In December of 2024, the Dewey Beach Town Council passed Ordinance 848, which banned the use of tents on the beach (with the exception of baby tents), and prohibited canopies from being left unattended on the beach prior to 9:00am. The intention of this ordinance was to both enhance safety protocols, and to encourage patrons to share the beach, after receiving complaints of people setting up large canopies early in the morning to hold prime "beach real estate," but not occupying them until later in the day. The summer of 2025 marked our first season under the new rules, with a primary focus on educating the public about the regulations.

The Town Council will spend the off-season assessing the progress of this ordinance - what worked, what didn't work, and where improvements or modifications could be made. We want to hear from you! Property owners and visitors to Dewey Beach are welcome to submit their thoughts on the form below. Did these new rules improve your visits to the beach? Do you see room for improvement? Let us know! Comments received will be shared with Town leadership.