In considering applications for the subdivision of land, the Planning Board shall be guided by the standards set forth hereinafter. Said standards shall be considered to be minimum requirements and shall be waived by the Planning Board only under circumstances set forth in § 157-51 herein.
A. 
Character of land. Land to be subdivided shall be of such character that it can be used safely for building purposes without danger to health or peril from fire, flood, soil failure or other hazard.
B. 
Specifications for required improvements. All required improvements shall be constructed or installed to conform to the City's specifications.
[Amended 1-24-2012]
A. 
Width, location and construction. Streets shall be of sufficient width (see Section 2, pages 3 and 4 of the City of Dover Construction Guidelines[1]), suitably located and adequately constructed to conform to the Master Plan and to accommodate the projected traffic and afford access for firefighting, snow removal and other road maintenance equipment. The arrangement of streets shall be such as to avoid imposing undue hardship on adjoining properties and shall be coordinated so as to comprise a convenient system. In the event a subdivision adjoins or includes an existing street which does not conform to widths as required by this chapter or by the Master Plan of the City of Dover, the developer shall dedicate sufficient land to bring such street into conformity. Subdivisions along one side of any such street or highway shall be required to dedicate 1/2 of the required extra width.
[Amended 2-26-2019]
[1]
Editor's Note: The Construction Guidelines are on file in the City offices.
B. 
Arrangement. The arrangement of streets and/or rights-of-way in a subdivision shall provide for the continuation of streets and/or rights-of-way of adjoining subdivisions and for the proper protection of such accessways into adjoining properties which are not yet subdivided, in order to make possible necessary fire protection, movement of traffic and the construction or extension, presently or when later required, of needed utilities and public services, such as sewer, water and drainage facilities. Continuations or extensions of existing streets and/or rights-of-way shall be of widths equal to or greater than those appurtenances now existing; provided, however, that such improvements conform to those standards contained in Subsection A. Where, in the opinion of the Planning Board, topographic or other conditions make such continuance undesirable or impractical, the above conditions may be modified.
C. 
Local streets. Local streets (minor) shall be so arranged that their use by through traffic shall be avoided.
D. 
Provision for future resubdivision. Where a tract is subdivided into lots substantially larger than the minimum size required in the zoning district in which a subdivision is located, the Planning Board may require that streets and lots be arranged so as to permit future resubdivision in accordance with the requirements contained in this chapter.
E. 
Dead-end streets (culs-de-sac). The creation of dead-end or loop residential streets shall be encouraged whenever the Planning Board finds that such type of development will not interfere with normal traffic circulation in the area. In the case of dead-end streets, where needed or desirable, the Planning Board may require the reservation of a 30-foot-wide easement to provide for continuation of pedestrian traffic, emergency access ways and utilities to the next street.
[Amended 7-27-2021]
F. 
Block size. Blocks in general shall not be less than 500 feet nor more than 1,200 feet in length. In general, no block width shall be less than twice the normal lot depth. In blocks which exceed 800 feet in length, the Planning Board may require the reservation of an easement through the block to provide for the crossing of pedestrian traffic and underground utilities where needed or desired and may further specify, at its discretion, that a paved footpath be included.
G. 
Intersections with collector or major arterial roads. Local (minor) or secondary street openings into such roads shall, in general, be at least 400 feet apart. Intersections of more than two streets at any one point shall not be allowed without Planning Board approval.
H. 
Street jogs. Street jogs with center-line offsets of less than 125 feet shall be avoided.
I. 
Angle of intersection. In general, all streets shall join each other so that for a distance of at least 100 feet, the street is approximately at right angles to the street it joins. No street shall intersect another street at an angle of less than 60°.
J. 
Reverse curves. A minimum tangent of 100 feet shall be required between reverse curves on arterial and collector streets.
K. 
Relation to topography. The street plan of a proposed subdivision shall bear a logical relationship to the topography of the property, and all streets shall be arranged so as to obtain as many of the building sites as possible at or above the grade of the streets. Grades of streets shall conform as closely as possible to the original topography.
