting and signage.
G. 
Individual outdoor spaces. The intent is to provide private outdoor space distinguishable from common spaces that encourages a sense of ownership by residents.
(1) 
Required standards.
(a) 
Outdoor spaces such as yards, decks, terraces, and patios shall be delineated from common areas. Delineation may consist of walls, fences, berms, hedges, and landscaping.
(b) 
Outdoor spaces used to meet these standards shall not be located within required landscape buffer areas.
(c) 
Outdoor spaces shall not be located adjacent to dumpster enclosures, loading/service areas, or other incompatible uses.
H. 
Location of garages. The intent is to ensure that garage doors do not dominate street-facing facades or overshadow pedestrian entryways and to allow free pedestrian access to sidewalks by providing adequate driveway length for parking of vehicles.
(1) 
Required standards.
(a) 
Where garage doors face the street, they shall be set back at least 25 feet from the required sidewalk or front property line, whichever is closer.
(b) 
The garage shall be recessed a minimum of five feet from the residential structures front facade.
(c) 
Where improved alleys exist, access to garages shall be from the alley.
(d) 
Attached garages shall be accessed by vehicles from the side or the rear of the structure.
(2) 
Encouraged guidelines.
(a) 
When feasible, garages are to be located to the rear or side of the residence.
(b) 
Garage doors should be of appropriate materials and enhance the character of the structure and compliment the residential structure.
The intent is to assure that residential developments within the Town of Dagsboro provide quality recreational amenities, visually attractive open spaces, and protected natural resources.
A. 
Required standards.
(1) 
Areas designated common areas or open space shall be located to provide convenient access for the residents within the community.
(2) 
Areas for both active and passive recreation must be provided within the designated open space, per the Zoning Ordinance requirements.
(3) 
Open space areas, with the exception of greens or specialized recreation areas, shall be arranged to maintain contiguity with other designated open space areas or similar areas on adjacent lands wherever possible in order to ensure the potential for a contiguous open space network throughout the Town.
(4) 
Open space area shall be well planned to protect existing scenic views and watersheds.
(5) 
Areas of existing natural resources including, but not limited to, stands of trees, habitat areas, wetlands or other unique natural or historic features shall be preserved and incorporated into the overall open space of the project.
(6) 
Existing water bodies, ponds, floodplains, or wetlands may not comprise more than 25% of the required open space.
(7) 
Drainage ditches and other easements shall not comprise more than 5% of the required open space.
(8) 
The Planning Commission may approve the use of improved wet pond stormwater facilities as open space as long as such facilities also provide recreational and scenic amenities, such as fountains, seating areas, piers, perimeter trails, etc., and that the pond/s be appropriately integrated into the landscape by location and landscaping. Stormwater pond/s shall not comprise more than 25% of the total required open space; however, the Planning Commission may approve a percentage in excess of 25% if applicant can demonstrate that by adding additional amenities such as fountains, gazebos, and bridges it makes the pond more of an asset.
(9) 
Recreational open space within a residential project consisting of 20 units or more shall provide at least two amenities from the passive recreation and at least two amenities from the active recreation. Residential projects of 10 to 20 units must provide at least two passive recreation items.
(a) 
Passive recreation.
[1] 
Greens.
[2] 
Sitting area.
[3] 
Picnic area.
[4] 
Open lawn with trees.
[5] 
Habitat/conservation areas.
[6] 
Water features.
[7] 
Historic structure or building(s).
[8] 
Community gardens or special interest landscape.
[9] 
Rain garden stormwater treatment area.
[10] 
Gazebo, pergola, or pavilion.
[11] 
Outdoor site furnishings.
(b) 
Active recreation.
[1] 
Tot-lot or age-appropriate playground.
[2] 
Play fields.
[3] 
Sports courts such as tennis, basketball, volleyball, etc.
[4] 
Bicycle paths and facilities.
[5] 
Trails.
[6] 
Swimming pool.
[7] 
Club house or community center with indoor recreational facilities.
[8] 
Other appropriate recreational facilities as approved by the Planning Commission.
(10) 
Parking for recreation and open space areas should not be oversized so as to discourage use as overflow parking for the residential areas.
(11) 
Recreational facilities must be appropriately landscaped and properly lighted.
B. 
Encouraged guidelines.
(1) 
Existing historic structures shall be preserved and incorporated into the overall plan for the project.
(2) 
Greens or squares shall be provided within larger residential projects of 50 units or more.
