Lewes Holds Workshop On Revising Subdivision and Land Development Code

LEWES, Del. - Lewes wants your input on how developers will build in the future. A subcommittee from the planning commission is now looking at updating the city's subdivision ordinance.

On Tuesday, they held a workshop to discuss the proposals they've come up with.

There were three big sections of Tuesday's workshop. The first is moving review considerations into intent statements, streets and utilities and an environmental section.

"We've decided at this very early stage we wanted to get public input," said Nancy Staicey, a member of the Lewes planning commission, who is also chairing the subcommittee on subdivision code review.

The city is reviewing the subdivision code, and bringing it up to date with current standards.

"We also wanted to ensure we built into it more transparency and made it more user friendly, made it more user friendly for everyone, the builders and the public," said Staicey.

Mayor Ted Becker says it's been a long time since the subdivision code has been revised.

"Some things have changed in terms of what expectations are and what we need to consider. Some of it has to do with addressing some concerns about sea level rise, some of it has to do with just technology in terms of planning the potential for EV vehicles," said Mayor Ted Becker.

While many came out in person today, the entire workshop is also online. 

"With Delaware sinking and seas rising, we have to all be concerned about the city that we love," said Janice Pinto, a Lewes resident.

Pinto expressed concerns about the city and developing in environmentally sensitive areas.

"This ordinance needed to be updated, especially the open space, and lighting and storm water concerns ... I'm in favor of sustained, smart, and green development that takes into consideration the existing communities that are already here," said Pinto.

This is an early stage of the process. Before anything is adopted there will be more public hearings, more comments, then off to the planning commission for a recommendation to city council. The last day to submit any comments is on December 15th. 

You can do that online or you go to city hall and drop it off in the submission box.