Starting in the summer of 2026, Delaware communities along Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay shorelines will need approved shoreline public access plans before beginning beach nourishment, maintenance or improvement projects using public funds. To help them meet that requirement, DNREC’s Shoreline and Waterway Management Section (SWMS) has developed guidelines for developing shoreline public access plans. 

Delaware’s ocean and bay beaches are vital public resources that provide recreation, economic benefit and natural protection to coastal communities.

The Shoreline Public Access Plan Guidelines (PDF) help ensure that all Delawareans and visitors continue to enjoy access to these areas. 

The guidelines establish a framework for assessing and documenting plans to establish and maintain public access to Delaware’s shorelines, particularly where public funds are used for beach nourishment, maintenance or improvement. 

Required as of July 2026

Beginning in Fiscal Year 2027 (July 2026 to June 2027), all communities receiving nourishment projects from either the state or federal government will be required to have an approved shoreline public access plan prior to project initiation. 

Federal nourishment projects currently in planning or design, including Delaware Bay beach nourishment projects, must have an access plan in development to remain eligible for implementation. 

Developing a Shoreline Public Access Plan 

DNREC staff have developed tools and references to assist coastal communities in developing their plans:

Guidelines 

The Shoreline Public Access Plan Guidelines (PDF) outline the goals, required components and review process for DNREC approval. 

Template 

The Shoreline Public Access Plan Template (WORD) is a fillable template that communities can use to draft their plans to meet state and federal standards. Please download and save this to use it.

Implementation and Review 

Access plans will be reviewed by the Shoreline and Waterway Management Section to ensure consistency with federal and state requirements for shoreline nourishment funding. Plans should balance recreational use, environmental protection and long-term sustainability of Delaware’s coastal resources. 

Communities will be required to: 

• Submit status updates every five years. 
• Report proposed changes within 90 days for DNREC review. 
• Maintain compliance with approved Access Plans to remain eligible for future nourishment funding. 

For more information, to submit plans or further help, please contact the Shoreline and Waterway Management Section at DNREC_shorelines@delaware.gov.

Related Topics:  beach nourishment, beaches, ocean and coasts, public access, shoreline, watershed, waterways