Permeable Pavers In Sussex County

What are permeable pavers?

Permeable pavers look like premium concrete pavers, but they’re installed over open-graded (clean, angular) stone with small joints that allow rainwater to infiltrate, storing and slowly releasing it into the soil or an underdrain. The result: less runoff, fewer puddles, and compliance with stormwater goals.

Why the Delaware coast uses them

• Stormwater compliance: Delaware’s Sediment & Stormwater Program recognizes permeable pavement as a post-construction BMP to control runoff volume and improve water quality. Designers follow the state BMP Standards & Specifications when sizing and detailing PICP systems. DNRECdocuments.dnrec.delaware.gov

• Local lot-coverage limits: Beach towns restrict how much of a lot can be covered by impervious materials; many explicitly allow or define pervious/permeable materials to help homeowners meet coverage caps. Examples:

  • South Bethany: Permeable pavers are permitted (and inspected) with a town building/paving permit; code language distinguishes pervious vs. impervious coverings. South BethanyeCode360

  • Bethany Beach: Code updates add definitions for pervious materials and adjust ground-cover restrictions. Bethany BeacheCode360

  • Rehoboth Beach: Residential districts must keep at least 50% “natural area,” pushing projects toward pervious solutions. eCode360

  • Dewey Beach (2024): Commissioners clarified what counts as pervious vs. impervious across ground-level surfaces. Cape Gazette

  • Lewes: Coverage limits (especially in recharge areas) tie development to groundwater recharge performance—another driver for permeable designs. Cape Gazette

Bottom line: While rules vary by town and HOA, permeable pavers are frequently required or incentivized to satisfy lot-coverage and stormwater criteria across Delaware’s coastal municipalities. Always verify the specific ordinance and HOA covenants before design. South Bethany

How permeable pavers are built for coastal conditions

• Open-graded stone section (reservoir & base) sized per Delaware BMP specs; underdrain added if soils infiltrate slowly or water table is high. documents.dnrec.delaware.gov

• Geotextile placement between subgrade and subbase (when called for) to separate coastal sands/silts from clean stone while allowing drainage.

• Water table check: National guidance cautions against PICP when seasonal high water table is within ~2 ft of the base without adaptations; coastal projects commonly use underdrains to stay compliant. Federal Highway Administration

• Edge restraints & joint aggregate to lock pavers and maintain flow.

• Maintenance plan (vacuum sweeping) per DNREC operations guidance to keep infiltration rates high. documents.dnrec.delaware.gov

Benefits for Delaware beach homeowners

• Meets zoning and stormwater requirements while preserving curb appeal. DNREC

• Reduces flooding and icy puddles on flat, low-lying sites.

• Protects bays and canals by filtering runoff.

• Often improves resale value thanks to compliance + aesthetics.

Project types that qualify

• Driveways and parking areas

• Walkways and patios

• Pool surrounds and cart paths
  (Each may be counted differently toward lot coverage by municipality—design accordingly.) Cape Gazette

Quick homeowner checklist (Delaware beaches)

1. Confirm local rules (Rehoboth, Lewes, Bethany, Dewey, South Bethany, Fenwick, Ocean View) and HOA limits. eCode360Cape Gazette+1Bethany Beach

2. Soils & groundwater test (infiltration + water-table depth). documents.dnrec.delaware.gov

3. Choose a compliant section (stone depths, underdrain, overflow) per DNREC BMP specs. documents.dnrec.delaware.gov

4. Document lot coverage with a plan showing pervious/impervious areas.

5. File permits (some towns inspect permeable paver work). South Bethany