Dewey committee recommends minimum standards for property condition
The Dewey Beach Charter & Code Review Committee voted Nov. 18 to recommend adding minimum standards for property condition into the town code, as well as amending the enforcement of the town building permit requirements.
Chair Dave Lyons said the goal of the discussion around minimum standards for property condition was not to draft any ordinances, but rather just to put together some broad concepts and ideas for council to consider.
The proposed standards, which would apply only to residential and noncommercial properties, can be viewed at tinyurl.com/5x9szn4c.
The standards in the following sections were recommended by the committee: general - exterior structure; vacant structures; sidewalks and driveways; landscaping; rodent harborage; accessory structures; accumulation of rubbish or garbage; drainage and stormwater management; graffiti and vandalism; and enforcement.
The committee tabled the lighting and security section for further discussion.
Outdoor storage and equipment
The committee recommended a revised version of the outdoor storage and equipment section.
Specifically, members suggested prohibiting the outdoor storage of trailers, mobile homes, campers and similar large vehicles – excluding boats – on residential properties unless fully enclosed within a permitted structure or specifically authorized by zoning regulations.
The committee also recommended establishing that smaller recreational items like kayaks, canoes, paddleboards and similar watercraft shall not obstruct sidewalks or driveways, or create safety hazards.
Additionally, the group voted to recommend allowing people to temporarily store boats in their driveways for up to two weeks.
Enforcement of building permit requirements
The committee had a heated discussion about the town’s enforcement of its building permit requirements and the town code relating to construction.
Committee member David Biron said there is no oversight from the town when it comes to construction projects.
The town has a memorandum of understanding with the county in terms of what each jurisdiction is responsible for inspecting when it comes to maintenance and construction. The town is responsible for enforcing the code, but not for validating the quality of construction performed.
Biron and fellow committee member Diane TenHoopen recommended requiring the town to provide inspection services to homeowners for construction projects greater than $15,000. The recommendation failed to pass, with the committee voting against it 3-2.
The group ultimately voted to recommend that the town can provide an independent contractor to validate the quality of work performed. Members also recommended holding a workshop for public education and including a list of what the county does for inspections, referring to the town’s memorandum of understanding with the county.
Additionally, the committee recommended establishing that the town will continue inspecting for code-related compliance, but that it will not validate the quality of construction.
Town council will review the committee’s recommendations at a later date.
Ellen McIntyre is a reporter covering education and all things Dewey Beach. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Penn State - Schreyer Honors College in May 2024, then completed an internship writing for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. In 2023, she covered the Women’s World Cup in New Zealand as a freelancer for the Associated Press and saw her work published by outlets including The Washington Post and Fox Sports. Her variety of reporting experience covers crime and courts, investigations, politics and the arts. As a Hockessin, Delaware native, Ellen is happy to be back in her home state, though she enjoys traveling and learning about new cultures. She also loves live music, reading, hiking and spending time in nature.
