Rehoboth Beach is moving forward with a commercial zoning code overhaul, and city officials want the public to be part of the conversation. The city has joined forces with planning and design firm Dover Kohl & Partners to guide the update, which aims to address existing problems and strengthen the character and community life of Rehoboth Beach.
A key part of that effort is Charrette Week, a community-driven planning event set to take place July 13-17 at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center. A charrette is a collaborative planning session where community members, stakeholders, and planners work together to identify challenges and develop solutions.
The week is designed to give residents, business owners, property owners, visitors, and anyone who cares about the city’s future a direct voice in the planning process. A range of activities will be offered throughout the week to make participation as accessible and engaging as possible.
Walking Tours will take participants through key streets and public spaces, encouraging them to take a closer look at the built environment — how buildings relate to the sidewalk, how safe and welcoming spaces feel, and how design decisions affect the overall character of a place. Participants will also have the chance to share stories about past issues and how they were handled.
Interactive Map Sessions will give attendees a chance to act as planners themselves. Large maps will be spread out and markers handed out so that participants can draw ideas, flag concerns, and mark opportunities directly on the map. All input will be recorded so nothing is overlooked.
Drop-In Studio Hours will allow anyone to stop by at their convenience to see the planning team at work — sketching concepts and visualizing early ideas based on feedback gathered throughout the week. Visitors can ask questions, share thoughts, or simply observe the process informally.
Focus Meetings will zero in on specific topics or groups, though all of these sessions are open to anyone who wishes to attend.
End-of-Week Summary — At the close of Charrette Week, the team will present a recap of what was heard and share some initial concepts that emerged from community input. This presentation will lay the groundwork and policy direction that will ultimately guide how the new zoning code is written.
The week gets underway on Monday, July 14, with a Kick-Off Meeting from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Convention Center. Attendees will have the chance to meet the Dover Kohl & Partners team, learn about the initiative, and provide hands-on feedback.
Sessions will continue Tuesday through Thursday, running as early as 8:00 a.m. and wrapping up by 6:00 p.m. At the conclusion of the week, Dover Kohl & Partners will deliver a Progress Presentation at 2:00 p.m. during the Mayor & Commissioners Meeting. That meeting is open to the public and will also be livestreamed and archived on the city’s YouTube channel for those who cannot attend in person.
A full schedule, along with additional information, videos, and frequently asked questions, is available on the city’s official website under the Zoning Code Changes section. Members of the media are welcome to attend all sessions.
For more information, contact Communications Director Brooke Thaler at 302-227-6181, ext. 522.
