UPDATED: Dewey Beach Town Council Approves ‘Front Buildable Area” Ordinance & Discusses Filming in Town

UPDATED – 05/16/26 – Dewey Beach Commissioners met Friday afternoon and held a public hearing on a draft ordinance to define “front buildable area” – to prohibit the placement of swimming pools and hot tubs in the front yard. Several residents spoke in opposition of the proposed ordinance – telling the Council that the opposition is building and more time for public comment is needed and asked to delay a vote. However the Council voted 4 to 1 to approve the ordinance.

A related discussion topic on the Council agenda – dealt with the regulation of existing pool structures, which also brought quite a bit of comment. That issue has been referred to the Planning & Zoning Commission.

The Council will also discussed filming within the Town – including permit requirements, fee structure and more – for commercial and non-commercial filming activities – primarily larger-scale film crews and wanting to use the name Dewey Beach in the production.   Mayor Bill Stevens says that this is an effort to protect the town’s reputation as it exists today – “and not going back to what it was 40 years ago.”   There was no action taken on the issue – the Council is just looking for comment and discussion.  Anyone who would like to comment can email Mayor Stevens at wstevens@townofdeweybeach.com

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ORIGINAL STORY – 05/15/26 – Dewey Beach Commissioners meet this afternoon at 3pm at the Dewey Beach LifeSaving Station. The meeting begins at 3pm and will include a public hearing on a draft ordinance to define “front buildable area” – to prohibit the placement of swimming pools and hot tubs in the front yard. The Council will also discuss filming within the Town – including permit requirements, fee structure and more – for commercial and non-commercial filming activities.

CLICK HERE FOR DEWEY BEACH TOWN COUNCIL AGENDA