Access to Building Dept. Records
1) Q: What do I need to look at my building file?
A: You will need your Section, Block and Lot Number (S,B,L) and the address of the property to look at your building file.
2) Q: Where can I find my S,B,L?
A: You can find it either on your tax bill or you can go online to “MyNassauProperty.com.”
3) Q: When can I look at my building file?
A: You can view your building file Monday to Friday from 9am to 2:45pm.
4) Q: What is in my building file?
A: Your building file contains information on any permits or applications, certificates, building plans and surveys.
5) Q: Do I need to come in to get information?
A: Yes, you need to come in and fill out A Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) application.
6) Q: How long does it take to get my building file?
A: Your building file can be accessed immediately as long as it is available.
7) Q: When can I receive my Building certificate?
A: You can call 311 to check Permit / Certificate status and check if your inspector has signed off on your building certificate.
Building Dept. Approvals
8) Q: What do I do if my house does not have a certificate of occupancy?
A: You need to apply for a Certificate of Existing Use if they don't have a certificate of occupancy.
9) Q: What do I do if the construction on my house takes over 2 years to complete?
A: A Renewal of Building Application must be submitted and a fee needs to be paid if the construction on your house takes over 2 years to complete.
Central A/C Units
10) Q: How far from my property line can I install a HVAC unit?
A: A HVAC unit's distance from property lines depends on zoning setbacks.
Contractors
11) Q: Are there specific hours that contractors may work?
A: Yes, Monday through Friday between the hours of 7:30am until 6:00pm. However, you can request a special permit from the Building Dept. to work on weekends.
Electrical
12) Q: Why can’t I do my own electrical work in my home?
A: The town code states that a license electrician must be hired for electrical work in order for the NYS Underwriters to certify electrical work.
13) Q: Do I have to take out an electrical permit with the town?
A: No, but the town requires copies of the electrical underwriters sign off before we can issue a Certificate of Completion.
Fences
14) Q: Do I need a permit for a fence?
A: Yes, you need a permit for a fence.
15) Q: How tall can the fence be?
A: A fence can't be higher than four feet.
16) Q: How would I go about getting a permit for a fence taller than four feet?
A: An application needs to be made to the permit division for a fence. It will be denied by the permit division. Then you will make an application to the Board of Zoning and Appeals which will make the decision at a Public hearing as to whether you may construct a fence higher than four feet.
17) Q: Who determines if a fence is on my property or my neighbors?
A: Whether a fence is located on your property or your neighbor's property is a civil matter between you and your neighbor, the Town of North Hempstead has no involvement.
18) Q: If I am hiring a fence contractor does he need to be licensed in the Town of North Hempstead?
A: Yes, any fence contractor needs to be licensed in the Town of North Hempstead.
Permits
19) Q: Do I need a permit to replace the siding on my home or replace the roof?
A: No, you don't need a permit to replace siding on your home or replace the shingles on your roof. However, a permit is required before you replace the sheathing to which the shingles are attached, as well as when you alter or replace any structural component of the roof.
20) Q: Can I remove trees in my backyard without permits?
A: Yes, you can remove from the setback of your home and in the rear of your property without a permit. However you can not remove any tree in the front of your property without a permit.
21) Q: Do I need a permit to put up an above ground pool?
A: Yes, a permit is required if the above ground pool 46” or higher.
22) Q: Do I need a permit to do a full interior demo on my own house?
A: Yes, you need a permit to do a full interior demo on your house.
23) Q: Do I need a permit to finish my basement?
A: Yes, you need a permit to finish your basement.
24) Q: If I replace all my windows, but want to put larger windows and I have to reframe them do I need a permit?
A: Yes, you need a permit to reframe for larger windows.
25) Q: If I have an existing in-ground pool and it is leaking and cracking and I want to demo it and replace it, do I need a permit?
A: Yes, you need a permit to demo or replace an existing in-ground pool that is leaking and cracking.
26) Q: What is the status of the permit I filed?
A: You need to call 311 from within the Town or 516-869-6311 if outside of town to get the status of your filed permit.
27) Q: How do I close out permits on my property?
A: You need to go to our records room to do a file search.
Plumbing
28) Q: Can I do my own plumbing in my own house?
A: Yes, but the town requires a homeowners test to be passed before starting any work.
29) Q: Can I have a bathroom in my basement?
A: Yes, you can have a bathroom in your basement, and a permit is required for a bathroom anywhere in the house.
30) Q: Is there a list of contractors that are in good standing?
A: No, it is a conflict of interest for the town to provide a list of contractors that are in good standing.
31) Q: Can the town or inspector recommend a contractor?
A: No, the town or the inspector will not recommend a contractor.
32) Q: Can I change my plumbing contractor in the middle of the job?
A: Yes, there is a form that has to be filled out in the permit division when changing plumbers.
33) Q: Do I need to install dry wells on my property when there’s an extension on my house?
A: Yes, you need to install dry wells on your property when there's an extension on your house.
34) Q: Do I need to have all the gas piping tested when gas piping is altered?
A: Yes, you need to have all the gas piping tested when gas piping is altered.
35) Q: Am I going to receive a building certificate from the building dept. when my plumbing job is completed?
A: You receive your building certificate only when all your inspections are completed and approved.
36) Q: How many hours in advance do I need to call to arrange for an appointment for inspection?
A: Please call 72 hours in advance to arrange an inspection appointment.
37) Q: Do I need a licensed plumber to install gas piping?
A: Yes, you need a licensed plumber to install gas piping.
38) Q: Where can I get NYS code books for plumbing?
A: You get NYS code books for plumbing from NYS Dept. of State - 41 State Street, Albany, NY 12231
39) Q: I am the plumbing contractor of record, should any other contractor be on my permit?
A: No, if you are the plumber of record then no other contractor should be on the permit.
Rental Registration
40) Q: Why do I need a permit to rent my house?
A: A permit is needed to protect the owner from overcrowded rentals and to ensure safety for the tenants and owners.
41) Q: What do I need to apply for Rental Registration?
A: Two copies of a completed application, survey and Certificate of Occupancy for the property you would like to rent.
Smoke Detectors
42) Q: Where should I install my smoke detectors?
A: Smoke detectors should be placed in all bedrooms and in a common room, such as a living room or kitchen.
Septic Systems
43) Q: How can I find out where my cesspool is located?
A: A cesspool should be about 15 feet straight out from your trap.
44) Q: Do I have a septic tank or a sewer system?
A: Please contact Nassau County Health Dept. at (516) 571-3410 to find out if you have a septic tank or sewer system.
45) Q: If I am installing a septic system, do I need to install the system in the front yard?
A: Yes, when installing a septic system, you need to install the system in the front yard.
46) Q: Do I need a permit for a new septic system?
A: Yes, you need a permit for a new septic system.
Property Maintenance
47) Q: My neighbor's property is in total disrepair, the grass has not been cut in weeks, who handles this issue?
A: If your neighbor’s property is in total disrepair, it is a Code Enforcement issue. Please call 311 from within the Town or 516-869-6311 if outside of town.