Question 1

Is Dagsboro a town, a city or a census-designated place?

Accepted Answer

Dagsboro is an incorporated municipality, not a census-designated place. The U.S. Census Bureau lists it as Dagsboro town, Delaware, and Sussex County lists it among its cities and towns.

Question 2

What was the population of Dagsboro in the 2020 Census?

Accepted Answer

The 2020 Census counted 870 residents in Dagsboro (U.S. Census Bureau).

Question 3

Who issues building permits in Dagsboro?

Accepted Answer

Sussex County issues building permits countywide, including inside municipalities, per the county building permits page. Check with the town as well for any town requirements.

Question 4

When was Dagsboro founded and incorporated?

Accepted Answer

Dagsboro began as a village called Blackfoot Town. The Delaware Public Archives says it was first incorporated in 1899 and was re-incorporated in 1923, 1941 and 1991.

Question 5

How did Dagsboro get its name?

Accepted Answer

The village was first called Blackfoot Town. After land including it was granted in 1774 to General John Dagsworthy (also spelled Dagworthy), the name was changed to Dagsborough in his honor and later shortened to Dagsboro.

Question 6

What is Prince George's Chapel?

Accepted Answer

Built in 1755, Prince George's Chapel began as an Anglican chapel-of-ease and was named for the English prince who later became King George III. The State of Delaware acquired it in 1967, and it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Question 7

Why is Prince George's Chapel tied to Maryland history?

Accepted Answer

The chapel began as a chapel-of-ease serving the northern outlying area of Worcester Parish, Maryland, before the area became part of Delaware. General John Dagworthy, a large local landowner and military officer, is buried beneath its chancel.

Question 8

What is the Clayton Theatre?

Accepted Answer

The town describes the Clayton Theatre as the last single-screen theatre in Delaware to show first-run movies.

Question 9

Who are notable historical people from Dagsboro?

Accepted Answer

John Middleton Clayton (1796-1856) was born in Dagsboro and served as a U.S. Senator and as Secretary of State under President Zachary Taylor. John Dagworthy, a Delaware militia brigadier general and one of the largest landowners on the Delmarva Peninsula, is also tied to the town.

Question 10

Is Dagsboro Town Hall closed for Return Day in 2026?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The town's website lists Election Day, November 3, 2026, as Town Hall closed and Return Day, November 5, 2026, as Town Hall closing at noon.

Question 11

Where is the nearest farmers market to Dagsboro?

Accepted Answer

The Millsboro Farmers Market meets Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon, May 2 to September 26 in 2026.

Question 12

When do Dagsboro Town Council and the Planning Commission meet?

Accepted Answer

The Planning Commission meets "the first Thursday of every month unless otherwise advised." The town site does not state a regular day for Town Council; it lists a Town Council meeting on October 19, 2026, so check the calendar.

Question 13

Who handles planning and zoning in Dagsboro?

Accepted Answer

The town has its own Planning and Zoning Commission and a separate Board of Adjustment, both listed on the town website. Dagsboro is an incorporated town, so this is not handled by Sussex County planning staff.

Question 14

Does Dagsboro have its own zoning code?

Accepted Answer

The town site has a Town Code page, a Planning & Zoning page and a Comprehensive Land Use Plan page. Read the code at dagsboro.delaware.gov/town-code/.

Question 15

Who provides water in Dagsboro?

Accepted Answer

The Town of Dagsboro runs a town Water Department and bills water monthly. The town site says the only utility payment due to the town is water; it does not mention town sewer service.

Question 16

Does Dagsboro have its own police department?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The town website has a Police Department page listing a Chief, a Detective/Sergeant, two Senior Corporals (one with a K-9) and a Corporal. Emergencies go to 911.

Question 17

Does Dagsboro charge property tax?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The town sends tax bills July 1, due September 30, with a 3% discount for payment by August 15 and a 1% penalty starting October 1. The town site does not state the rate on that page. A transfer tax is not stated.

Question 18

What has the Dagsboro town government posted recently?

Accepted Answer

On September 29, 2026 the town reminded contractors that snow plow bids were open until October 5. On August 10, 2026 it introduced a new Business & Economic Development Committee.

Question 19

Is there an election notice in Dagsboro?

Accepted Answer

On October 14, 2026 the town posted a "Solicitation of Candidates" notice on its website.

Question 20

Is Dagsboro in a flood zone?

Accepted Answer

Part of Dagsboro may sit in a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area, and the answer depends on the address, so we do not give a town-wide yes or no. The USGS elevation at the town's Census center point is only about 11 feet, which is low ground. Look up a specific property in the FEMA Flood Map Service Center and the DNREC Delaware Flood Planning Tool.

Question 21

Is Dagsboro in a hurricane evacuation zone?

Accepted Answer

Delaware labels hurricane evacuation zones A, B, C and D, and describes them as low-lying areas susceptible to flooding and storm surge. The state page does not list communities by zone, so we cannot say which zone Dagsboro or a given address falls in. Use the Know Your Zone lookup tool or interactive map to check an address.

Question 22

What body of water is Dagsboro on?

Accepted Answer

Dagsboro began as a village at the headwater of Pepper Creek, and the town says it grew up on a tributary of the Indian River. The Census Gazetteer lists 0 square miles of water area within town limits.

Question 23

How big is Dagsboro and how high above sea level is it?

Accepted Answer

The 2020 Census Gazetteer lists Dagsboro at 1.438 square miles of land and 0 square miles of water. Elevation at the Census center point is about 11 feet above sea level (USGS 3DEP), and ground height varies across town.

Question 24

Which National Weather Service forecast zone covers Dagsboro?

Accepted Answer

The National Weather Service (Mount Holly office) places Dagsboro in forecast zone DEZ003, Inland Sussex, Delaware. This was read from the NWS point forecast page for the town's Census center point.

Question 25

What school district serves Dagsboro?

Accepted Answer

Dagsboro is in the Indian River School District, and the town says Indian River High School is inside town limits. A 2012 state school-district map for the area also labels Indian River High School.

Question 26

What ZIP code covers Dagsboro?

Accepted Answer

Dagsboro uses ZIP code 19939.

Question 27

What parks or outdoor areas are in or near Dagsboro?

Accepted Answer

Holts Landing State Park is on Holts Landing Road in Dagsboro, on Indian River Bay. It has a 1.3-mile accessible trail, a fishing pier and a boat ramp open 24 hours. Entry is $5 per day for Delaware-registered vehicles.

Application type	Items
Variance	7
Conditional use	fewer than 5
Change of zone	fewer than 5
Minor subdivision	fewer than 5
Major subdivision	fewer than 5
Site plan	fewer than 5
Special use exception	fewer than 5
Variance / special use exception	fewer than 5
Total	19

Dagsboro civic guide

October 19, 2026

Town Council Meeting

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