Shinko named director of Rehoboth building and licensing
After a nearly seven-month trial run as interim director, Corey Shinko has been named the permanent director of planning, zoning and development for the Rehoboth Beach Building and Licensing Department.
The city announced the change on its Facebook page Sept. 30. Shinko has been with the city for four years, starting as assistant building inspector before becoming a building inspector. He became interim director in March when former director Mary Ellen Gray left after a little less than 18 months. It was a new staff position for the city when Gray was hired in October 2023.
“In his role as interim director of the Building and Licensing Department, Corey has enhanced service delivery, improved communication and made an immediate impact in elevating the work serving our residents and development community,” said City Manager Taylour Tedder in an email Oct. 8. “We are fortunate to have dedicated employees like Corey who genuinely care about Rehoboth Beach.”
Shinko said the change was an honor.
“I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to continue working with our residents, business owners and visitors to guide thoughtful growth, preserve our coastal character and strengthen the sense of community that makes Rehoboth Beach so special,” said Shinko.
During Shinko’s tenure with the city, he has earned 28 professional certifications through the International Code Council and is a state-certified sediment and stormwater construction reviewer. Shinko is also pursuing credentialing from the American Institute of Certified Planners and is maintaining a 4.0 GPA in Southern New Hampshire University’s bachelor of science program in business administration with a concentration in public administration.
Not much will change in Shinko’s new role as director. He will continue working with residents, businesses and property owners on permits and licenses, while also guiding updates to the city’s building and zoning codes.
According to the city, last year, the Building and Licensing Department issued around 1,250 permits, performed about 1,100 inspections and maintained nearly 2,870 business licenses.
Chris Flood has been working for the Cape Gazette since early 2014. He currently covers Rehoboth Beach and Henlopen Acres, but has also covered Dewey Beach and the state government. He covers environmental stories, business stories and random stories on subjects he finds interesting, and he also writes a column called Choppin’ Wood that runs every other week. He’s a graduate of the University of Maine and the Landing School of Boat Building & Design.
