Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Zoning topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council adopts zoning change to allow flexibility in site coverage and clarify condominium setbacks
Summary
Seaford City Council unanimously adopted amendments to Chapter 15 (section 15.13.6A) allowing building and paved coverage to be apportioned up to a 35% combined cap and clarifying townhouse side-yard and detached condominium separation requirements.
Seaford City Council on June 23 adopted amendments to the municipal zoning code (subsection 15.13.6A) to add internal design flexibility while retaining an overall 35% site-coverage cap.
City staff explained the amendment reads that the sum of building coverage (20%) and paved coverage (15%) "shall not exceed 35% maximum of the gross site area," allowing developers to trade some building footprint for paved area when appropriate. The change also clarifies that townhouse end-unit side yards are 10 feet and reduces the required separation for detached residential-condominium buildings on the same site from 25 feet to 16 feet, aligning those condominium detached units with setbacks permitted in RR1 zoning.
Council members acknowledged neighborhood concerns about density voiced earlier in public comment but said the amendment constrains total site coverage and preserves perimeter setbacks and stormwater-engineering review. Vice Mayor Dan Henderson framed the change as part of a broader housing strategy, noting Delaware's housing shortage and the need for modernized zoning tools. The amendment was moved and adopted unanimously on second reading.
Council directed staff to advertise the adopted amendment and notify the building community; the ordinance becomes effective following the required 30-day post-adoption advertising period.
