[Amended 9-2-2025 by Ord. No. 2025-0004]
A.
General requirements.
(1)
Street names.
(a)
All new streets shall be named.
(b)
Street names shall be selected so as not to duplicate or closely resemble existing names within the municipality, the same hundred, or postal district and shall be approved by Sussex County 911 Addressing.
(c)
The continuation of any street shall have the same name.
(d)
The developer shall be responsible for the placement of all new street name signs.
(2)
Grading and improvement plan. Roads shall be graded and improved in conformance with the construction standards of the Delaware Department of Transportation. The Delaware Department of Transportation shall approve design specifications for state maintained roads prior to final plat approval.
(3)
Classification. Each road shall be classified as either a state-maintained road or a municipal or private (maintained by developer, HOA, etc.) street.
(4)
Access to state-maintained roads. Where a subdivision borders on or contains an existing or proposed state-maintained road, the state shall determine how access shall be provided from the subdivision to the state-maintained road.
B.
Design standards.
(1)
Generally. Streets shall be laid out to create desirable building sites while respecting existing topography, minimizing street grades, avoiding excessive cuts and fills, and preserving trees.
(2)
Access streets, intended primarily for access to individual properties, shall be arranged to discourage their use by through traffic.
(3)
No curvilinear or suburban-style streets shall be permitted unless it can be demonstrated that they are necessary because of exterior lot configurations or because of topographic conditions. Streets should be constructed in a grid pattern.
(4)
Streets shall interconnect within a development, with adjoining development, and with existing streets. Culs-de-sac are permitted only where topographic conditions and/or exterior lot line configurations offer no practical alternatives for connection or through traffic. Street stubs should be provided with development adjacent to open land to provide for future connections. Cul-de-sac streets shall not exceed 300 feet in length.
(5)
Fire department access and fire lane layout shall be provided in accordance with the Delaware State Fire Prevention Regulations.
(6)
Collector streets.
(a)
Collector streets shall be laid out to continue existing, planned, or platted streets on adjacent tracts unless the municipality determines:
(b)
Access to undeveloped adjacent tracts. Collector streets shall be extended to the boundary lines of adjacent subdivisions. Temporary turnarounds shall be provided within the subdivision at the ends of the collector streets via temporary easements or other means approved by the Commission.
C.
Construction standards. Streets shall be constructed to applicable state standards.
D.
General standards for rear access.
(1)
Rear access is a desirable feature which has many benefits related to community design, off-street parking, emergency service and utility access, and convenience to the homeowners. Rear access is encouraged in all residential developments, including those in the RPC and NB Zones. Rear access shall be required in all townhouse dwellings which contain four or more units attached in a row.
(2)
The preferred form of rear access is a paved alley designed for vehicular access. Where required, the minimum acceptable form of rear access shall be a paved walkway or pathway that provides access to the rear of interior units in townhouse-style developments. Such paved walkways are permitted in other types of residential developments when proposed as part of a comprehensive pedestrian and bikeway plan for the community or where they can be shown to benefit property owners' access to the rear of their properties.
(a)
In an RPC and NB District, at least 50% of the townhouses with four units or more are required to have vehicular rear access.
(3)
Parking shall be prohibited within the right-of-way of any alley. All parking must be located on individual lots on parking pads, in driveways, or in garages. It shall be permissible and encouraged to access parking pads, driveways, and garages from alleys where they are provided.
E.
Design standards for rear access.
(1)
An alley designed for vehicular use shall have a paved surface with a minimum width of 16 feet. The turning radii shall be designed to allow for the safe passage of passenger vehicles, service vehicles such as trash trucks, and emergency vehicles such as fire trucks.
(2)
The Town may require additional right-of-way not to exceed 16 feet when utilities are proposed in alleys. The alley must be common open space that is transferred to the homeowners' or condominium association, which will be responsible for maintenance.
(3)
Walkways and pathways intended to provide access to the rear yards of townhouse-style dwellings shall be a minimum of six feet in width and paved with a hard surface such as concrete, asphalt or a similar approved surface.
