Lewes annexes property for microbrewery

Applicants proposing a microbrewery at the entrance to Lewes have cleared their first hurdle. 

On May 24, mayor and city council unanimously approved annexation, zoning and code changes to allow for a microbrewery to be built within the city. 

With that now ironed out, the applicants, David and Christine Jones of Jones Enterprise Brewing LLC, may submit a site plan for review. The site is bordered by Savannah Road and the Lewes-to-Georgetown Trail, just east of where the trail crosses Savannah Road. 

The 0.63-acre parcel had previously been zoned AR-1, agricultural-residential, in Sussex County jurisdiction. Lewes officials assigned the property to the general commercial zoning district because it fits in with nearby properties such as the Liberty gas station, real estate offices and Patty’s Deli.  

Council also amended city code to add microbrewery to the list of permitted uses within the general commercial zone. One of the bigger concerns is off-street parking. Under the approved code change, the applicant must provide one parking space for every 200 square feet of patron area and one parking space for every two employees during the largest shift. 

No residents spoke against annexation, zoning or code changes during a May 24 public hearing. No other objections were shared with city officials prior to the hearing. 

“I think it’s terrific to have a nano or microbrewery in Lewes, particularly along the bike path,” said Councilman Khalil Saliba. “I’ve seen what Revelation Brewing has done on the bike path in Rehoboth. It’s a unique characteristic to have a small brewery on the bike path like that. It’s going to be a great addition to Lewes.”