Lewes
Upcoming
MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL - Public Hearing and Special Meeting
The Lewes Mayor and City Council will hold a public hearing and special meeting to consider Ordinance 5-26, which amends the zoning code to transfer administrative responsibilities from the City Planner to the City Manager or their designee. This includes handling conditional use applications, temporary use permits, and administrative appeals. After the hearing, council will discuss and possibly vote on the ordinance.
- Public hearing on ORD 5-26 to shift zoning administrative duties from City Planner to City Manager/designee
- Amends sections 197-22, 197-91, 197-95, and 197-102 of Lewes City Code
- Changes who receives conditional use applications and temporary use permit filings
- Defines appeal process for decisions made by City Manager vs. former City Planner role
Economic, Environment and Resiliency Commission (EERC)
The EERC will discuss and possibly vote on extending the Savannah and Johnnie Walker Beach Sand Movement Pilot Program, based on a progress report from the Delaware Geological Survey. They will also hear a presentation on a disaster housing pilot project from the University of Delaware and Delaware Housing Authority. Additionally, the commission will hold an organizational meeting to nominate officers and receive an update on the Fourth Street Preserve Master Plan implementation.
- Discussion and possible action to recommend extension of Savannah and Johnnie Walker Beach Sand Movement Pilot Program
- Presentation on disaster housing pilot project by UD Institute for Public Administration and Delaware Housing Authority
- Organizational meeting / nomination of officers
- Update from Fourth Street Preserve Master Plan Implementation Task Force
- Approval of June 10, 2026 meeting minutes
ORDINANCE REVIEW AD-HOC COMMITTEE
The Ordinance Review Ad-Hoc Committee is continuing work on updating several Lewes city codes. Members will discuss replacing the term imprisonment in the city charter, revising floodplain definitions for substantial damage and improvement, and overhauling sign and billboard regulations. The committee will also review proposed changes to beach access rules and adopt internal operating procedures.
- Revisions to §197-73 floodplain definitions for substantial damage and improvement
- Proposed updates to Chapter 197 Article VIII covering signs and billboards
- Draft revisions to Chapter 63 beach regulations, including hole restrictions and night access
- Review of charter sections 13 and 18 regarding the term imprisonment
- Adoption of operating policies and procedures for the ad-hoc committee
Last 30 days
Legacy Work Group Meeting - Lewes Comprehensive Plan Update
The Legacy Work Group is meeting for the first time to launch the 2027 Comprehensive Plan Update. They will receive an overview of the plan's scope, timeline, and their role. The meeting includes introductions and a discussion of expectations. A public comment period is provided.
- Introduction of working group members
- Comprehensive plan process overview presentation
- Expectations of Legacy Work Group members
- General discussion and Q&A
- Public comment period
**REVISED** MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
The Mayor and City Council will hold a work session to discuss local responses to state housing legislation SB23, review a state-sponsored zoning reform pilot, and update residents on the W. Fourth Street & Park Avenue streetscape project. The body will also consider a proposed ordinance to codify the Lewes African American Heritage Commission and discuss the formation of a new parking committee.
- Opposition to state housing bill SB23 and its substitutes
- Presentation on the DSHA Technical Assistance Pilot for zoning reform
- Streetscape design update for the W. Fourth Street & Park Avenue project
- Proposed ordinance to codify the Lewes African American Heritage Commission
- Historic Book Festival presentation notes $1.2M economic impact to Lewes
POLICE ACCOUNTABILITY COMMITTEE
The committee is deciding whether to hold a dedicated discussion about the recent May 19 'takeover' event in Rehoboth Beach. This discussion may occur during a regular meeting or via a special session once an independent investigation is complete.
- Discussion of the May 19, 2026 'takeover' event
- Selection of a date for the third quarter meeting
- Independent investigation of the recent incident in Rehoboth Beach
ORDINANCE REVIEW AD-HOC COMMITTEE
The Ordinance Review Ad-Hoc Committee will consider adopting a three-year cumulative review period for substantial improvements in floodplain areas and a new administrative procedures document, both reviewed by FEMA. They will also continue discussions on revising the beaches ordinance and addressing antiquated 'imprisonment' language in the city charter. Public comment will be heard.
- Possible adoption of three-year cumulative review period for substantial damage/improvement (Floodplain §197-73)
- Continued revisions to Chapter 63 (Beaches) based on Parks and Recreation feedback
- Discussion on removing 'imprisonment' from city code and charter sections 13 and 18
- Initial discussion on proposed revisions to Chapter 197 Article VIII (Signs and Billboards)
LEWES AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE COMMISSION
The Lewes African American Heritage Commission will discuss and possibly vote on adding language to the City Code to formalize its establishment. They will also continue planning for the 2027 Black History Month program, discuss grants and fundraising, and consider community appreciation awards.
- Possible action to add language to City Code memorializing the African American Heritage Commission
- Continued discussion on 2027 Black History Month program
- Discussion on grants and fundraising efforts
- Discussion on LAAHC Community Appreciation and Recognition Awards
- Update on Johnnie Walker Beach interpretive sign unveiling (May 30, 2026)
LEWES PLANNING COMMISSION
The Lewes Planning Commission will convene to introduce the Community Advisory Workgroup and discuss the roles and expectations for the upcoming 2027 Comprehensive Plan update. The meeting will also cover the formation of Planning Commission chapter leads and a community survey.
- Introduction of Community Advisory Workgroup
- Discussion on Planning Commission Chapter Leads roles
- Community Survey Discussions
- Review and approval of May 2026 meeting minutes
- Public comment period
CANCELLED - MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING
This meeting was cancelled. The agenda had intended to include a discussion and possible action regarding the city's response to Senate Bill 23.
- Discussion on city response to Senate Bill 23 (cancelled)