(3) 
Any portion of open space designed to provide plant and animal habitat shall be kept in a natural habitat condition. Trails should be designed to avoid fragmenting these areas.
A. 
Residential. The intent is to maintain a safe, secure, and attractive environment through the use of adequate and attractive lighting.
(1) 
Required standards.
(a) 
Streetlight poles must comply with the standard streetlight pole as identified in this Part 3. Any proposed alternative must be of equal quality or style. All fixtures will be approved by the Planning Commission.
(b) 
Residential streetlights shall not exceed 12 feet in height.
(c) 
Lighting styles for streetlights shall be of one of the following approved styles (light style names are taken from the Delmarva Power list of available pole types):
[1] 
Granville style without ribs or equivalent.
[2] 
Arlington style or equivalent.
[3] 
Clearwater style or equivalent.
[4] 
Traditionaire style or equivalent.
(d) 
All residential lighting shall be of a style compatible and consistent with the architectural style and historic context of the structure or development.
(e) 
Building-mounted lights shall be installed below the eave line and no higher than 14 feet unless used to illuminate a second story entry, eave, balcony, or outside stairway or door where in such case it should be no higher than eight feet above the floor elevation of the second story.
(f) 
Residential pole-mounted (other than streetlights) or wall-mounted fixtures shall be limited to eight feet in height above finished grade.
(g) 
All lighting shall be glare-free and shielded from the sky and adjacent residential properties and structures, either through exterior shields or through optics within the fixture.
(h) 
Lighting levels and design shall comply with Illuminating Engineering Society of North America's Recommended Practices and Design Guidelines, latest edition.
B. 
Sports and athletic field facilities.
(1) 
Required standards.
(a) 
The average and/or maximum light luminance, measured in footcandles, shall not exceed the recommended average or maximum guideline established for the proposed recreational use by the Illuminating Engineering Society. The Town may restrict lighting to a level less than the Illuminating Engineering recommended guideline.
[Amended 4-27-2009]
(b) 
The maximum height of outdoor lighting for courts (basketball, volleyball, handball, horseshoe, etc.) shall not exceed 25 feet as measured from finished grade.
(c) 
Lighting for night play for baseball, football or soccer facilities shall not be higher than 100 feet above finished grade; however, for any lighting above 80 feet above finished grade, the applicant shall demonstrate that the additional height is necessary to reduce spill and glare.
(d) 
Lighting shall be directed to areas within the property line to minimize glare in surrounding areas. Spillover and glare shall be minimized by using fixture cutoffs and optically controlled luminaries at the boundary of lighted areas.
(e) 
Lights shall be extinguished not later than one hour after the end of an event.
C. 
Prohibitions.
(1) 
Flashing lights: any lights that flash, move, revolve, rotate, scintillate, blink, vary in intensity or color, or use intermittent electrical pulsation.
(2) 
Outdoor string of lights, including but not limited to those outlining lot lines, or outdoor display or sales lots.
(3) 
Luminous colored tube lighting, provided, however, that luminous tube lighting may be used when specifically requested of and approved as an integral architectural element of a development plan by the Planning Commission.
(4) 
The following lighting fixtures are prohibited in all new or redevelopment projects:
(a) 
Cobra-style fixtures.
(b) 
Open-bottom fixtures.
(c) 
Floodlight fixtures.
(d) 
Mongoose fixtures.
(e) 
Other non-fully shielded fixtures.
(5) 
Colored lighting unless specifically approved by the Planning Commission.
D. 
Exemptions.
(1) 
The following lighting is exempt from lighting standards:
(a) 
Holiday decorations.
(b) 
Construction or emergency lighting.
(c) 
State approved lighting needed for highway safety, and approved traffic control devices.
(2) 
All lighting shall follow the guidelines as amended by the IESNA - Illuminating Engineering Society of North America.
The intent is to provide a safe and sheltered area for bus services to include mass transit if available and school bus service accommodating multiple residents located within a development.
A. 
Required standards.
(1) 
Location of the bus service area shall be centrally located. A designated parking pull-off area from the existing roadways to allow traffic to continue to move in a safe manner shall be provided.
(2) 
The centrally located parking pull-off area shall be next to a weather-protected shelter/facility located in a safe and well-lit area.
(3) 
The proposed facility shall be built so individuals awaiting pickup can sit and see the bus arriving.
(4) 
The shelter/facility shall be designed according to the character of the neighborhood.
(5) 
The roadway network shall be designed so that buses can maneuver easily and have clear view of bus stops and pedestrian walkways.