The Town of Oyster Bay has extended its innovative and wildly successful building permit amnesty initiative designed to allow residents to obtain the necessary permits required on building improvements previously done to their homes, without incurring stringent penalties, Oyster Bay Town Councilman Thomas P. Hand announced. The program has been extended through December 31, 2017.

“The runaway success of this program has been the catalyst behind offering this extension to our residents through the end of the year,” Councilman Hand said. “During the next several months, residents with these existing improvements will be able to simply follow the normal application and inspection procedure. The standard fees will cover the entire process. All residential homeowners are eligible, including landlords of residential rental properties.”

Councilman Hand went on to note that the amnesty program addresses both public safety concerns and homeowner convenience. “The Town requires building permits on home improvements because the work needs to done in accordance to standards and codes,” Councilman Hand said. “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 you will be directed through the process. They can also visit the building department at Town Hall North in Oyster Bay (74 Audrey Avenue) or its newly designated location at Town Hall South in Massapequa (977 Hicksville Road). The new location makes it equally convenient for both north and south shore residents. Residents can also visit the Town’s website www.oysterbaytown.com for more information.