Rehoboth issues record-tying number of demo permits in 2025
The total number of demolition permits issued in 2025 by Rehoboth Beach was slightly inflated because of a couple permits being issued twice. However, when all was said and done, the 34 permits issued ties a record set in 2019.
Demolition levels have increased as Sussex County’s population has grown substantially over the past decade, said Corey Shinko, director of the city’s planning, zoning and development department. In a built-out city like Rehoboth Beach, that growth is typically expressed through redevelopment rather than expansion, he said.
“Recent demolition activity reflects a return to Rehoboth Beach’s long-standing redevelopment pattern rather than a policy change or sudden surge,” said Shinko. “The timing follows a period of reduced construction activity during the pandemic, and much of the current activity involves older homes being replaced as part of the normal life cycle of a largely built-out community.”
The last three permits issued by the city in 2025 included two houses and the Rehoboth Beach Public Library.
The city issued a notice Nov. 17 to remove selected portions of the exterior walls at 226 Rehoboth Ave., which is the library.
The city issued a notice Nov. 19 for a two-story structure at 143 Henlopen Ave.
The city issued a notice Dec. 16 for a two-story structure at 209 New Castle St.
No more One Rehoboth Hotel demolition permits
The city issued two rounds of demolition permits in 2025 for the One Rehoboth Hotel project, but it appears that will be all.
The footprint of the new 60-room hotel includes the Grotto Pizza next to the new beach patrol headquarters, the former Dolle’s Candyland property on the Boardwalk, the Sirocco Motel on Baltimore Avenue and Kohr Bros. Frozen Custard on Rehoboth Avenue. The first round of permits included all the structures, but the restaurant and motel were the only two that were razed.
The city issued a second round of permits for the two remaining structures in September, but recently announced those buildings will not be coming down until after the 2026 summer season.
Shinko said the permits for those two buildings remain valid. To align with the new schedule, the city will administratively extend the existing demolition permits, which is allowed under the permit conditions because the work has not been abandoned and the scope has not changed, he said.
DEMOLITION PERMITS ISSUED IN REHOBOTH BEACH SINCE APRIL 2012
Permits issued annually since April 2012:
- 2012: 14
- 2013: 15
- 2014: 23
- 2015: 23
- 2016: 30
- 2017: 30
- 2018: 27
- 2019: 34
- 2020: 32
- 2021: 23
- 2022: 16
- 2023: 20
- 2024: 19
- 2025: 34
Permits issued by month since April 2012:
- January – 24
- February – 24
- March – 44
- April – 16
- May – 6
- June – 3
- July – 11
- August – 74
- September – 48
- October – 39
- November – 31
- December – 20
Chris Flood has been working for the Cape Gazette since early 2014. He currently covers Rehoboth Beach and Henlopen Acres, but has also covered Dewey Beach and the state government. He covers environmental stories, business stories and random stories on subjects he finds interesting, and he also writes a column called Choppin’ Wood that runs every other week. He’s a graduate of the University of Maine and the Landing School of Boat Building & Design.
