Public input sought on corner-lot setbacks in Dewey

Dewey Beach planning and zoning commissioners voted Jan. 19 to hold a public workshop on possible changes to corner-lot side-yard setbacks in the Neighborhood Residential Zone at the north end of Dewey.

In October, planning and zoning commissioners voted 4-1 to recommend town council reduce side-yard setbacks on corner lots from 15 feet to 8 feet in the town’s north end. On Nov. 10, town commissioners tabled the vote, citing a need for further research from planning and zoning.

Planning Commissioner Rick Judge said members of the public had questioned his motives for recommending the  reduction and that residents had asked for full disclosure of any personal interests.

“I am a shareholder of Rehoboth-by-the-Sea,” Judge said. “Mayor [TJ] Redefer is a cousin of mine. TJ did not ask me to serve on planning and zoning, and I don’t speak for him.”

Judge said he based his recommendation on a study conducted by planning commissioners that showed the reduction would not cause safety issues. He said he is building a house in the north end that would be his primary residence, and that he would vote without bias and would respect town counsel’s opinion to recuse himself from a vote if needed.

Chair Mike Harmer said town commissioners asked planning and zoning to consider corner-lot setbacks with other setback and floor-area changes; look at preserving the character of homes in the north end; manage concerns about oversized houses, increased density and safety issues, including sight lines; and obtain public input.

Judge said public input from all residents, not just those in the north end, is important so that commissioners can make recommendations that are not controversial and are in the public’s best interest.

“The general consensus is no one wants the north end overbuilt,” Judge said.

Harmer said planning and zoning, with the help of the town engineer, will research what other towns do and create sketches showing a house with existing setbacks and sketches showing a house with different setbacks on corner lots and regular lots.

Judge encouraged residents to bring their own sketches and ideas to the workshop, tentatively scheduled for 1 p.m., Saturday, April 27 at a location to be determined. Harmer said information would be mailed to property owners.