Resort town votes to expand permit parking

SOUTH BETHANY BEACH, Del. – Following a unanimous vote, the Town of South Bethany Beach voted to implement permit parking throughout the town taking effect in May, 2020.

As of now, the town only has permit parking on the east side of town, from May 15 to September 15.  But this move is seen by the Mayor and Council as a forward thinking move.

“We need to be prepared for that, because this is basically the last town that you can park on the west side for free,” said Mayor Tim Saxton.  “I think it’s really important that we are looking forward instead of having to react later.”

Part of the decision requiring permit parking throughout the town is development happening outside town limits, that may force more visitors into South Bethany.

“We see more development being built at double bridges and that’s so close to South Bethany Beach, and I imagine that people will start using that, because it’s getting very crowded in Bethany Beach,” said Sue Callaway, Mayor Pro-Tem of South Bethany Beach.

Council members and Police Chief Troy Crowson agreed that there will be a learning curve for drivers in the beginning.

“I would hope that our first year of implementation that we go easy on people in terms of fining them,” said Callaway.

The decision to make the entire town subject to permit parking also brings the town in step with neighboring resort towns.

“It brings us aligned, in alignment with all the towns from Fenwick Island, and all the way up to Rehoboth.  And I think that’s kind of important for us,” said Saxton.

The change takes effect May 15, 2020, permits will be required in the town from that point through September 15, from midnight to 5 PM.

The council also moved to purchase a new parking kiosk for the upcoming summer season.