Middletown, Delaware, recently revised its zoning and subdivision

Middletown, Delaware, recently revised its zoning and subdivision ordinances based on their concept of “mobility first.” Complimentary changes were developed for the Delaware Department of Transportation street design standards. The year- long process culminated in the establishment of the region’s first pedestrian-oriented development model, according to G. Alexander Taft, executive director of the Wilmington Area Planning Council (Wilmapco). A visit to Kentlands, a neo- traditional development in Gaithers-burg, Maryland, served as an inspiration for public officials in rapidly growing Middletown. Design approaches similar to those employed in Kentlands for roads, subdivi- sions and commercial centers, were adopted. A consulting team assembled by Wilmapco identified two major goals: 1) Linking new development with the existing town center, the library, schools, churches, neighborhood commercial areas, and other frequent daily destinations; 2) Lowering design speeds in residential neighborhoods. Zoning has been rewritten so that a mix of neighborhood commercial-retail can be linked with residential areas within walking and biking distance. To improve street character, building setback requirements have been reduced. Setbacks of 10 feet and rear parking are encouraged in commercial areas. Residential revisions move garages away from the street by at least 20 feet while houses need only be 10 feet back. Location of garages to the rear of the property is recommended so they can be served by alleys. The new standards for minor streets are 9-foot travel lanes and 10-foot lanes for minor collectors. Sidewalks on both sides of the street at a minimum of 5-foot widths will be part of all new development and reconstruction that exceeds two units/acre. Contact: Wilmapco, (302) 737-6205.