Town of North Hempstead Building Department: 176 Plandome Road, Manhasset, NY 11030-2326 • Phone: 51

Homeowners and businesses in the Town of North Hempstead typically need permits for building construction (e.g., adding an extension to a home), plumbing work (e.g., installing a new bathroom), rental properties (e.g., obtaining a rental occupancy permit), and public assembly (e.g., holding an event in a commercial space). Ensuring proper permits are obtained helps maintain safety and compliance. Violations such as illegal housing, construction without permits, or unapproved structural changes may lead to fines, legal trouble, or unsafe conditions. Ensuring proper permits are obtained helps maintain safety and compliance. Violations such as illegal housing, construction without permits, or unapproved structural changes may lead to fines, legal trouble, or unsafe conditions.

Failing to close permits can lead to serious complications, such as fines, being unable to sell a property, or facing legal repercussions. For example, a homeowner in North Hempstead who failed to close a permit for a basement renovation faced delays in selling their home, as they had to complete additional inspections and pay fines to meet code requirements before the sale could proceed. Building codes are crucial to the safety of homes and commercial spaces in North Hempstead. These codes ensure that constructions are safe for occupancy, reducing risks of injury or damage. Non-compliance can put residents and communities at risk, which is why it is critical to adhere to these standards.

Building codes in the United States date back to the early 20th century, primarily introduced to safeguard the health and safety of residents. These regulations were designed to create consistency and establish minimum standards for construction quality, energy efficiency, fire safety, and accessibility. The first building codes focused largely on fire safety, following disastrous urban fires in the late 19th century. Over time, building codes evolved to address new technologies, natural disaster preparedness, and community needs, such as structural safety, electrical standards, and environmental sustainability. In recent decades, codes have increasingly emphasized energy efficiency and green building practices to reduce environmental impacts. Today, building codes help ensure that every structure is safe, sustainable, accessible, and resilient, keeping up with innovations in construction materials and techniques.