Building Department
Understand the process.
Track your permit.
A plain-English guide to building permits in Centre Island — who reviews what, what it costs, and what you need to bring — plus a live view of every active application.
Step by Step
How to Get a Building Permit
In a functioning municipality, this process takes weeks, not years. Here is the standard path from the first conversation to permit in hand.
Pre-Application Meeting
Before filing anything, meet with the Building Inspector to confirm what is required for your specific project — which boards need to review it, what documents to prepare, and what the likely timeline is. This prevents surprises.
Gather Your Documents
Prepare a licensed survey, site plan with setbacks, architectural drawings, contractor license and insurance, and proof of ownership. The full checklist is in the Documents section below.
Submit at Village Hall
Bring your complete package to Village Hall and pay the applicable fee. You should receive written confirmation of receipt within 7 days. If you do not, follow up in writing.
Board Review (if required)
Depending on your project, the ARB, ZBA, or Planning Board may need to review it before a permit can issue. See the board descriptions below for what triggers each review.
Permit Issued — Build
Once approved, your permit is issued. Work must begin within 180 days. Inspections are required at specified stages. Keep a copy of the permit posted at the job site.
The Boards
Who Reviews What
Four bodies can be involved in a permit application, each with a distinct role. Understanding which one applies to your project saves time and money.
Issues building permits, conducts inspections, and enforces the Village Code. The Building Inspector is the first and last point of contact for any permit.
Triggers: All construction, demolition, structural alteration, or land-disturbing work.
Meets: Office hours Mon–Fri, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Reviews the exterior design, materials, and aesthetics of construction projects to ensure they are compatible with the character of Centre Island.
Triggers: New construction, additions visible from the street or water, significant exterior alterations including roofline changes.
Meets: Third Wednesday of each month
Hears requests for variances when a project cannot literally comply with the zoning code and the applicant can demonstrate hardship or practical difficulty.
Triggers: Setback variances, lot coverage variances, use variances, and appeals of Building Inspector decisions or denials.
Meets: First Wednesday of each month
Reviews subdivisions, lot-line adjustments, site plans for larger projects, and applications with significant environmental or land-use implications.
Triggers: Subdivisions, lot-line adjustments, major developments, projects requiring State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR).
Meets: First Wednesday of each month
Required Documents
- ✓
Licensed survey
Prepared by a licensed NY surveyor, showing all property lines, easements, and existing structures with dimensions
- ✓
Site plan
Shows all proposed work, setback distances from property lines, and relationship to existing structures
- ✓
Architectural drawings
Floor plans, elevations, and sections; must be stamped by a licensed architect if construction value exceeds $20,000
- ✓
Contractor license
Nassau County home improvement contractor license, or state license for specialty trades (electrical, plumbing, HVAC)
- ✓
Certificate of insurance
General liability and workers' compensation naming the Village as additional insured
- ✓
Proof of ownership
Copy of the recorded deed for the property
Third-Party Vendors
Most applications require licensed professionals. The Village does not endorse specific vendors — contact Village Hall for referrals.
Licensed Surveyors
Required for all permit applications. Must hold a valid NYS license.
Contact Village Hall for referral list
Architects / Engineers
Required for projects over $20,000 in value or any structural work.
Contact Village Hall for referral list
Environmental Consultants
Required for projects near wetlands, shoreline, or in FEMA flood zones.
Contact Village Hall for referral list
Permit Expeditors
Experienced navigators who manage the application process and board appearances on your behalf.
Contact Village Hall for referral list
Proposed Reform
Permits should have mandatory response timelines — codified in law.
Under current Village practice, there are no enforceable timelines for permit responses. Applications can sit for months or years with no written decision. A Restore Centre Island administration will introduce local legislation requiring 7-day written acknowledgment, 30-day formal decisions, and written extensions with legal consequences for non-compliance.
Read the proposed legislation →Permit Queue
Active Permit Dashboard
Every pending and recently decided application — visible to every resident. No more calling Village Hall to ask where a permit stands.
Demo preview. Permit data shown is representative. The live dashboard will be kept current under new leadership.
Updated Apr 28, 2026
Address
12 Centre Island Rd
Type
Residential Addition
Submitted
Apr 3, 2026
Awaiting ARB design review — scheduled for June 17 session
Updated May 1, 2026
Address
7 Plover Lane
Type
New Construction
Submitted
Mar 18, 2026
Foundation inspection scheduled — contact Building Inspector to confirm date
Updated Apr 10, 2026
Address
3 Harbor View Dr
Type
Fence / Retaining Wall
Submitted
Feb 27, 2026
Updated May 6, 2026
Address
45 Centre Island Rd
Type
In-Ground Pool
Submitted
Feb 2, 2026
ZBA variance required for rear setback — hearing continued to June 3, 2026
Updated Mar 30, 2026
Address
19 Bayview Ct
Type
Dock / Waterfront Structure
Submitted
Jan 15, 2026
ARB denial — proposed structure does not meet required waterfront setback. Applicant may appeal to ZBA.
Updated Feb 20, 2026
Address
8 Willow Lane
Type
Garage / Accessory Structure
Submitted
Jan 8, 2026
View upcoming ZBA and ARB hearing dates on the Village Calendar →