Find a pro
Find a licensed pro in Riverhead, NY
Homes in Riverhead
Across the Town of Riverhead, the Census Bureau counts 16,498 homes. The median was built in 1984, 26% before 1960. 80% are owner-occupied and 69% are single-family detached houses. The median owner-occupied home is valued at $486,600.
Utility gas 32%, fuel oil 48%, electricity 7%: that is how occupied homes here are heated (Census Bureau estimates for 2020-2024).
Permits
The Town issues building permits for the whole town. The Town of Riverhead Building Department is the office (631-727-3200 ext. 213). Our Town of Riverhead permit guide covers how to apply.
Trades we match in Riverhead
| Trade | What the town says |
|---|---|
| Plumbing | Riverhead relies on an affidavit from a Suffolk County licensed plumbing contractor for the certificate of occupancy. |
| Electrical | A Suffolk County master electrical license is needed to sign Riverhead's electrical affidavit. |
| Water damage repair | Floodplain work in Riverhead needs a flood elevation certificate, with a final one from a licensed surveyor. |
| Cesspool and septic | Riverhead permit filings show the sanitary system on three plot plans, one with Health Department approval if required. |
| Basement waterproofing | Riverhead's finished basement form asks about accessory apartment use and past violations, and new bedrooms may need county approval. |
| Fences and decks | Riverhead allows 4-foot fences in front yards and 6-foot fences in side and rear yards, corner and through lots excepted. |
| Junk removal and demolition | Riverhead demolition permits need two surveys and, where they apply, electric, water and sewer disconnect letters. |
| Bulkheads, docks and seawalls | Coastal zone and freshwater wetland projects in Riverhead need a Conservation Advisory Council permit before the building permit. |
| Solar | A Riverhead solar permit costs $150, or $50 on the residential fast track. |
| Gutters | Riverhead holds property owners responsible for controlling stormwater that leaves their land for the street. |
| Insulation | A Riverhead addition under 500 square feet needs an insulation chart under the state residential code. |
| Driveways, pavers and masonry | Work that opens Riverhead's town right-of-way needs a road opening permit and a week's notice to the highway superintendent. |
| Tree service | Removing a tree inside a Riverhead town highway takes the highway superintendent's written consent. |
| Foundation repair | Riverhead checks footings or piers before the pour and the foundation before backfill. |
| Sewer and drain lines | In Riverhead, the sewer district's boundaries take in mainly the hub area and business district. |
| Irrigation and sprinklers | Riverhead's water district wants backflow device paperwork for all new buildings, commercial buildings and fire lines. |
| Pools and pool service | Riverhead requires permits for pools and hot tubs, even storable ones, and code requires fences and alarms. |
| Home security and smart home | Riverhead homes with fire or security alarms are exempt from the town's alarm registration program. |
| Sheds | One small rear-yard shed under 144 square feet needs no permit on a Riverhead single-family lot. |
How Revival helps
Request a free call. Revival goes over the job and the permit with you, checks licenses and insurance, and introduces up to two vetted, licensed pros as they join our network in Suffolk County. You choose who to hire, and you never pay Revival.
Trades in Riverhead
- Plumbers in Riverhead
- Electricians in Riverhead
- Water Damage Repair in Riverhead
- Cesspool and Septic Service in Riverhead
- Basement Waterproofing in Riverhead
- Fence and Deck Builders in Riverhead
- Junk Removal and Demolition in Riverhead
- Bulkhead and Dock Builders in Riverhead
- Solar Installers in Riverhead
- Gutter Installers in Riverhead
- Insulation Contractors in Riverhead
- Driveway and Paver Contractors in Riverhead
- Tree Service in Riverhead
- Foundation Repair in Riverhead
- Sewer and Drain Service in Riverhead
- Irrigation and Sprinkler Contractors in Riverhead
- Pool Builders and Pool Service in Riverhead
- Home Security Installers in Riverhead
- Shed Builders in Riverhead
More
Questions homeowners ask
Who issues building permits in Riverhead, NY?
The Town of Riverhead Building Department issues building permits for the Town of Riverhead.
How old are the homes in Riverhead?
The median home in the Town of Riverhead was built in 1984, and 26% were built before 1960, according to Census Bureau estimates for 2020-2024.
How does Revival find a licensed pro in Riverhead?
Request a free call. Revival goes over the job and the permit, checks licenses and insurance, and introduces up to two vetted, licensed pros as they join our network. You choose who to hire.
Sources
Every fact on this page comes from these official pages. Rules and fees change, so confirm with the office before you file anything.
- U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates: year built, heating fuel, tenure, units and value (Riverhead town) (read 2026-11-03)
- Town of Riverhead, Building (read 2026-11-03)
- Town of Riverhead, Building Department questions (read 2026-11-03)
Checked 2026-11-03. Facts come only from the official pages listed, read on that date.
Talk the job through before you call anyone
Tell us about the house and the job in about four minutes. Revival calls you, free, to go over the scope, the budget, the timing and your town's permit office. Contractor matches open as our first licensed partners sign.