The Nassau County Legislature has passed a bill aimed at speeding up the process of approving building permits.
The new law, passed unanimously by the Legislature on Monday, sets a 30-day time limit for the county’s Department of Public Works to report to the county Planning Commission and applicable city with a permit, not permit or allow under the stated conditions of the building permit and curb-cut applications. It also allows for self-certification of construction plans, if the public works report is delayed beyond the time allowed, meaning that a New York State-licensed professional engineer or architect can certify that the proposed project plans comply with all applicable rules and regulations. .
Known as 239-f, the review of the application of the department of public works is ordered by the state to ensure that those concerned are protected from the adverse effects of construction and development. The new amendment to the review process will reduce development costs and ensure a more timely collection of improved property tax revenue.
“Reforming the 239-f process removes unnecessary red tape and makes Nassau County a more attractive place to build and do business,” said Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman. “I look forward to working with the many stakeholders involved to bring more exciting projects, remove undue burdens on the business community and expand our tax base to reduce taxes.”
Changes to Nassau’s building permit process have long been sought by the Long Island development and business communities.
“Self-certification programs can be instrumental in protecting our region’s economic viability,” said Kyle Strober, executive director of the Association for a Better Long Island. “Creating an efficient and expedited 239-f process, which maintains the important regulatory role the county already has in place, will certainly encourage existing companies to reinvest in our county while acting as a important incentive to other companies considering entering this lucrative market.”
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