Dover Zoning Overview

Dover is the state capital of Delaware and the county seat of Kent County. With a population of approximately 39,400, Dover is Delaware's second-largest city and home to Dover Air Force Base, Delaware State University, and a growing healthcare sector. The city's zoning and land use regulations are administered by the City of Dover Planning & Inspections Department.

• Planning & Inspections Department: cityofdover.gov/planning-and-inspections
• Phone: (302) 736-7196 (zoning) | (302) 736-7010 (permits)
• Address: City Hall, 15 Loockerman Plaza, Dover, DE 19901
• Zoning Map: Interactive ArcGIS viewer
• Municipal Code: Municode — Dover Code of Ordinances

Zoning Districts

Dover's zoning code divides the city into residential, commercial, and industrial districts. The full list of districts and their development standards — including minimum lot sizes, setbacks, height limits, and permitted uses — is found in Title 5 of the Dover Code of Ordinances on Municode.

Key residential districts include R-8 and R-10 (single-family), and RM-1 and RM-2 (multi-family). Commercial districts range from C-1A (neighborhood commercial) to C-4 (highway commercial). Industrial and mixed-use areas fall under IO (Industrial-Office) and M (Manufacturing) classifications.

Note on setbacks: Specific setback dimensions for each district are provided in the Dover Code of Ordinances. The Planning & Inspections Department at (302) 736-7196 can confirm the setback requirements for your property and proposed project.

ADU Rules

Delaware does not have a statewide accessory dwelling unit (ADU) law. Whether ADUs are permitted in Dover depends on the city's local zoning ordinance. Contact the Planning & Inspections Department at (302) 736-7196 or review the zoning code on Municode for ADU provisions in your specific district.

Development Process

Development in Dover generally requires:

1. Zoning Verification — Confirm that your proposed use is permitted in the applicable zoning district using the zoning map or by contacting Planning & Inspections at (302) 736-7196
2. Site Plan Review — Required for commercial and multi-family projects
3. Building Permit — Apply with construction documents through the Planning & Inspections Department
4. Inspections — Schedule required inspections during construction
5. Certificate of Occupancy — Obtain final approval before occupying the structure

For projects requiring a variance, special exception, or rezoning, applications are reviewed by the Dover Planning Commission and Board of Adjustment.

Key Considerations

• Verify the zoning classification using the interactive ArcGIS zoning map
• Check for flood zones using FEMA's flood map service — Dover has areas subject to flooding
• Dover Air Force Base creates special considerations near its boundaries — consult the planning department if your property is near the base
• HOA covenants and deed restrictions may impose additional requirements beyond zoning

Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about zoning in Dover, Delaware and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Zoning codes are subject to change. Always verify current regulations directly with the Dover Planning & Inspections Department or the municipal code before making development decisions.