DOVER, Del.– The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control said people with homes in coastal communities affected by Hurricane Sandy are receiving special consideration for help rebuilding and repairing damages from the storm.
DNREC's Shoreline and Waterway Management Section is making field visits to assess storm damage and vulnerability to future storms.
DNREC will issue emergency approvals for the following:
- Construction of steps to provide access to existing structures. Steps seaward of the DNREC Building Line must not be wider than 4 feet. An application for a Letter of Approval must be submitted for construction of steps or crossovers which provide access to the beach. All steps which provide access to the beach must be constructed so that they can be lifted or removed. (Requires County approval.)
- Securing of damaged structures above the first Living floor. If outer walls need to be replaced, there shall be no alteration of the original dimension or location. For enclosures below the first living floor an application for a Letter of Approval or Permit must be submitted.
- Pushing of overwash sand from around structures towards the ocean and bay.
- Trucking in of clean beach quality sand for dune or beach restoration.
- Trucking in of select fill for reconstruction of driveways.
- Minor repairs to damaged portions of existing approved bulkheads. No changes to the original length or dimensions are permitted. An application for a Permit must be submitted for reconstruction of destroyed bulkheads.
- Repairs to utilities such as electric water and sewer.
- Repairs to foundations (cracked pilings) of existing structures. (Requires County approval.)
If your property has been damaged or left vulnerable you can contact DNREC's Shoreline and Waterway Management Section at (302) 739-9921 first for approval.
The following do not need approval:
- Repair work at or above the lowest living floor and within the outer dimensions of the structure. No alteration of the original footprint shall be made.
- Repairs/replacement of siding, roof shingles, roofs, and railing on decks and steps.
There is a $150 application fee to supplement the cost of the Legal Notice for the application, and there is a 20-day public notice period. Due to the State of Delaware's Public Notice requirements, a homeowner must allow at least 40 days for processing of the application.
