It is the intent of this article to provide for the establishment of essential services (utilities), without restrictions in all use districts, while at the same time protecting residents by the use of fencing, safety and other requirements for utility buildings and structures. Therefore, essential service providers are strongly encouraged to install and maintain their lines and pipes within the utility easement located on each side of the street abutting each lot. This easement extends 10 feet into each lot from the street right-of-way (see in Article XXIII, Street and Sidewalk Standards).

An essential service, as defined in Article II, shall be an inherent use in any district. However, relay stations, storage stations, electric substations and buildings used or maintained for purposes defined under "essential services" shall be permitted only by special exception in any district.

There shall be no area restrictions applicable to the location of essential services. However, streetlights, water service meters and cutoff valves, as well as sewer cleanout pipes should be located in the utility easement reserved for that purpose. Note that municipal water and sewer lines are installed under the street or easement areas and are owned and maintained by the Town of Delmar.

No setback requirements in any use district shall be applicable to essential services.

Shrubbery or hedges shall be planted around each use approved by special exception for the purpose of screening in order to minimize adverse effects on surrounding development.