This chapter is made in accordance with a Comprehensive Plan and is designed to preserve, as far as can reasonably be done, the present unique character of Bethany Beach as a family beach resort. This chapter is designed to control congestion in the streets; to increase safety from fire, panic and other dangers; to promote health and the general welfare; to provide adequate light and air; to prevent the development of undesirable noise and other nuisances, as well as the overcrowding of land; to avoid undue concentration of population; and to facilitate the adequate provision of transportation, water, sewerage, schools, parks and other public requirements.

This chapter considers the unique family character of the Town of Bethany Beach and its suitability for particular uses with a view to conservation of the specific value of the environment of a family beach resort and encourages those uses of land throughout the municipality that will adequately maintain that environment and character.

In view of these above purposes, this chapter will be interpreted strictly. Variances are to be permitted only in those specific situations wherein a serious and clearly patent injustice, and not just a hardship, would result from the literal application of these regulations. Where patent injustices do not exist, these regulations will govern. When variances are necessary, they shall be limited to the minimum modification capable of avoiding the serious, patent injustice, and no more.