Rehoboth approves Summer House permit of compliance
The Summer House in Rehoboth Beach has been a Rehoboth Avenue anchor for more than 40 years. This summer, the restaurant will be adding a whole new experience – outdoor dining.
Local restaurateur Regan Derrickson purchased and then renovated the restaurant in late 2022. A little more than a year later, he purchased the vacant lot to the west and then announced plans for outdoor dining on the lot.
Beyond simple construction, the outdoor patio needed two levels of approval from the city. The first step was a consolidation of the two lots, which the city’s planning commission approved during a meeting in January. The second step was approval of a supplemental permit of compliance, which was done by city commissioners Feb. 16. As approved, the area will be roughly 990 square feet, with 77 seats and a large fountain in the middle. There will be access to the restaurant from a door that will be built.
The favorable vote from the commissioners was unanimous, but there were a few issues discussed beforehand.
The primary concern was about the two trash dumpsters in the alley behind the Summer House. Mayor Stan Mills said he wanted to set a condition related to moving the dumpsters out of the alley and onto the vacant lot. If it’s not done now, it never will be, he said.
However, a majority of the commissioners agreed that while it was an issue, the issue was systemic along the entire alley, and applying that condition wouldn’t be fair to Summer House.
A second issue was raised about plans to plant flowers in the dirt area along the portion of the property facing Rehoboth Avenue. Technically, that dirt area is city property. Derrickson said he would be more than willing to remove the flowers if they cause any issues.