L. 
Special treatment along major arterial streets. Where a subdivision abuts or contains an existing or proposed major arterial street, the Planning Board may require limited access streets, reverse frontage with screen planting contained in a nonaccess reservation along the rear property line, deep lots with rear service alleys or such other treatments as may be necessary for adequate protection of residential properties and to afford separation of through and local traffic.
[Amended 8-11-1992; 11-28-1995; 1-14-2003; 8-26-2008; 12-18-2012; 5-8-2018]
A. 
Widths of rights-of-way. Streets shall be the following widths:
Minimum Pavement (feet)
Type of Street
Minimum Right-of-Way
(feet)
Residential
Nonresidential
Arterial streets (major)
70
36
36
Collector streets
60
32
32
Local streets up to 5 lots
50
20*
28
Local streets 6 to 20 lots
50
24**
28
Local streets 21 or more lots
50
28***
28
*
No on-street parking will be allowed.
**
Parking must be restricted to one side of the road only.
***
The Planning Board may allow a reduction to 24 feet if the subdivision is designed to provide a 100-foot setback from the existing public right-of-way for any structures on the corner lots created at the intersection(s) of the proposed subdivision street and the existing public street.
B. 
Improvements. Streets shall be graded and improved with pavements, curbs and gutters, sidewalks, storm drainage facilities, water mains, sewers, streetlights and signs, street trees and fire hydrants, except where waivers may be requested, and the Planning Board may waive, subject to appropriate conditions, such improvements as it considers may be omitted without jeopardy to the public health, safety and general welfare. All streetlights, street trees, mailboxes, newspaper bins, trash receptacles, or any other type of obstruction shall be placed in the grass between the sidewalk and the curb. Pedestrian easements shall be improved as required by the City Engineer or designee. Such grading and improvements shall conform to the design specifications set forth in Articles VII and VIII.
C. 
Utilities. The Planning Board shall, whenever possible, require that underground utilities be placed in the street right-of-way to simplify location and repair of lines when they require attention. The subdivider shall install underground service connections to the property line of each lot within the subdivision for such required utilities before the street is paved.
D. 
Utility easements. Where topography is such as to make impractical the inclusion of utilities within the street right-of-way, perpetual unobstructed easements at least 30 feet in width shall be provided with satisfactory access to the street. Easement of greater width may be required where more than one utility is located in the same easement. Wherever possible, easements shall be continuous from block to block. Such easements shall be cleared and graded where required.
E. 
No tree, shrub or building shall be placed or erected in any easement for utility or drainage purposes, except at the owner's risk as to all costs for demolition, removal or reconstruction or by arrangements made with the City Engineer and the Community Services Director. The proper authorities may have free access to and use of the easements at any time. Any planting of trees within the street right-of-way shall be in accordance with a plan approved by the Community Services Director.
F. 
Curve radii at street intersections. Street right-of-way lines at intersections shall be rounded by curves of at least thirty-foot radius for local residential streets and at least thirty-five-foot radius for all other streets, unless otherwise specified by the Planning Board.
G. 
Grades. No local street grade shall be in excess of 8% and no collector street grade shall be in excess of 4%, except as otherwise approved by the Planning Board due to adverse topographic conditions. For adequate drainage, the minimum grade of any new street shall not be less than 0.5%. No street shall support a grade in excess of 3% within 75 feet of its point of intersection with any other street.
H. 
Changes in grade. All changes of grade shall be connected by vertical curves of such length and radius so as to provide smooth transition and proper sight distance.
I. 
Steep grades and curves; visibility of intersections. A combination of steep grades and curves shall be avoided. In order to provide visibility for traffic safety, that portion of any corner lot (whether at an intersection entirely within the subdivision or of a new street with an existing street) shall be kept cleared of all growth, except isolated trees, and obstructions above a level three feet higher than the center line of the street. If necessary, ground shall be excavated to achieve visibility.
J. 
