Public Hearing Notice – Friday, May 23, 2025 at 10:00a.m (Henlopen Acres Beach Club)
Resident Mailing: May 23 Hearing
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON THE SUBJECT OF REPLACING CHAPTER 114, TREES, OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE TOWN OF HENLOPEN ACRES, IN ITS ENTIRETY, WITH A NEW CHAPTER 114, TREES.
FRIDAY, MAY 23, 2025 – 10:00 A.M.
HENLOPEN ACRES BEACH CLUB,
28 DUNE WAY, REHOBOTH BEACH, DE 19971
Notice is hereby given, that the Mayor and Commissioners of the Town of Henlopen Acres will hold a PUBLIC HEARING at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, May 23, 2025, at Henlopen Acres Beach Club, 28 Dune Way, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, Sussex County. The hearing may also be viewed through live video broadcast.
The purpose of the Public Hearing is to hear comments on an Ordinance to amend Chapter 114, Trees, of the municipal code of the Town of Henlopen Acres, by replacing Chapter 114, Trees, in its entirety with a new Chapter 114, Trees. This amendment would establish restrictions on the removal of canopy trees located in the setbacks of residential lots within the Town of Henlopen Acres, establish new requirements for minimum tree density during new home construction or the renovation of existing homes, and establish requirements for maintaining trees on residential lots.
The proposed Ordinance would require owners to obtain a Town permit to remove a tree in the side and rear setbacks and in the first 10 feet of the front setback, with approval for removal based on the satisfaction of specified criteria for removal and a penalty for noncompliance of $2,500 per tree. The Ordinance would also increase the required minimum density of trees on a residential lot following construction of a new dwelling or renovation of an existing dwelling from one tree per 2,000 square feet of required open space to one tree per 2,000 square feet of lot size, and with at least sixty percent canopy shade trees and forty percent evergreens. Finally, the Ordinance would require that residents maintain trees on their lot to promote healthy tree growth. This includes trimming and treating trees as needed and removing climbing vines so that trees flourish.
The Board of Commissioners welcomes all residents and property owners to attend the hearing and make comment. Comments may also be submitted in writing by U.S. mail to 104 Tidewaters, Henlopen Acres, DE 19971 or email at townhall@henlopenacres.com. The public comment period will close at 4:30pm on Friday, May 30, 2025.
Please visit the Town website for further information and a copy of the proposed amendments to Chapter 114. A copy of the proposed amendments is also available from Town Hall, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The link to the live video broadcast of the hearing will be available at henlopenacres.delaware.gov. Those viewing the meeting via broadcast will be unable to provide comments during the hearing, but may submit written comments through 4:30pm on Friday, May 30, 2025.
