RBHA History

In the early 1970s, the City of Rehoboth Beach was being pressured by developers for more high-rise construction. Concerned citizens joined to form a homeowners’ organization to oppose this type of development. RBHA’s influence helped in the passage of a revised building height ordinance which reduced permissible building heights in commercial zones from 85 feet to 42 feet.

Published in March 1972, the first newsletter noted that RBHA had been able to draw the attention of the community "to critical issues confronting Rehoboth Beach such as the dangers of increased high density and related aspects of traffic and parking congestion." A second newsletter that year spoke about other problems facing the community: building codes, zoning, water resources, beach erosion, ocean dumping and pollution.

Since that beginning, RBHA has been at the forefront of many challenges facing the city and its residents. It was the RBHA board that wrote the first report on establishing a tree ordinance and has maintained a relationship with various committees over the years to study numerous issues, including the environment, preservation, revision and enforcement of city codes and maintained a relationship with other civic organizations to support common issues. The association also participated in the City’s Comprehensive Development Plan by seeking member input on key issues.

In 2005, RBHA embarked on the development of a strategic plan and unveiled it along with the launch of the organization’s first website. Noting the long-time goal to “preserve the character of Rehoboth Beach”, the board felt the character of Rehoboth Beach should be defined. It examined the opinions of residents – old and new – and looked at the architecture, history, trees, and other attributes. They found the unifying characteristic of Rehoboth Beach is the spirit of its people. The City and the RBHA attracts people who believe in community. Quality of life emerged as the category that generated the largest response from residents, with trees, parking, beautification, downtown traffic and noise named as leading issues.