Get the car off the sidewalk before October
Plus new impact fees, the Pompey Park groundbreaking and a scam aimed at permit applicants.
A quiet late-August week at City Hall produced decisions that will show up in Delray driveways and development costs. Here is what changed and what residents should watch next.
Delray Beach is preparing to enforce a rule that is already state law: vehicles may not park, stop or stand on a sidewalk, including where a sidewalk crosses a driveway. City officials say even a partial blockage can force pedestrians into the roadway and obstruct the accessible route used by children, older residents and people with mobility issues. From August 31 through September 30, the city will issue warnings. Starting October 1, a vehicle blocking a sidewalk will draw a $250 fine billed to its owner. Police Chief Darrell Hunter framed clear sidewalks as a matter of allowing everyone to travel safely and independently, not merely parking compliance. Residents should check that vehicles sit entirely within driveways or legal parking spaces.
New development impact fees take effect in 2027
The City Commission adopted Ordinance No. 34-26 on August 18, increasing the existing parks impact fee and creating new fees for municipal, police, fire rescue, water, wastewater and stormwater facilities. Impact fees charge new development for part of the public infrastructure needed to serve growth. Commissioners also adopted the supporting study prepared by DTA Public Finance. After the required public-notice period, the updated fee schedule takes effect January 1, 2027. The ordinance, study and adopted schedule are posted on the city's website.
Scam emails are targeting permit applicants
The city is warning Development Services customers about emails that impersonate staff, reference real properties and describe fabricated approval processes. The messages ask for wire transfers to advance an application or place it on a Planning and Zoning agenda. Among the warning signs: they use the nonexistent name Planning and Zoning Commission, carry an incorrect signature block or come from an address outside the city's @mydelraybeach.com domain. Delray Beach says staff will not request wire or Venmo payments. Application and permitting fees must go through the official city eServices portal.
Atlantic Avenue widening runs through summer 2028
The $26 million reconstruction of Atlantic Avenue between west of U.S. 441 and just east of Florida's Turnpike is scheduled for completion in summer 2028. FDOT says the work will widen Atlantic Avenue from two to four lanes west of Lyons Road and from four to six lanes between Lyons Road and the Turnpike. Plans also call for continuous 6-foot sidewalks and 7-foot buffered bike lanes from U.S. 441 to east of Lyons Road, plus an 8-foot sidewalk farther east. Drainage, lighting, signals and pavement markings are being upgraded across the project. Work began January 20, 2025, and the contractor is OHLA-USA.
Pompey Park breaks ground September 10
- When
- Thursday, September 10, 2026 · 5:00 PM
- Where
- Pompey Park
- Address
- 1101 NW 2nd Street, Delray Beach
The new Pompey Park Recreation Center breaks ground Thursday, September 10, at 5 p.m. at 1101 NW 2nd Street, and the public is invited. The replacement center is planned to include an indoor running track, community pool, playground and expanded recreational and community space. The city lists CORE, Randolph Construction Group, Hatcher Construction & Development, KEITH & Associates and Justin Architects as project partners. Refreshments are planned for the ceremony.