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Land Management - Building & Zoning

Show All Answers

1. How can I find information about a property (owners, taxes, zoning, etc.)?

Property information (e.g. owner, tax map number, zoning, and taxes due) may be viewed through the Town of Southampton Property Tax Payment Portal.

You will be prompted for an account username and password, which you can create for free by clicking on the “First Time Users” link at the bottom of the page.

You can not only FOIL the info but also access property information via the Town’s ePortal which is a subscription based service that allows subscribers to access data about properties within the Town of Southampton on-demand interactively.

2. Can you tell me what I can build on my property?

Over the phone we can tell you zoning affecting your property and what your setback requirements are. For a more detailed description of what you can build on your property, you must visit the Building Department with a copy of your survey so you can speak with an inspector. Building – Applications and Permits

3. How can I find out what my setbacks are on my property.

Download the Residential Zoning Overview Booklet.

This document presents an overview of some of the Residential Zoning Requirements for the Town of Southampton including non-conforming lots, setbacks, lot coverage and disturbance limitations. It is not meant to answer all questions and may not apply to all building lots

The Southampton Town Code can be viewed on our website.

4. What do I need to submit a building permit?

A checklist with all the requirements is available on-line on our website.

Residential Building Permit Application Checklists

5. Do I need a building permit for a shed/play yard/dog house/chicken coop?

Yes, we require permits for all structures that are over 50 square feet.

http://www.southamptontownny.gov/311/Building-Applications-Forms 

6. Do I need a building permit for a fence?

A building permit is required for fences over 4 feet in height.  However, if your property is located on the Wetlands inventory list, you must request Conservation approval for any size fence.  Fences over 6 feet in height are not permitted.

Building Permit

7. How far from the property line can I put my fence?

Your fence can be up to the property line, as long as it is still on your own property.  Six foot fences are not permitted in required front yards.

8. If I am putting up a pool enclosure, and already have a fence running across my backyard, can I use that as part of the pool enclosure?

Yes, as long as it is your fence and the good side of the fence is facing your neighbor. You cannot use your driveway gates as part of the pool enclosure.

9. I am putting in a concrete patio at grade. Do I need a building permit?

No. Unless you have wetlands on your property then you need an wetland permit.

10. I am putting in a wood deck at grade. Do I need a building permit?

Yes.  All decks need building permits.

11. Do I need a permit to demolish or relocate an accessory structure?

Yes

http://www.southamptontownny.gov/311/Building-Applications-Forms 

Look under Demolition Permits

12. I am re-building a deck/porch/steps/etc., exactly the way it was. Do I need a building permit?

Yes.

13. I received a letter saying I have an expired building permit, but I did not own the property at that time. Am I still responsible for this?

Yes, the current owner of property is responsible for everything regarding that property.

14. Can you tell me what items I need in order to close out my building permit and obtain my certificate of occupancy for my new home?

1. Final inspection of construction.
2. Final electrical inspection and certificate of compliance.
3. Solder/gas certificate from plumber.
4.  Final health department stamp on final survey.
5.  Elevation certificate from surveyor (if property in located in flood zone).
6. Final survey for any property with clearing restrictions or conversation buffer zones.
7. After your final inspection has passed your inspector will give you a list of all the required paperwork that may be needed to finalize your permit.

15. How do I renew my building permit?

You must fill out a new application form, and sign at the bottom, pay the fee, and submit it to the Building and Zoning Division.  You can request inspections as soon as you renew.

Building Permit

16. How can I find out how much my building permit fee will be?

You must visit the Building Division for an accurate fee for all permit and renewal fees.

Residential Fees

17. Where can I buy a copy of the Town Code? Where can I buy a zoning map?

In the Town Clerk’s office.

18. I want to put in a complaint.

Complaints can be taken in by filling out a complaint form or sign onto Southampton Online Solutions

19. Does a contractor need a license to do work in the Town of Southampton?

If a contractor is performing home improvement, the Town of Southampton requires a Home Improvement Contractor’s License.  If a contractor is constructing a new home, the Town does not presently require a license, although their subcontractors must be licensed.

Home Improvement Conractors Application

Contractors with a Southampton License

20. Does my electrician or plumber need a Town of Southampton Home Improvement Contractor’s License?

Electricians and plumbers must be licensed by Suffolk County. 

Plumbers are required to also have a Town of Southampton License.

Home Improvement Contractors Application

Contractors with a Southampton License

21. I need to look at the closed files on a property. How can I do that?

You can look at files that have been closed by filling out a FOIL request (Freedom of Information Law) and submitting it to the Building Division. You will receive a phone call when the file is available for review. Copies of documents can be made for a fee.  However, the Building and Zoning Division is not authorized to provide copies of building plans that have been stamped by a NYS Registered Design Professional with a copyright protection clause.

22. My insurance company wants the FEMA flood zone information on my property. How can I get that?

You will need to speak to a Building Inspector who can research your property and provide you with the information.

https://msc.fema.gov/portal/home 

23. Are the Town Building inspectors doing site inspections during the Covid-19 crisis?

Yes, we will be continuing to do all requested site inspections.  The Building Inspector will be wearing a mask and maintain social distance.  For interior building inspections, the building should be empty of all occupants or all occupants moved to a section of the house that will not require inspection.  One or two people may accompany the building inspector but they shall be masked and maintain social distance.  The inspector may use his discretion and cancel the inspection if he feels the situation is unsafe.

24. Who can I contact if I need more information?

Additional questions related to building and zoning can be emailed to buildinginfo@southamptontownny.gov