City of Rehoboth Beach Passes Ordinance to Establish Aged Building Safety Inspection Program

June 10, 2026

On Monday, June 8, the City of Rehoboth Beach Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to pass an ordinance to amend Chapter 208, Property Maintenance of the Municipal Code of the City of Rehoboth Beach, by establishing an aged building safety inspection program for certain existing buildings and exterior building components.

This ordinance creates an Aged Building Safety Inspection Program for certain older buildings in the City of Rehoboth Beach. Its purpose is to ensure that multi‑story, aging, or coastal‑exposed buildings are regularly inspected by licensed engineers or architects to identify structural deterioration, façade issues, balcony or deck hazards, and other safety concerns that may develop over time. The program focuses on preventing dangerous conditions—like those seen in the Surfside, Florida building collapse—by requiring periodic professional evaluations and timely repairs when needed.

Under the ordinance, buildings that are four stories or taller, or more than 50 feet in height (or otherwise identified as higher-risk by the City), must undergo structural inspections at least every 10 years and exterior/façade inspections at least every five years, with initial inspections due once a building reaches 30 years of age.

Detached single-family homes are not covered.

Some smaller buildings with aging balconies or visible exterior damage may also be required to complete more limited inspections.

Property owners are responsible for hiring Delaware-licensed engineers or architects, submitting reports, completing repairs, and covering the associated costs.

The ordinance allows the City to enforce compliance, require protective measures if hazards are found, and ensure that unresolved inspection or repair obligations are disclosed when a building is sold or transferred.

Overall, the program aims to protect public safety by identifying and correcting unsafe building conditions before they become dangerous.