Rehoboth doing business remotely

Rehoboth Beach may have closed all public buildings through May 15 to stem the spread of the novel coronavirus, but city staff is continuing to work and assist the public. The city issued a notice March 27 on how to conduct business without coming to city facilities.

The majority of city business can be conducted without in-person meetings. If a person is unsure of whom to contact, call 302-227-6181 Ext. 522 or email communications@cityofrehoboth.com.

FOIA Requests

Freedom of Information Act Requests will be forwarded to the relevant department to locate the public records and determine any costs associated with a request. Be advised, processing of records requests during the COVID-19 crisis may be significantly delayed, based on staffing availability and operational needs. As it pertains to FOIA, response deadlines for public bodies are extended to within 15 business days following the termination of any active declaration of a State of Emergency.

Building & Licensing Department

All minor permits can be put in the dropbox in front of city hall, 229 Rehoboth Ave., or in the police department lobby.

To schedule an appointment for all large-scale permits/projects, call 302-227-6181 Ext. 222 or email buildingandlicensing@cityofrehoboth.com. No large-scale projects will be accepted without a meeting with the building and licensing staff.

Inspections are still being performed as scheduled. A contractor or homeowner will need to be present for the inspection, but should limit the number of people on-site during the inspection.

Public Works

Public works, water and wastewater crews will continue to operate and will be available to respond to service calls. Contact nonemergency police dispatch at 302-227-2577 for after-hours utility emergencies. In the event of an emergency, call 9-1-1.

Parking Permits

For free resident parking permits, return an application with a copy of the current registration for non-transferable permits through the mail or dropbox in front of city hall. Permits will be mailed. Residents who wish to purchase additional transferable permits can note on their application how many. Include payment – $250 per hangtag – with the application. Hangtags will be mailed to you. For more information, call city hall at 302-227-6181.

Visitors and businesses can purchase transferable and nontransferable parking permits by filling out a seasonal parking permit application and sending in payment via mail or the dropbox in front of the parking department, 1 City Hall Drive. Permits will be mailed. Businesses are eligible for one free transferable parking permit with a valid business license and should contact the building and licensing department at 302-227-6181 Ext. 222. Additional permits may be purchased through the parking department.

Anyone interested in purchasing scooter parking permits can fill out the scooter parking permit application and send in payment via mail or the dropbox located in front of the parking department. Permits will be mailed.

For questions or more information, call the parking department at 302-227-6184. For general parking information, go to www.cityofrehoboth.com/visitors/parking-information.

Utility Billing

Water bills will be sent in early April and are due in early May. Rehoboth residents are encouraged to use the city's citizen self-service portal to make payments. Payments may also be made by mail and the dropbox located in front of city hall.

Water bill issues, turning on/off water and inspections will be addressed by the water department on a scaled-back level due to limited staff. For more information, call city hall at 302-227-6181.

New Rental License

For a new rental license, contact city hall at 302-227-6181 Ext. 110. An application will be emailed, with the payment amount due. Return the application with payment via mail or the dropbox in front of city hall. Once the rental license is paid, the homeowner can contact the building and licensing department at 302-227-6181 Ext. 222 to schedule a rental inspection.

Beach Weddings

Go to www.cityofrehoboth.com/visitors/weddings for information. Call 302-227-6181 Ext. 105 to confirm the date prior to submitting an application and payment.

Special Event Permits

Go to www.cityofrehoboth.com/businesses/special-events for information. For questions, contact the communications department 302-227-6181 Ext. 522 or email communications@cityofrehoboth.com.

Go to www.cityofrehoboth.com/rehoboth-beach-convention-center for information or call 302-227-6181 Ext. 105.

Recycling & Yard Waste Container Requests

Send the application, plus $35 payment for yard waste, via mail or the drop box in front of city hall. Requests may also be called in to 302-227-6181 or email request to utility.billing@cityofrehoboth.com. Payment for yard waste containers can be made by credit card over the phone.

Address Changes

Send in a change of address by mail, the dropbox in front of city hall, or email request to utility.billing@cityofrehoboth.com.

Elections

Rehoboth’s election Saturday, Aug. 8, is on schedule and all deadlines are still in effect. To complete a voter registration card, a person must appear at city hall in person. Since city hall is closed to the public through May 15, this process is on hold. Once city hall is open, voter registration will resume. Bring a driver’s license or a photo ID. The voter registration deadline is the close of business Thursday, July 9. For more information, go to www.cityofrehoboth.com/government/elections or call 302-227-6181 Ext. 159.