This chapter shall be known and referred to as the “Zoning Ordinance of the Town of Dagsboro, Sussex County, Delaware."

This chapter shall apply to the incorporated territory of the Town of Dagsboro, Sussex County, Delaware.

The purpose of this chapter is to establish a pattern for the use of land and buildings in the Town of Dagsboro based on the Comprehensive Plan for the Town of Dagsboro and enacted in order to promote and to protect the public health, safety, morals and the general welfare of the community. This chapter is intended to regulate the use of land within zoning districts; lessen congestion in the streets; secure safety from fire, panic and other dangers; promote health and the general welfare; provide adequate light and air; prevent the overcrowding of land; avoid undue concentration of population; and facilitate the adequate provision of transportation, water, sewerage, schools, parks, and other public requirements. Reasonable consideration shall be given to the character of the district and its peculiar suitability for particular uses, and with a view to conserving the value of buildings and encouraging the most appropriate use of land through the municipality.

The provisions of this chapter shall be held to be minimum requirements. Where this chapter imposes a greater restriction than is imposed or required by other provisions of law or by other rules or regulations or resolutions, the provisions of this chapter shall control. Where other laws, rules, regulations, or resolutions require greater restrictions than are imposed or required by this chapter, the provisions of such other laws, rules, regulations or resolutions shall control.

All requirements shall be met at the time of the erection, enlargement, alteration, moving or change in use of the principal use and shall apply to the entire structure or structures whether or not the entire structure or structures were involved in the erection, enlargement, alteration, moving or change in use.

The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to the installation, construction or erection of governmental buildings serving the public, including, but not limited to, public educational institutions, fire stations, post office or other public or semi-public offices or buildings, municipal water tower, governmental office buildings, water storage tank, water reservoir, water pumping station, water treatment plant, sewage treatment plant, sewage lift station, and sewage pumping station.