The Town of Dagsboro Planning and Zoning Commission and URS Corporation were tasked by the Mayor and Town Council of Dagsboro with completing development design standards for the Town. The Town has concern with the type of development that could be placed in the surrounding areas and wants to ensure all applicable parties involved in development or redevelopment conform to the development design standards set forth by the Town.
A. 
The purpose of these development design standards is to create development and redevelopment that meet visual and aesthetic objectives set forth by the Town. These objectives include:
(1) 
Build on the rich historic heritage and character of Dagsboro.
(2) 
Create an environment that emphasizes beautification on each project.
(3) 
Maintain the scale and texture of development.
(4) 
Allow for infill development that is sensitive to its context.
(5) 
Encourage creative designs for sites and buildings.
(6) 
Support pedestrian movement and the use of transit and bicycles.
(7) 
Implement the Comprehensive Plan.
(8) 
Protect and enhance the Town's environment for living and working in manners that support and stimulate business and industry.
(9) 
Promote the desirability of investment and occupancy in business and other properties.
B. 
The standards and guidelines in this Part 3 intend to promote orderly community growth which will protect and enhance property values for the community as a whole. Inherent in these objectives is the expectation that well-designed projects and economic development initiatives support the community's aesthetic values.
From the date of final adoption of this Part 3, all new structures or any structures being increased in size by more than 50% in total floor area shall be in conformity with the provisions of this Part 3. The following standards and guidelines represent supplemental provisions to the Town of Dagsboro Code. When the provisions of these standards, and the Code of the Town of Dagsboro conflict, the more restrictive regulation shall apply.
Each section of this Part 3 and every part of each section is an independent section or part of a section, and the holding of any section or part thereof to be unconstitutional, void or invalid for any cause shall not be deemed to affect the validity or constitutionality of any section or part thereof.
All provisions of this Part 3 shall be in full force and effect on and after the effective date of this Part 3, which shall take effect immediately upon its final adoption.
A. 
The provisions of this Part 3 shall apply to all new development and redevelopment within the zoning districts as further defined in § 75-17 above. Each development and/or redevelopment project shall be evaluated with regard to how it achieves the overall design that meets the intent and directions of the development design standards.
B. 
Examples and illustrations included in this Part 3 are ways in which the intent of a standard can be achieved. The graphic examples are meant to be illustrative, and are not the only acceptable means towards accomplishing the intent of the standards. Applicants and project designers are encouraged to consider other designs, styles and techniques not pictured in the examples that fulfill the intent of the design standard. The Town will expect the design of a project to respond to each standard and guideline. The applicant assumes the burden of proof to demonstrate how a proposed design meets the standards.
C. 
The standards in this Part 3 use the word "shall" while the guidelines use the word "should." Regardless of which term is used, each standard and guideline must be addressed by an applicant. Listed below are helpful guidelines when designing or reviewing a proposed project:
(1) 
"Shall" statements indicate requirements and offer relatively little flexibility unless choices are provided within the statements themselves. All projects must include these elements as described.
(2) 
"Should" statements are meant to be applied, but with flexibility. They indicate that the Town is open to design features that are equal to, or better than, those stated, as long as the intent is satisfied.
D. 
The Planning Commission shall determine the applicability and conformity as well as the interpretations of these regulations for each application. The flexibility within the development design standards also are determined by the Planning Commission on a case-by-case basis for each specific project. Final approval on all developments or redevelopments in regards to design and site layout will be made by the Town Council.
A. 
New development should incorporate architectural elements that reinforce the established character of Dagsboro. The following elements constitute potential existing features that could be reflected in new buildings to include signage and landscaping:
(1) 
Materials.
(2) 
Window proportions.
(3) 
Cornice door or canopy lines.
(4) 
Roof treatment, and pitch.
(5) 
Colors.
B. 
When rehabilitating existing historic buildings, property owners are encouraged to follow the recommendations stated below:
(1) 
If original details and ornamentation are intact, they should be retained and preserved;
(2) 
If original details are presently covered, they should be exposed and repaired;
(3) 
If original details are missing, missing parts should be replaced to match the original in appearance. Remaining pieces or old photos should be used as a guide.
C. 
If a proposed building is not adjacent to other buildings having a desirable architectural character, it may be necessary to look at contextual elements found elsewhere within the area.