Planning commission tables proposed on-site stormwater rule, asks for technical examples

The Planning & Zoning Commission on March 3 tabled for further study a draft amendment to §185-94 that would require new residential and commercial construction and renovations to manage stormwater, irrigation runoff and similar discharges entirely within property boundaries and prohibit off-site discharge to streets, sidewalks or adjacent properties.

Town official Jim Dedes explained the proposal responds to recurring complaints about runoff, including sump-pump discharge onto sidewalks and neighbors’ yards. "We do have a problem... sump pumps going across the sidewalk," he said, explaining such discharges can create neighbor disputes and drainage issues.

Commissioners and residents pressed staff for evidence that the proposed standard is feasible across the town’s varied lots and soils. Several commissioners, including a civil engineer on the commission, said they would not support a binding regulation without technical case studies, site examples and clarity about whether the rule would apply only to new construction or also to existing structures and renovations.

A public commenter flagged language in the draft that could impose fines and urged clearer scope and definitions for "renovation" and applicability. In response, commissioners voted to table the item and asked staff to return quickly with technical options and examples for how on‑site management could work in Dewey Beach’s conditions.

The tabling was approved by voice vote; the item will return for further consideration when staff provides the requested materials.