Dewey inches closer to raising freeboard requirement

After a series of discussions among Dewey Beach committees and commissioners, town council is set to possibly vote Friday, Sept. 20, on raising the freeboard requirement from 1 foot to 3 feet for structures in a FEMA-designated flood zone.

The planning and zoning commission finalized its recommendation Sept. 17, when Commissioner Dave Lyons said a balance must be set between safety and affordability. About three-quarters of the town is in a special flood hazard area with a high risk of flooding, he said. 

The town participates in the National Flood Insurance Program, which encourages communities to adopt and enforce floodplain management regulations, and the Community Reporting System, which provides flood insurance discounts for better floodplain management practices.

The climate change committee and 2018 comprehensive plan both recommended increasing the requirement, Lyons said. Town commissioners also voted to require the new town hall not be below base flood elevation plus 3 feet of freeboard, he said. 

The increase will reduce the risk of flooding and property damage, Lyons said, and provide additional safety against storm surges and heavy rainfall. The initial cost will be outweighed in the long run by lower insurance premiums and lower repair costs for flooding damages, he said, as well as increased property values.

The requirement would apply only to new construction and substantial property improvements, defined as more than 50% of the home’s appraised value, Lyons said. 

Commissioner Jack Redefer said he had concerns about increased construction costs and aesthetic design constraints that may arise, including impacts on neighbors with smaller homes.

FEMA would have to approve the change, said Building Official Daune Hinks, so the ordinance would need to state the effective date is subject to FEMA approval.

No one spoke during public comment about the recommended increase, which commissioners passed unanimously.

The meeting was also the last one led by Mike Harmer, who said his personal and work schedule necessitates he step down from chairing but still remain on the commission, which voted unanimously to name Lyons chair.

A possible vote on the ordinance is on the town council agenda for its meeting at 3 p.m., Friday, Sept. 20, at the Lifesaving Station, 1 Dagsworthy Ave. Meeting materials and a Zoom link are available at townofdeweybeach.com.