WELCOME
Congratulations on your new home in Dewey Beach! Some important things you should be aware of are pointed out in the following paragraphs, but cannot be considered a complete description of your responsibilities and privileges as a property owner here in Dewey Beach. For full and complete information, please review our Town Code and recently passed ordinances.
TAXES
Our beaches - that probably attracted you to Dewey Beach in the first place - suffer erosion during the inevitable storms, and we periodically replenish the beach with sand dredged from offshore. While the federal government is a major contributor to the required funding for this, property owners do their share by paying a beach assessment tax to the town at a rate of $.40 per $100 of assessed value. Tax bills are mailed in the spring, with a due date of June 1st.
CONSTRUCTION & RENOVATIONS
If your property is adjacent to the beach, you should be aware that there are restrictions on what you can do with the sand in that area; you should check out the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Control (DNREC) Division of Soil and Water Conservation web site for details.
If you plan to do any remodeling, renovations, tree removal, or other construction on your site you should obtain a building permit and make sure that your contractor(s) have a current business license. Businesses who wish to obtain a business license to work in Dewey Beach can do so by completing the Business License Application.
RENTING YOUR PROPERTY
If you plan to rent your property at any time during the year (including to a long-term tenant) you must complete a Rental License Application. The license year runs from May 1st - April 30th. License applications must be submitted by April 15th each year that you plan to rent. You will also be required to submit accommodations tax to the town. The rate of the tax is 3% of your total gross proceeds derived from the rental.
ELECTIONS & VOTING
You are very likely to be interested in the way in which our town is governed. Check out the Government section on this site for information on that subject. The privilege of voting for local offices in Dewey Beach is extended only to property owners, trustees, residents and those with property leases that extend for five or more years. For more information regarding elections and voting, visit the Board of Elections page.
TRASH COLLECTION
You are responsible for establishing your own trash pickup. The town uses a single-source vendor, Casella (302)934-1364. The trash receptacles located at each entrance to the beach and at ends of the street are not to be used for resident trash; they are there for public use only.
UTILITIES
Water and sewer is handled by Sussex County (302)855-7871.
NOTIFICATIONS & NEWS
We encourage you to sign up for email notifications from the town. We also recommend following the town Facebook page to stay up-to-date on town happenings. Please browse our website often for updates on town projects, or check out the calendar for town meeting dates. The Frequently Asked Questions page is also helpful for yourself and your visitors and renters.
WEATHER & FLOODING
It is important to understand that flooding is a major concern in Dewey Beach. The town is only two blocks wide, flanked by the ocean on one side and the bay on the opposite, which makes flooding a common problem for property owners. We recommend that you familiarize yourself with the Flood Information page. If you have further questions about protecting your property from flooding, please reach out to our Building Official. We also recommend reviewing the Hurricane Safety Information page. Always have a plan in place for severe weather!