Lewes fire department secures variance to build elevator, deck

Service for others is the motto of the Lewes Fire Department, the longest continuously operating volunteer fire service in Delaware. Ironically, there lies a flaw in the firehouse that prevents members from safely serving the Lewes community – and it has been a part of the building since George H.P Smith was mayor.

The elevator inside the Savannah Road building was built before current building codes and does not meet Americans with Disabilities Act requirements. The 34-by-40-inch space allows for two people standing or one person in a wheelchair, which Lewes FD officials feel is not safe. The building is an emergency response center in the event of a catastrophe or any other type of declared emergency and must be open, accessible and staffed during those times. The designated emergency operations center is on the third floor. 

With the elevator just barely wider than a traffic barrel, Andrew “Wally” Evans, a former chief and current administrative officer, went before Lewes Board of Adjustment Oct. 4 to request a variance that would allow Lewes FD to build a new elevator. The new addition would encroach 0.37 feet into the 8-foot side-yard setback permitted in the limited commercial historic zoning district. 

Evans said external additions to the building would increase safety, allowing people to enter the building and use the elevator without being exposed to the truck and equipment bay that can often be hazardous. 

There’s significant interior remodeling proposed to comply with health and safety protocols, so an exterior elevator port would help with spacing.

Former Mayor Jim Ford attended the hearing and put things into perspective when he talked about having to fill in as acting mayor when former Mayor George H.P. Smith, who was in a wheelchair at the time, could not access the building. 

Ford said he was involved in creating the core values of Lewes, and No. 5 recognizes internal communities, of which he believes Lewes FD is one. The honorary member of Lewes FD requested the board approve the variance, saying it will do more good than harm.

Designs show significant changes to the right side of the building, including a new foyer and second-floor deck in addition to the elevator. Five windows will be removed, with one being replaced by double doors on the second-floor deck coming out of the kitchen. While one parking space would be eliminated, Lewes FD officials said access to the driveway will not be impeded, nor will it affect neighbors. 

Encroachment into the side-yard setback would not occur as a result of the second-floor deck.

Board members believed the application satisfied all criteria and unanimously voted to grant the request.

Before construction can begin, plans will need approval from the historic preservation architectural review commission.