Lewes roundup: Council to vote on zoning admin shift; recent meetings focused on housing bill, comprehensive plan
Lewes City Council will hold a public hearing July 7 on Ordinance 5-26, which would shift zoning administrative duties from the City Planner to the City Manager or their designee — the most consequential action on the immediate horizon. Recent meetings over the past two weeks covered state housing legislation, the comprehensive plan update, and a police accountability discussion, though minutes have not yet been published for any of them.
Recent meetings: agendas only, no minutes yet
Three public meetings were held between June 23 and June 24. For all three, only agendas are available; minutes have not been published, so no formal outcomes can be confirmed.
Police Accountability Committee (June 23): The committee discussed whether to hold a dedicated discussion about a May 19, 2026 "takeover" event in Rehoboth Beach. That discussion may occur at a regular meeting or a special session once an independent investigation is complete. The committee also planned to select a date for its third quarter meeting.
Mayor & City Council Work Session (June 24): Council reviewed opposition to state housing bill SB23 and its substitutes, heard a presentation on the DSHA Technical Assistance Pilot for zoning reform, and received an update on the W. Fourth Street & Park Avenue streetscape project. The agenda also included a proposed ordinance to codify the Lewes African American Heritage Commission and discussion of forming a new parking committee. A Historic Book Festival presentation noted a $1.2M economic impact to Lewes.
Legacy Work Group (June 24): The group held its first meeting to launch the 2027 Comprehensive Plan Update. Members received an overview of the plan's scope, timeline, and their role, followed by introductions, a discussion of expectations, and a public comment period.
Coming up: July 7 — City Council public hearing on zoning admin shift
The Mayor and City Council will hold a public hearing and special meeting on Ordinance 5-26, which amends sections 197-22, 197-91, 197-95, and 197-102 of the Lewes City Code. The ordinance would transfer administrative responsibilities — including handling conditional use applications, temporary use permits, and administrative appeals — from the City Planner to the City Manager or their designee. After the hearing, council will discuss and possibly vote on the ordinance.
Coming up: July 8 — EERC considers beach sand pilot extension
The Economic, Environment and Resiliency Commission will discuss and possibly vote on recommending an extension of the Savannah and Johnnie Walker Beach Sand Movement Pilot Program, based on a progress report from the Delaware Geological Survey. The commission will also hear a presentation on a disaster housing pilot project from the University of Delaware Institute for Public Administration and the Delaware Housing Authority, hold an organizational meeting to nominate officers, receive an update from the Fourth Street Preserve Master Plan Implementation Task Force, and consider approval of its June 10, 2026 meeting minutes.
Coming up: July 9 — Ordinance Review Ad-Hoc Committee
The committee will continue work on several code updates: revisions to §197-73 floodplain definitions for substantial damage and improvement, proposed updates to Chapter 197 Article VIII covering signs and billboards, and draft revisions to Chapter 63 beach regulations including hole restrictions and night access. Members will also review charter sections 13 and 18 regarding the term "imprisonment" and adopt internal operating policies and procedures.
Coming up
- **July 7, 2026** — Mayor & City Council Public Hearing and Special Meeting on Ordinance 5-26 (zoning administration transfer)
- **July 8, 2026** — Economic, Environment and Resiliency Commission (beach sand pilot extension vote possible)
- **July 9, 2026** — Ordinance Review Ad-Hoc Committee (floodplain, sign, and beach regulation updates)
Earlier weeks
- week of 2026-06-29 — Lewes boards discuss policing, housing, and comprehensive plan; no final votes taken
Generated from official meeting agendas and minutes — every underlying document is linked from the city page. Read the primary source before you rely on a detail.