Sussex council approves boat, RV storage yard
Story Location:
Postal Lane
Rehoboth, DE
United States
Despite objections from neighbors, some of whom hired a lawyer to plead their case, Sussex County Council unanimously approved a conditional-use application for boat and RV storage along Postal Lane between Lewes and Rehoboth Beach during its Dec. 1 meeting.
Residents in the nearby Sandy Brae and Heritage Village communities were opposed to the application because of traffic concerns. They also stated the use does not fit in with the character of the residential area, with 400 homes in the immediate vicinity.
Samuel Warrington filed the application for the storage yard on a 2.5-acre section of a 40-acre parcel, one of the few vacant parcels remaining in that area. The land has been owned by the family since 1914; Warrington and his son live on the parcel.
“I've given this a lot of thought, and I understand the opposition to boat and RV storage in this area,” said Councilman Irwin “I.G.” Burton. “This piece of property is an anomaly given the development around it over the decades.”
Burton said with the growing number of boats in the area, there is a need for additional storage yards. “Is this the right place?” he asked. “I'd like to say no, but I can't do that and treat the property owner fairly.”
Even so, Burton said he agreed with neighbors that access to the property could create challenges. “When the site plan goes to DelDOT, I hope they take that into consideration,” he said, adding the entrance should be at least 24 feet wide to accommodate large vehicles, which is a condition placed on the application by Sussex County Planning and Zoning Commission.
Burton noted that the applicant's storage yard will be in an area away from residences.
On Burton's recommendation, council amended two of the commission's conditions.
The applicant must plant 5- to 6-foot trees as a buffer outside a 6-foot fence, which is required around the storage area. The buffer area will be along Bethpage Drive and adjacent to American Classic Golf Club.
In addition, the size of the sign for the yard was changed from a 32-square-foot, lighted sign to an unlit 9-square-foot sign.
Conditions placed on use of the property include a limit of 60 boats or RVs, no sales, no maintenance, and the placement of a pervious surface on the parking area of the storage yard.