(4)
All walkways and pathways shall be considered common open space, and transferred to the homeowners' or condominium association for maintenance. Deed restrictions shall be enacted to ensure that no fences, sheds, or other obstructions are placed in the walkway easements.
(5)
Any fence installed in the rear yard of a residential unit with rear access shall have a gate allowing access to the alley or rear access walkway or pathway.
F.
Road pavement width. Pavement widths for new roads shall be no less than 24 feet, unless otherwise specified by this chapter.
G.
Design standards for residential planned communities and neighborhood business.
(1)
Circulation standards. The circulation system shall allow for different modes of transportation. The circulation system shall provide functional and visual links within the residential areas, mixed-use areas, and open space and shall be connected to existing and proposed external development. The circulation system shall provide adequate traffic capacity, provide connected pedestrian and bicycle routes (especially off-street bicycle or multiuse paths or bicycle lanes on the streets), control through traffic, limit lot access to streets of lower traffic volumes, and promote safe and efficient mobility through the development.
(a)
Pedestrian circulation. Convenient pedestrian circulation systems that minimize pedestrian-motor vehicle conflicts shall be provided continuously throughout the Town. Where feasible, any existing pedestrian routes through the site shall be preserved and enhanced.
(b)
Sidewalks in residential areas. Clear and well-lighted sidewalks depending on projected pedestrian traffic, shall connect all dwelling entrances to the adjacent public sidewalk.
(c)
Sidewalks in mixed-use areas.
[1]
A pedestrian accessway shall be provided for every customer entrance.
[2]
Continuous internal pedestrian walkways, no less than five feet in width, shall be provided from the public sidewalk or right-of-way to the principal customer entrance of all principal buildings on the site. Buildings shall be connected to each other and to the public sidewalk system by pedestrian walkways.
[3]
For commercial or office buildings that do not front a commercial/mixed-use collector road, sidewalks no less than eight feet in width shall be provided along the full length of the building along any facade featuring a customer entrance and along any facade abutting public parking areas. Such sidewalks shall be located at least six feet from the facade of the building to provide planting beds for foundation landscaping, except where features such as arcades or entryways are part of the facade.
[4]
Designated pedestrian walkways will be required to traverse the vehicular parking aisle to the minimum extent possible. Such walkways shall be located so that no customer entrance is farther than 100 feet from the nearest walkway.
[5]
Walkways shall connect focal points of pedestrian activity, such as transit stops, street crossings, building and store entry points, and parking areas. The walkways should feature adjoining landscaped areas that include trees, shrubs, benches, planting beds, ground covers or other such materials to enhance the appearance of the walkway areas.
[6]
All internal pedestrian walkways in the parking lot area shall be distinguished from driving surfaces through the use of durable, low-maintenance surface materials such as pavers, bricks, or scored concrete to enhance pedestrian safety and comfort, as well as the attractiveness of the walkways.
(d)
Curb extensions at intersections in the mixed-use area are required when on street parking is provided.
(e)
Disabled accessibility. Sidewalks shall comply with the applicable requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
(f)
Crosswalks. Intersections of sidewalks with streets shall be designed with clearly defined edges. Crosswalks shall be well-lit and clearly marked with contrasting paving materials at the edges or with striping.
(g)
Bicycle circulation. Bicycle circulation shall be accommodated on streets and/or on dedicated bicycle paths. Where feasible, any existing bicycle routes through the site shall be preserved and enhanced. Facilities for bicycle travel may include off-street bicycle paths (generally shared with pedestrians and other nonmotorized users) and separate, striped, bicycle lanes on streets.
(h)
Public transit access. Where public transit service is available or planned, convenient access to transit stops shall be provided. Where transit shelters are provided, they shall be placed in highly visible locations that promote security through surveillance and shall be well lighted.
(i)
Motor vehicle circulation. Motor vehicle circulation shall be designed to minimize conflicts with pedestrians and bicycles. Traffic-calming features such curb extensions, traffic circles, and medians may be used to maintain required operating speeds.
