Lewes Zoning Code Update

Mike MahaffieChair, Lewes Planning Commission

May 10, 2010

Process

Comprehensive Plan Update This draft of the zoning code

Planning Commission public hearing (5/25/10) Review by city solicitor and UD planning consultant

Draft submitted to Mayor & Council PLUS Review Mayor and Council public hearing

Final zoning code

(Almost) A Complete Rewrite

New organization Use regulations table Dimensional regulations table

(Almost) A Complete Rewrite

New organization Use regulations table Dimensional regulations table

Complete rewrite of zoning districts Now 12 districts

Some things are essentially the same Administrative responsibilities Historic district Environmental protection regulations

The Zoning Districts

Open Space Non-Residential Zones

Commercial Industrial Community Facilities

Residential Zones Rising in density from Suburban to Mixed

Residential

Open Space Zone (OS)Both land and water

Preserve lands and link with natureProvide for public recreation

Parks and privately-conserved

Industrial Zone (I)Very limited in Lewes

Provide for some light manufacturing

General Commercial Zone (GC)A variety of commercial goods and services

Also somewhat limited

Marine Commercial Zone (MC)Lewes' connection to the sea

Mixed retail and residential tied to waterHeadboats, restaurants, hotels, etc.

Town Center Zone (TC)Central commercial, residential & cultural core

Connection between commerce & residentialShops, restaurants, banks, post office...

“Busy days and quiet nights”

Community Facilities Zone (CF)Community facilities and services

Schools, university campus, hospital...

Limited Commercial Zone (LC)Transition between commercial & residential

Offices adjacent to residentialSavannah Road as “medical row”

Non-Residential Zones

Suburban Zone (R-1)Lower density, outer edge of the city

Mostly single-family detachedChild care or home-based business (CU)

20,000 square foot lots

Res. Low-Density Zone (R-2)Low-density, outside of center

Similar to former “outer ring”Single-family detached, churches

10,000 square foot lots

Residential Beach Zone (R-3)“Lewes Beach” style of residential

Attached & detached residentialChurches, clubs (SE), child care (CU)

5,000 square foot lots

Res. Medium-Density Zone (R-4)Residential adjacent to town center

Similar to “old town”Attached, detached, 2-family residential

5,000 square foot lotsBurton subdivision (4,000 sq. ft)

Mixed Residential Zone (R-5)Mix of housing types, including multi-familyChild-care and home-based business (CU)

Range of lot sizes (1,500 to 10,000 sq. ft)

Residential Zones

Review The Draft

The draft ordinance and map are available in City Hall, at the Library and online http://tinyurl.com/draft-lewes-zoning

On-line in PDF format Use Acrobat Reader (http://get.adobe.com/reader/)

For ease of on-screen browsing

Take Part in the Hearing

Tuesday, May 25

7:00 p.m.

City Hall