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News Briefs 1/21/22

January 21, 2022
Lewes subdivision subcommittee to meet

The Subdivision Code Subcommittee of the Lewes Planning Commission will meet virtually at 12:30 p.m., Monday, Jan. 24. The group will continue to discuss potential changes to the city’s subdivision and land development code.

Surf-fishing permits, passes to go on sale

Sales of 2022 Delaware State Parks surf-fishing permits will begin Tuesday, Feb. 1, and sales of annual passes will begin Tuesday, Feb. 15. Sales of surf-fishing permits and annual passes were delayed due to nationwide supply chain disruptions.

Due to the recent surge in COVID-19 cases and demand for surf-fishing permits and annual passes, the quickest and safest way to purchase them is online at destateparks.com. Sales will start online and at Delaware State Parks offices at 10 a.m., Feb. 1, for surf-fishing permits and 10 a.m., Feb. 15, for annual park passes.

A Delaware resident annual pass costs $35, and Delaware residents 62 and older pay a discounted rate of $18. A $65 lifetime pass is available for Delawareans 65 and older. Reduced rates are also offered to Delawareans who receive public assistance, or are active-duty military or veterans. Active-duty military personnel with an out-of-state license plate can purchase an annual pass at the in-state rate.

The purchase of a surf-fishing permit allows individuals to drive onto designated beaches for fishing. First-time permit holders must also obtain a surf-fishing plate on which to affix their surf-fishing permit decal. In addition to entry onto Delaware State Parks drive-on beaches, the decal enables the vehicle to gain entrance into the other state parks without paying the daily entrance fee. Surf-fishing permits are sold on a first-come, first-served basis and are capped at 17,000 annually. The surf-fishing permit fee for Delaware residents is $90; it is $180 for out-of-state residents. Delaware residents 62 and older pay a discounted rate of $80.

The off-peak surf-fishing permit, which was piloted in 2021, will return for 2022 with no cap.

Off-peak surf-fishing permits may be used seven days a week during the off-season, which runs from Feb. 1 to May 29, and again from Sept. 6 to Dec. 31. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, off-peak permits may only be used Mondays through Fridays; Memorial Day, July 4 and Labor Day are excluded.

The off-peak permit also allows entry into all Delaware State Parks without paying the daily entrance fee. The off-peak permit fee for Delaware residents is $70; the fee for out-of-state residents is $140. Delaware residents age 62 and older pay $60.

Delaware firefighters and emergency medical technicians can obtain an annual pass or surf-fishing permit for free.

Those who qualify must first obtain an application form from the president of their fire company or the Delaware Volunteer Firefighters Association, and then visit a park office to receive the pass or permit.

For more information about surf-fishing permits and annual passes, go to destateparks.com/Know/PassesTagsFees.

To-go booze bill ready for full House vote

A bill that would allow to-go alcohol sales is ready for action by the full House after moving through committee Jan. 19.

Sponsored by Speaker of the House Rep. Pete Schwartzkopf, D-Rehoboth Beach, and in the Senate by Sen. Ernie Lopez, R-Lewes, House Bill 290 would remove a sunset provision from a policy that has allowed bars and restaurants to sell to-go alcoholic beverages and offer extended outdoor seating.

The temporary arrangement allowed customers to support their favorite food and drink establishments during pandemic restrictions, but the policy is set to expire at the end of March unless the sunset clause is removed.

Under HB 290, any restaurant, brewpub, tavern, or taproom, or other entity with a valid on-premise license could sell alcoholic beverages for takeout, curbside, or drive-through service.

Rehoboth shade tree meeting canceled

A Rehoboth Beach Parks and Shade Tree Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, Jan. 24, has been canceled due to a lack of agenda items, according to a notice issued by the city Jan. 14.

Rehoboth Beach BoA to meet Jan. 24

The Rehoboth Beach Board of Adjustment will meet virtually at 2:30 p.m., Monday, Jan. 24.

The agenda includes a continuation of a case for 80 Oak Ave., first heard by the board in October. Property owner Steven Linehan submitted an application to the board requesting a variance to allow a structure to be placed within the 50-foot required rear-yard setback.

In this case, the structure is an 18-inch-tall retaining wall along the western prong of Lake Gerar that was built in response to flooding coming from a neighbor’s house.

During the previous meeting, the board agreed to delay making a decision until a civil engineer was brought in to research a solution to the drainage problem without board involvement.

People wishing to speak must preregister by emailing City Secretary Ann Womack, awomack@cityofrehoboth.com, at least 24 hours prior to the meeting.

A full agenda and meeting materials are accessible at cityofrehoboth.civicweb.net. For more information, call 302-227-6181.

Rehoboth planners to meet Jan. 25

The Rehoboth Beach Planning Commission will hold a special meeting virtually at 2 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 25. The agenda calls for continued discussion of the 2020 Comprehensive Development Plan.

People wishing to speak must preregister by emailing City Secretary Ann Womack, awomack@cityofrehoboth.com, at least 24 hours prior to the meeting.

A full agenda and meeting materials are accessible at cityofrehoboth.civicweb.net. For more information, call 302-227-6181.

Rehoboth Boardwalk committee to convene

The Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk & Beach Committee will meet virtually at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 25. The agenda calls for continued discussion on the city’s 5G wireless technology ordinance.

People wishing to speak must preregister by emailing City Secretary Ann Womack, awomack@cityofrehoboth.com, at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. A full agenda and meeting materials are accessible at cityofrehoboth.civicweb.net.

For more information, call 302-227-6181.

Lewes Parks and Rec meets Jan. 24

The Lewes Parks and Recreation Commission will meet virtually at 6:30 p.m., Monday, Jan. 24.

The group will discuss the city’s commercial recreational activities permit policy, consider a request from the public art committee for art at Johnnie Walker Beach, and discuss a city council request to add storage racks for kayaks and paddleboards at various locations along the beach and canal.

A link to the meeting can be found on the agenda at lewes.civicweb.net

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