Town of Hempstead Bringing Mobile Building Department to Seaford Tuesday

Hempstead's new "Mobile" Town Building Department will be stationed in Seaford Tuesday with staff members assisting residents seeking to rebuild or reconstruct their homes damaged or destroyed by the wrath of Superstorm Sandy.

The Hempstead Town Mobile Building Department will be at Seamans Neck Park in Seaford from noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday. Town officials said knowledgeable staff members will assist residents with answers to questions related to building permits, inspections, construction and Federal Emergency Management Agency-related services. Residents can also obtain permit applications. 

Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray said the Mobile Town Building Department program is an extension of the town’s efforts to help residents struggling after one of Long Island’s worst natural disasters. In response to the storm, that caused extensive damage to South Shore communities like Wantagh and Seaford, Murray directed the Hempstead Town Building Department to waive permit fees for storm-related structural repairs that conform to original dimensions and specifications, commonly referred to as “in-kind” repairs/replacement. Permit fees have also been waived for temporary housing trailers that are often used in the wake of home fires or similar emergencies. 

“When Hurricane Sandy hit our area, countless residents were faced with serious damage or destruction to their homes,” Murray said. “At Hempstead Town, we are doing everything we can to assist them as they rebuild their homes and restore their livelihoods after one of the worst storms to ever hit our area.”

The waived fees will save residents up to $2,500 for a permit, town officials said. The fee waiver program will run for six months from the date of the storm (October 29, 2012). Building permits are required for all structural repairs and alterations to structures within the Town of Hempstead. 

Murray has also 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 his support for this plan, according to town officials.