Dead-end streets (culs-de-sac). Unless topography indicates a need for an alternative length, streets shall not be less than 500 feet nor exceed 1,000 feet in length and shall terminate in a cul-de-sac. The exact form of the cul-de-sac shall be aesthetically pleasing as well as functional. The right-of-way limits at the cul-de-sac shall be as necessary to ensure adequate property within which to properly maintain the area. The exact configuration and dimension of the cul-de-sac shall be approved by the Planning Board. Temporary dead-end streets, such as in phased construction, may require temporary turnaround facilities. Hammerhead designed dead-end streets are not acceptable for public roadways.
K. 
Watercourses. Where a watercourse separates a proposed street from abutting property, provision shall be made for access to all lots by means of culverts or other structures of suitable design.
L. 
Where a subdivision is traversed by a watercourse, drainageway, channel or stream, there shall be provided, upon request, a stormwater easement or drainage right-of-way. In no case shall it be less than 30 feet in width.
M. 
If a roundabout is proposed for inclusion, a professional engineer with traffic engineering certifications must design the roundabout in conformance with "Roundabouts: An Informational Guide," as adopted and amended by the Federal Highway Administration.
[Amended 1-24-2012]
A. 
Type of name. All street names and addresses for lots and/or buildings shall be shown on a preliminary and final plat layout and shall be approved by the Planning Board. In general, streets shall have names and lot numbers.
B. 
Names to be substantially different. Proposed street names shall be substantially different so as not to be confused in sound or spelling with present names, except those streets that join or are in alignment with streets or an abutting property shall bear the same name.
C. 
Where a subdivision will create a private roadway, the right-of-way name shall end in "Drive."
[Amended 8-26-2008; 3-23-2010; 1-24-2012; 5-24-2016]
A. 
Purpose. Shall comply with the standards contained in § 153-14A(1), as amended.
B. 
Stormwater management. Stormwater management shall comply with the standards contained in § 153-14A(2) and (3)(a) through (c), as amended.
C. 
Stormwater management system operation and maintenance plans. Stormwater management system operation and maintenance plans shall comply with the standards contained in § 153-14A(3)(f), as amended.
D. 
Erosion and sedimentation control. Erosion and sedimentation control shall comply with the standards contained in § 153-14A(3)(d), as amended.
E. 
Flood hazards. Subdivisions involving land designated as special flood hazard areas shall be reviewed to determine whether such proposals will be reasonably safe from flooding and shall meet the following requirements:
(1) 
Permits. Prior to preliminary approval, the Planning Board shall review the proposed development to assure that all necessary permits have been received from those government agencies from which approval is required by federal and state law, including Section 404 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, Amendments of 1972, 33 U.S.C. § 1334.
(2) 
Minimization of flood damage. Sufficient evidence (constructions drawings, grading and land treatment plans) shall be submitted so as to allow the Planning Board to determine that:
(a) 
All such proposals are consistent with the need to minimize flood damage;
(b) 
All public utilities and facilities, such as sewer, gas, electrical, and water systems, are located and constructed to minimize or eliminate flood damage;
(c) 
Adequate drainage is provided so as to reduce exposure to flood hazards; and
(d) 
New and replacement water and sewer systems (including on-site systems) are located, designed, and constructed to minimize infiltration and avoid impairment.
(3) 
Elevation and floodproofing records. The subdivider shall obtain and maintain records of elevations and floodproofing levels for all new or substantially improved structures, whether or not such structures contain a basement.
(4) 
Base flood elevation data shall be provided for subdivision proposals and other proposed development which contains at least 50 lots or five acres, whichever is less.
[Amended 1-14-2003; 3-23-2010]
A. 
Open space provision. The minimum requirements concerning the provision of open space facilities in subdivisions shall be as specified herein and in Chapter 170, Zoning.
B. 
Reservation of park areas.
(1) 
Where a proposed park, playground, open space or other public use is shown in the Master Plan or the Open Space Plan and is located, in whole or in part, in a subdivision, the Planning Board may require the dedication or reservation of such area within the subdivision.