(2)
Street hierarchy. Each street within the RPC and NB shall be classified according to the following:
(a)
Alley. See § 105-10-1D(1). These streets provide secondary access to residential properties where street frontages are narrow, where the street is designed with a narrow width to provide limited on-street parking, or where alley access development is desired to increase residential densities. Alleys may also provide delivery access, trash and recycling pickup, or alternate parking access to commercial properties. Alleys may also be used for utility placements, such as electric, cable, gas, among others. Building frontage shall not be provided on an alley. An intersection between an alley and a street does not establish a corner lot as defined herein.
(b)
Access. An access street shall be used for streets serving access to fewer than 50 dwelling units (fewer than 500 ADT). This street provides primary access to individual residential properties in residential neighborhood areas. Traffic volumes are relatively low, with a design speed of 20 mph.
(c)
Subcollector. A subcollector street shall be used for streets serving access to 50 to 300 dwelling units (501 to 3,000 ADT). This street connects streets of lower and higher function. Design speed is 25 mph.
(d)
Collector road. A collector road shall be used for streets serving access to more than 300 dwelling units (over 3,001 ADT). This street provides access to commercial or mixed-use buildings, but it is also part of the Town's major street network. On-street parking, whether diagonal or parallel, helps to slow traffic. Additional parking is provided in lots near the buildings.
(3)
Street design standards.
(a)
Alley.
[1]
Pedestrian access.
Alley Design Standards: Pedestrian Access | |
|---|---|
Total alley right-of-way width | 20 feet maximum |
Pavement width | 16 feet |
Traffic movement | Pedestrian access only |
Travel lane width | N/A |
Design speed | N/A |
Parking | N/A |
Curb type | N/A |
Curb radius | N/A |
Sidewalk width | None |
Utility/planter strip width | N/A |
Landscaping | N/A |
[2]
Vehicular access.
Alley Design Standards: Vehicular Access | |
|---|---|
Total alley right of way width | 16 feet maximum |
Pavement width | 12 feet minimum |
Traffic movement | Two-way with queuing |
Travel lane width | 8 to 10 feet |
Design speed | 5 to 10 mph |
Parking | Driveway/garage |
Curb type | Pavement may be edged with a 1-foot concrete band flush with pavement (optional) |
Curb radius | 5 feet (Alley - driveway) |
Sidewalk width | None |
Utility/planter strip width | 2 feet for utilities |
Landscaping | None |
(b)
Access street.
 |
Access Street Design Standards | |
|---|---|
Total right-of-way width | 50 feet |
Pavement width | 24 feet to 28 feet |
Traffic movement | Two-way |
Travel lane width | 8 feet |
Bike lane width | 4 feet (optional) |
Design speed | 15 mph to 20 mph |
Parking | Driveway/garage/on-street |
Intersection types allowed | T-intersections, 4-way intersections |
Curb type | 2-foot rolled curbing |
Curb radius | 15 feet minimum |
Sidewalk width | 5 feet, both sides |
Planter strip width | 4 feet to 6 feet, both sides |
Landscaping | Per § 105-12-6, Landscaping and tree preservation |
(c)
Subcollector street.
 |
Subcollector Street Design Standards | |
|---|---|
Total right-of-way width | 60 feet |
Pavement width | 28 feet to 32 feet |
Traffic movement | Two-way |
Traffic lane width | 8 feet each |
Bike lane width | 4 feet to 6 feet (optional) |
Design speed | 25 mph |
Parking lane | 8 feet |
Intersection types allowed | T-intersections and 4-way intersections |
Curb type | 2-foot rolled curbing |
Curb radius | 20 feet minimum |
Sidewalk width | 5 feet, both sides |
Planter strip width | 7 feet to 9 feet, both sides |
Landscaping | Per § 105-12-6, Landscaping and tree preservation |
(d)
Collector street.
