What needs a permit in Southampton
| Project | What the Town says |
|---|---|
| A deck, even at grade | "Yes. All decks need building permits." Rebuilding one exactly as it was needs one too. |
| Shed, play yard, dog house or coop | Permits for all structures over 50 square feet. |
| Fence | A permit over 4 feet high; fences over 6 feet are not permitted. On a property on the wetlands inventory, Conservation approval is needed for any fence. |
| Concrete patio at grade | No building permit, unless there are wetlands on the property. |
| Pools and spas | Both above-ground and in-ground need building permits. |
| Converting space | All conversions need a building permit, including from a legal finished basement. |
| Siding or roofing material | Generally no permit, but close-together buildings and village business areas may need one for fire code. |
| Minor work | No permit, except wood stoves. |
A second license on the East End
The Town requires a Home Improvement Contractor's License for home improvement work in the Town of Southampton, on top of any county license. For new homes, the Town does not currently require a license from the builder, though the subcontractors must be licensed. The Town's licensing covers every village except the Village of Westhampton Dunes. The license lasts one year, and the Town lists a $250 application fee (cash or check). The Licensing Review Board meets the second Wednesday of every month.
Wetlands, Trustees and flood zones
- The Town's Conservation Board reviews and approves wetland permits under Chapter 325 of the Town Code, which covers fresh, tidal and brackish wetlands. For building in a wetland, the Town says to notify its Conservation Division at 631-287-5710.
- The Town Trustees handle permits for moorings, docks, beach access and boat ramps from their office in Hampton Bays (631-287-5717), separately from Building and Zoning.
- For a FEMA flood zone answer for your property, the Town says to speak with a Building Inspector, and it links the FEMA Flood Map Service Center.
Applying, and closing out the permit
The Town keeps a checklist of what a building permit application needs on its website, and building fees are set by the Building Division, which the Town says to visit for an accurate fee. Inspections can be requested online. To close out a new home and get its certificate of occupancy, the Town lists a final construction inspection, a final electrical inspection and certificate of compliance, a solder and gas certificate from the plumber, a final health department stamp on the final survey, an elevation certificate in a flood zone, and a final survey where clearing limits apply.
Rentals and two-family homes
A rental permit is required before a dwelling is rented, and it lasts two years. A house with a single-family certificate of occupancy cannot legally be divided, although some homes do hold certificates for two or three families.
Questions for a Southampton project
Check the wetlands and flood maps first. Confirm that each contractor holds the Town license as well as the Suffolk County license, and ask what close-out paperwork the certificate of occupancy needs, so it is not a surprise at the end.
Questions homeowners ask
Does a contractor need a Town of Southampton license?
For home improvement work in the Town, yes: the Town requires its own Home Improvement Contractor's License. The Town does not currently require one from a builder constructing a new home, but its subcontractors must be licensed.
Is a low deck at grade exempt in Southampton?
No. The Town says all decks need building permits, including decks at grade and decks rebuilt exactly as they were.
Can I put up a fence without a permit in Southampton?
Under 4 feet, generally yes, unless the property is on the wetlands inventory, where any fence needs Conservation approval. Over 4 feet needs a permit, and over 6 feet is not permitted.
Sources
Every fact on this page comes from these official pages. Rules and fees change, so confirm with the office before you file anything.
- Town of Southampton, Building and Zoning (read 2026-11-03)
- Town of Southampton, Land Management questions (read 2026-11-03)
- Town of Southampton, decks (read 2026-11-03)
- Town of Southampton, rebuilt decks and porches (read 2026-11-03)
- Town of Southampton, residential permit questions (read 2026-11-03)
- Town of Southampton, permits and code questions (read 2026-11-03)
- Town of Southampton, Code Enforcement Policies (read 2026-11-03)
- Town of Southampton, contractor licensing questions (read 2026-11-03)
- Town of Southampton, Licensing Applications and Forms (read 2026-11-03)
- Town of Southampton, Conservation Board (read 2026-11-03)
- Town of Southampton, Trustees questions (read 2026-11-03)
- Town of Southampton, Online Services (read 2026-11-03)
Checked 2026-11-03 against the town's own pages. Revival is a planning service, not the town, and nothing here replaces what the building department tells you.