Seaford council sets public hearing to modernize R-3 zoning definitions and standards

Seaford Mayor and Council on Jan. 28 voted to set a public hearing for Feb. 25 on proposed amendments to Chapter 15 of the municipal code that would modernize the R-3 zoning section, including new definitions and changes to area and bulk regulations.

The motion to set the public hearing was made by Councilman Quillen, seconded by Councilman Holland, and passed unanimously.

Why it matters: The proposed amendments create separate, updated definitions for “apartment,” “residential condominium,” and “residential condominium detached,” revise accessory-use requirements (including required separate storage for multi-family units), and change setbacks and area/bulk rules to reflect modern multifamily development standards. If adopted after the public hearing and second reading, the changes would be advertised by the building official and would take effect 30 days after that advertisement.

Building official Mike Bailey (presenting the item) said the draft language replaces older “garden apartment” terminology with “multifamily dwellings,” formalizes accessory storage requirements for apartments and multi-family buildings, and establishes minimum setback distances: 25 feet minimum for perimeter and interior streets and exterior property lines for townhouses and multifamily dwellings; side yards of 25 feet for townhouses and most multi-family dwellings other than apartments; rear yards of 25 feet. Bailey said the zoning department recommended the amendments at its Jan. 9 meeting.

Process and timeline: This is the ordinance’s first reading. Bailey and city staff explained that the zoning ordinance requires two readings and a public hearing; because of advertising timelines, the earliest properly noticed hearing would be Feb. 25, at which point council could proceed to a second reading the same night and adopt if it chose. Adopted changes become effective 30 days after staff advertisement.

What was asked: Council members asked procedural questions about the hearing and about how the new definitions would be administered. The building official and city manager said staff and the building official would handle public notices and follow-up steps.

Next steps: The council set the Feb. 25 public hearing; staff said they will advertise the hearing, accept public comments, and return the ordinance for a second reading and possible adoption at that meeting.