(2) 
If no such areas are so delineated within the boundaries of a subdivision, the Planning Board may, where appropriate, require that the plat layout show sites of a character, extent and location suitable for the development of a park, playground or other recreation purpose. Said area(s) shall not exceed 15% of the total area of the subdivision and shall have a sufficient legal restriction to assure permanence of use for open space and maintenance with respect thereto. The Planning Board shall consult with the Director of Recreation prior to the reservation of such land.
[Amended 1-14-2020]
C. 
Reserve strips. Reserve strips of land which might be used to control access from the proposed subdivision to any neighboring property, or to any land within the subdivision itself, shall be prohibited.
D. 
Preservation of natural features. The Planning Board shall, whenever possible, establish the preservation of those natural features which add value to residential/commercial developments and to the community, such as tree masses, watercourses, historic sites, vistas and similar irreplaceable assets.
E. 
Street tree planting. Any newly constructed roadway that is the result of a major subdivision shall include the planting of deciduous shade trees selected from the City of Dover's approved list of street trees. The trees, with a minimum height at planting of eight feet, shall be planted within the right-of-way along the frontage of all developed lots where residential development is to take place. In accordance with a landscaping plan submitted by the applicant (which also takes into account the character of the area), the Planning Board and the Community Services Director shall duly approve the planting of such vegetal elements at staggered intervals on opposite sides of the street.
[Amended 2-26-2019]
(1) 
Trees shall be salt- and drought-tolerant, native or noninvasive species, and have a structure and growth form which prevents them from obstructing sidewalks and walkways.
(2) 
Trees shall have a caliper of no less than 3 inches when planted.
[Amended 10-12-2021]
(3) 
Trees located under utility wires should be a low-growing species.
(4) 
To foster biological diversity, trees planted along a given street shall use the "10-20-30 Rule." (No more than 10% of the trees shall be of the same species, no more than 20% in the same genus, and no more than 30% in the same family.)
(5) 
Trees shall be located no more than 35 feet apart.
(6) 
All newly planted trees, shrubs and other vegetation shall have a watering plan during the establishment period (for trees, one year per inch in caliper at planting; shrubs and other vegetation generally establish within one growing season). Mulching trees, shrubs, and plants helps retain soil moisture, moderates temperature fluctuations, provides protection from mechanical damage by mowers and trimmers, and serves as temporary covering of exposed soil until understory plants and ground covers fill in. However, thick applications of mulch (such as "volcano mulching") will kill trees and other vegetation. Mulch shall be no greater than three inches in depth and shall not be in contact with the bark or stems of plants.
F. 
Perimeter landscaping. In order to reduce the visual impact of new subdivisions to abutting properties, the Planning Board shall require an applicant for a major subdivision to prepare a perimeter landscaping plan. The purpose of the landscaping plan shall be to provide natural vegetation screening along the perimeter of the original lot(s) being subdivided. Whenever possible, existing trees and shrubs shall be preserved and used to satisfy the screening requirements. The landscaping plan shall depict the species and sizes of the proposed trees and shrubs and identify any existing plants that will be preserved. Any trees proposed to be planted shall have a minimum height of eight feet at the time of planting. Trees and shrubs shall include a mix of deciduous and evergreen species and shall be species tolerant to the climatic conditions of Dover. The Planning Board may allow alternative screening methods, such as a combination of fencing, plantings and earthen berms, only if preferred by the abutting property owner(s). Vegetation used as a buffer for screening purposes must maintain understory.
G. 
Where culs-de-sac are proposed, the island or center area of the cul-de-sac shall remain in a natural vegetated state, with any invasive species removed. If it will be used as a biofilter for stormwater treatment, the area shall be vegetated with a combination of living plant material, including trees, shrubs, and ground covers. Nonliving landscape material may cover up to 20% of the island or center area. When planting of vegetation is required, cul-de-sac landscaping shall be installed after construction of the street is complete.
[Added 2-26-2019]