Dewey Beach hires contractor code reviewer to plug building‑department gap while town seeks long‑term solution

Dewey Beach — Facing the sudden departure of its full‑time building official and difficulty recruiting a similarly qualified replacement, the town council on March 20 authorized a short‑term independent‑contractor arrangement with Code Solutions to provide commercial and major‑residential plan review and flood‑management expertise.

Town manager (Mr. Zuler) told the council the administration had interviewed multiple candidates but had not found someone who met the town’s technical and certification requirements. The proposed contract gives the town access to David Naples’ plan‑review and flood‑management expertise for larger projects while local staff keep processing smaller permits.

Several residents urged the council to run a competitive procurement and to consider hiring a full‑time official, warning that low compensation and short staffing reduce the town’s ability to enforce consistent standards. “Competition is what makes everything better,” one resident said, asking the town to advertise the role. Other speakers and several council members said the town needs immediate coverage to avoid permitting backlogs and that Mr. Naples had an established record with municipal projects.

Councilors discussed contract language, termination rights and the town’s longer‑term goal of hiring a permanent official. After discussion the council approved the independent‑contractor agreement by motion; the contract includes a standard 30‑day termination clause and requires Mr. Naples to seek flood‑plain manager certification (in training, expected by late April). The town manager said the contract can be revisited and that a competitive search for a permanent official would continue.

The vote reflected the council’s determination to maintain permit flow and technical review capacity while pursuing a longer‑term staffing solution.