Dewey considers new standard for home repairs

Property owners in Dewey making routine maintenance could soon face a new standard for when a building permit is required to be purchased at town hall.

During a July 21 meeting, Dewey planning commission members voted in favor of moving forward to town council a proposal that a building permit will not be required when material and labor costs of normal maintenance are less than $2,500. Currently, town code says the permit is not required when material costs are less than $1,000.

The planning commission also included a set of examples of maintenance or repair, including screen replacement, painting, carpet replacement, fence repair, lawn maintenance, and similar non-construction activities.

During the same meeting, the planning commission approved moving forward to council a change to the conditional-use process for a restaurant or eatery. As proposed, applicants would be given a checklist of requirements to be met before a public hearing would be scheduled.

Jim Dedes, assistant town manager and commission member, said this change is intended to assist applicants, commissioners and the public in expediting a public hearing. He said an applicant should still expect the process to take four to five months.

As proposed, the checklist would include a stamped survey of the property by a licensed engineer or surveyor; a site plan delineating the square footage of the structure including setbacks for zoning compliance; a floor plan for both internal and external eating and bar areas; a landscape plan; location of trash/recycling cans; location of delivery of food and materials for restaurant; whether live music or amplified music will be included, specific location and type of noise-reduction materials; and materials used for exterior of structure, showing location of doors and windows.

The planning commission’s chair or vice chair would advise the applicant of the need for additional information, if required. Once it’s been determined that the material presented is complete, the applicant will be notified of the date and time of the public hearing.

Mike Harmer, planning commission chair, said he’s hoping this process will let applicants know the planning commission isn’t making things up, which, he said, has probably happened in the past.

Dewey town council still has to take this matter up. The next scheduled meeting is Friday, Aug. 11, in the Dewey Beach Life Saving Station, 1 Dagsworthy Ave.