City of Dover updates zoning code to simplify and diversify development policies

The Delaware Planning Commission convened on June 4, 2025, to discuss significant updates to the city’s zoning code, a critical step in aligning local regulations with the evolving needs of the community. The meeting highlighted the necessity of modernizing the zoning code, which has not been comprehensively updated in several decades, to reflect the growth and changes within Delaware.

The primary focus of the meeting was the comprehensive update of the zoning code, as outlined in the Delaware Together comprehensive plan. The update aims to simplify, diversify, and clarify the existing regulations. The first goal, simplification, involves making the code easier to understand and reference, thereby improving communication with residents regarding property use. The second goal is to diversify the zoning districts by introducing new chapters that accommodate a wider range of housing types and mixed-use developments. Lastly, the update seeks to clarify the code’s structure, making it more user-friendly with organized content and visual aids like charts and tables.

Over the past 18 months, city staff engaged in extensive research, public outreach, and collaboration with planning professionals to ensure the updated code reflects best practices. Two open houses were held in 2024 to gather community input, and ongoing updates were made available on the city’s website throughout the process.

The meeting also covered specific changes within Title I of the zoning code, which includes definitions, administrative powers, and subdivision regulations. Notable revisions include the consolidation of scattered definitions, an updated procedures section for development plans, and clarified parkland dedication requirements for developers.

As the commission continues to review the updates, the next steps will involve further discussions on the remaining titles of the zoning code, ensuring that the new regulations effectively support the city’s growth and development goals.