[1]
No island, with five-foot sidewalks.
 |
Collector Street Design Standards | |
|---|---|
Total right-of-way width (feet) | 80 |
Pavement width (feet) | 32 to 36 |
Traffic movement | Two-way |
Traffic lane width (feet) | 10 |
Bike lane width (feet) | 4 to 6 on one side, when a bike lane is required by the review authority |
Design speed (mph) | 25 |
Parking | On-street both sides (if no bike lane), 8 feet wide |
Intersection types allowed | T-intersection, 4-way |
Curb type | 2-foot rolled curbing |
Curb radius (feet) | 25 minimum |
Sidewalk width (feet) | 5 both sides, with bump-outs at intersections, and midblock crossings where approved |
Planter strip width (feet) | 15 to 17 |
Landscaped median width | None |
Landscaping | Per § 105-12-6, Landscaping and tree preservation |
[2]
No island, with ten-foot multiuse paths.
 |
Collector Street Design Standards | |
|---|---|
Total right-of-way width (feet) | 80 |
Pavement width (feet) | 32 to 36 |
Traffic movement | Two-way |
Traffic lane width (feet) | 10 |
Bike lane width (feet) | Part of 10 wide multiuse path |
Design speed (mph) | 25 |
Parking | On-street both sides, 8 feet wide |
Intersection types allowed | T-intersection, 4-way |
Curb type | 2-foot rolled curbing |
Curb radius (feet) | 25 minimum |
Sidewalk width (feet) | Part of 10 wide multiuse path, with bump-outs at intersections, and midblock crossings where approved |
Planter strip width (feet) | 10 to 12 |
Landscaped median width | None |
Landscaping | Per § 105-12-6, Landscaping and tree preservation |
[3]
Twelve-foot landscape island.
 |
Collector Street Design Standards | |
|---|---|
Total right-of-way width (feet) | 80 |
Pavement width (feet) | 36 |
Traffic movement | Two-way |
Traffic lane width (feet) | 10 |
Bike lane width (feet) | 8 wide or part of 10 wide multiuse path |
Design speed (mph) | 25 |
Parking | On-street one side or both sides w/multiuse path, 8 feet wide |
Intersection types allowed | T intersection, 4-way |
Curb type | 2-foot rolled curbing |
Curb radius (feet) | 25 minimum |
Sidewalk width (feet) | 5 wide both sides or part of 10 wide multiuse path, with bump-outs at intersections, and midblock crossings where approved |
Planter strip width (feet) | 4 to 9 |
Landscaped median width (feet) | 12 |
Landscaping | Per § 105-12-6, Landscaping and tree preservation |
(4)
Street layout. The Neighborhood Business and Residential Planned Community Districts should maintain the existing street grid, where present, and restore any disrupted street grid where feasible. In addition:
(a)
Intersections. All shall be at right angles whenever possible, but in no case less than 75°. Low-volume streets may form three-way intersections creating an inherent right-of-way assignment (the through street receives precedence) which significantly reduces accidents without the use of traffic controls.
(b)
Corner radii. The roadway edge at street intersections shall be rounded by a tangential arc with a radius as required in § 105-10-1G(3) of this article for each street type. When two of the different street types identified in § 105-10-1G(3) of this article intersect, the intersection design shall comply with the standard for the wider street type. A larger radius may be created through stabilized surface in corners.
(c)
Driveways. Individual residential lots shall be prohibited along collector streets. Curb cuts shall be limited to intersections with other streets or access drives to parking areas for commercial, civic or mixed residential uses. Clear sight triangles shall be maintained at intersections, as specified in § 105-8-2C herein, unless controlled by traffic signal devices.
(d)
Orientation of streets. The streets should enhance the visual impact of common open spaces and prominent buildings, create lots that facilitate passive solar design, and minimize street gradients. All streets shall terminate at other streets or at public land, except local streets may terminate in stub streets when such streets act as connections to future phases of the development. Local streets may terminate other than at other streets or public land when there is a connection to the pedestrian and bicycle path network at the terminus.