Oyster Bay Town Councilman Thomas Hand reminds residents that the deadline for building permit amnesty – designed to allow residents the time to obtain the necessary permits required on building improvements previously done to their homes without incurring stringent penalties – will end on December 31, 2017.

Councilman Hand stated, “There are six weeks remaining for residents with existing, unpermitted home improvements to legitimize their projects without penalty by following the application and inspection procedure.  All homeowners are eligible, including landlords of residential rental properties at the standard fee rate.”

The Town amnesty program addresses both public safety concerns and homeowner convenience. The Town requires building permits on home improvements as work needs to done in accordance to standards and codes.  These standards ensure that construction on your home meets workmanship and safety requirements.  The building permit process is not the time to cut corners. Quality workmanship that meets legal building codes is a wise investment, creates peace of mind and ultimately saves time and money down the road.  This will be especially important when a resident needs to sell or refinance their home and they do not have the proper approvals.

To begin the process for a building permit, residents can call the Town of Oyster Bay’s Department of Planning and Development’s Building Division at (516) 624-6200, where residents will be directed through the process.  Residents may also visit the Building Department at Town Hall North in Oyster Bay (74 Audrey Avenue) or its newly designated satellite office at Town Hall South in Massapequa (977 Hicksville Road).  The new location makes it equally convenient for both north and south shore residents.