"Unprecedented damage and devastation" caused by Hurricane Sandy has led to the Town of Hempstead Building Department waiving permit fees for residents faced with replacement or storm-related repairs.
The town announced Thursday that fees will be waived for storm-related structural repairs that conform to original dimensions and specifications, commonly referred to as “in-kind” repairs/replacement.
In addition, Town of Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray has directed the Building Department to waive permit fees for temporary housing trailers that are often used in the wake of home fires or similar emergencies.
The waived fees will save residents up to $2,500 for a permit, the town said. Building permits are required for all structural repairs and alterations to structures within the Town of Hempstead.
“Sandy has ripped through our communities, toppling trees and destroying homes,” Murray said. “Neighbors across Long Island are poised to rebuild their shattered homes, and Hempstead Town is working to lend a helping hand.”
Residents will need to furnish a copy of an insurance claim related to the repair/replacement along with architectural plans submitted to the town’s building department. The fee waiver program will run for six months from the date of the storm (Oct. 29, 2012).
In addition, Murray has requested that the town’s board of appeals waive its fees in relation to replacement and reconstruction of storm damaged homes. The chairman of the board has expressed support for the plan, the release said.
Town of Hempstead Building Inspectors are driving around neighborhoods throughout the township to assist residents, answer questions and distribute permit applications to those seeking to make storm-related repairs, according to the release.
Town residents can also call the Building Department at (516) 812-3073 for further information or to schedule a meeting with a Planning Examiner.
The Building Department, regularly open from Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., will extend its hours to 8 a.m. through 6 p.m., commencing Thursday. Building Department services will also be available to residents at Hempstead’s Mobile Town Hall.
The mobile office will furnish all necessary forms and answer questions for homeowners. The schedule for the Mobile Town Building Department will be released in the coming days, the town said.
“Hurricane Sandy ravaged many homes and buildings across our township,” Murray said. “Although it shattered windows and crushed roofs, it has only strengthened our resolve. Together we will rebuild our homes while building a bright future for our families.”
