Lewes council: Don’t block parking at the beach

Lewes residents and visitors are on notice: Do not use cones or other objects to block public parking, especially at the beach. 

Mayor and city council unanimously approved new language in the parking section of city code that specifically prohibits the use of an item or device to make public parking space unavailable to all members of the public. Any such items could be confiscated by parking enforcement officers or the police, and offenders could be fined. 

It is not uncommon to see cones or other objects placed in front of homes on Lewes Beach in the summer. Some are used to ensure a driveway isn’t blocked, while others purposely prevent parking in front of homes. In 2018, council attempted to address landscaping, fencing and other permanent encroachments by residents into the city’s right of way. The latest effort addresses temporary, moveable items. 

City Manager Ann Marie Townshend said the new updated language was created to provide clarity to the parking enforcement staff, which will be patrolling the residential streets between Savannah Road and Roosevelt Inlet for the first time this summer. Even though enforcement officers have the power to confiscate, Townshend said, they’ll more than likely move the obstructions back to the adjacent property.

“Our hope is that property owners will voluntarily comply with the requirements so that we will not need to resort to fines and confiscation,” Townshend said. 

Fines would be left to the officer’s discretion, she said. 

Although the new code was designed with the beach in mind, Townshend said, it could be enforced anywhere in the town. 

“I am unsure of other areas having this problem, but if it occurs on any city street, we would be able to enforce it,” she said.