TONH: New Penalty-Free Phase to Correct Unauthorized Construction

North Hempstead residents wishing to bring any up to code, take note. From July 2, 2012, through December 31, 2013, the is suspending penalty fees associated with unpermitted work.

The news comes after between officials of the Town of North Hempstead and its , and registered architects, professional engineers, building industry and real estate professionals.

In addition, North Hempstead’s board of trustees has adopted a series of new policies and practices that aim to replace several dated procedures that triggered unnecessary hardship and delays for residents when it came to filing applications and awaiting permits.

According to the town, the 18-month reconciliation program encompasses those requesting applications for building and plumbing permits to maintain construction, improvements and alterations that had been completed without first filing the required applications and having the work verified by a town inspector for code compliance.  Those with applications for “maintains” that are currently pending in the building department will also be eligible to participate in the reconciliation program.

“The temporary reconciliation program combined with the revamped codes is aimed at one primary goal, keeping our residents safe,” Supervisor Kaiman said, in a statement. “We urge residents to take advantage of this one-time opportunity to bring unauthorized improvements and renovations up to code.”

Officials say that under this program, applications to maintainunauthorized improvements that would normally be subjected to a fee equaling four times the amount noted in the town’s fee schedule, would now be subject to the regular permit fee.

In addition to the reconciliation program, the town board has implemented several changes to make it easier for both residents and businesses to conduct business with the building department.  For instance, the town has amended the code to remove the need for an applicant to submit an updated survey when the proposed work only involves an interior renovation that does not change the footprint of the structure.

According to the town, new changes will be introduced in the next several months.

For more information call 311.