What activities are prohibited seaward of the Building Line?
Since flooding and wave damage are more likely seaward of the building line, ground-level structures that can become wave-borne debris or undermined are prohibited. These include (but are not limited to) hard landscaping, fences (other than sand fence or wood lattice), concrete, asphalt, concrete footers for posts, hot tubs, swimming pools, patios and other non-living space portions of the dwelling. For more information call 302-739-9921.
How do I locate the DNREC Building Line on my property?
The Division of Soil and Water Conservation has a series of maps that show the location of the Building Line. Copies of these maps are available upon request. The line is marked with coordinates in the State Plane Coordinate System. A surveyor can use these coordinates to locate the line on your property. For more information call 302-739-9921.
Do I need approval if I'm just repairing storm damage?
Yes, approval is needed prior to repairing storm damage. Some structures have an adverse effect on the beach and dune, and are not allowed under the current regulations. In order to prevent additional damage to the beach and dune or to adjacent properties, some modifications may be required. The Division will work with property owners to find ways of making necessary repairs. For more information call 302-739-9921.
I need to remove some sand from my lot at the beach. What steps do I need to take to ensure I am doing this correctly?
Contact the Division of Soil and Water Conservation at 302-739-9921. A representative will meet with you on-site and determine if the sand can be removed, if it is suitable beach material and where it can be relocated.
What types of vegetation are suitable for the dunes and the beach area? Where can I find such vegetation?
Cape American Beach Grass (Ammophila breviligulata) is the best vegetation to plant on the dunes. It helps build the dunes by capturing wind-blown sand and prevents wind erosion of the dunes. There are many varieties of vegetation available for planting in back dune areas. It is recommend that when planting in the beach area that you stick to plants that are native to Delaware’s beaches. These plants can be obtained through local nurseries and garden shops.
How do I find out if my property is in a flood zone?
Contact your local municipality. From them you should be able to obtain a Flood Insurance Rate Map distributed by the National Flood Insurance Program through FEMA. You can locate your property on this map and see what flood zone, if any, in which your property lies.
What is the purpose of the Easement Agreement with the Division of Soil and Water Conservation on waterfront property along the Delaware Bay? Can I build within this easement? How can I find out where this easement is located?
The easements on waterfront property obtained by the Division of Soil and Water Conservation are for performing maintenance, protection and preservation work on the property. Construction is prohibited in the easement area. These recorded easements are available through the recorder of Deeds. Copies are available through the Division of Soil and Water Conservation. For more information call 302-739-9921.
When looking into purchasing property at the beach, what questions should one ask of the realtor?
Are approvals required for construction on this lot? From what agencies are approvals required? What flood zone is this lot in? What are my restrictions in the particular flood zones? Does the DNREC Building Line bisect this lot? What restrictions am I held to as a result of the location of the Building Line? Is there an Easement on this lot? Contact the Division of Soil and Water - 302-739-9921 - for detailed information before finalizing your purchase
Do I need approval from the Division of Soil and Water Conservation before raising a dwelling onto pilings or columns on a lot located in the beach area?
Yes, approvals are required before raising a structure from the Division and the County. Relocation of the dwelling may be required to comply with current setback requirements.
I'm tearing down a house on the beach. Do I need permits to tear down the house?
Permits are not required for removal of structures. However, permits are required prior to removal of sand and prior to construction of a new house or other structure. Prior to tearing down the existing house you should contact our office at 302-739-9921 to find out what requirements you must meet in order to construct a new house.
Do I need a permit to build in the floodplain?
In most parts of Delaware, permits are required for construction and other land-altering activities in a floodplain. These permits are required to determine whether proposed construction activities comply with Federal and Local floodplain regulations. Contact your local code enforcement or zoning department.
How do I find out if I am in a floodplain?
The official sources of floodplain information are the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) published by FEMA. However, all three counties in Delaware make floodplain information available on their websites which are often more comprehensive than the FIRMs. Links to these websites are:
