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Find a licensed pro in Shelter Island, NY
Homes in Shelter Island
Across the Town of Shelter Island, villages included, the Census Bureau counts 3,440 homes. The median was built in 1980, 28% before 1960. 95% are owner-occupied and 96% are single-family detached houses. The median owner-occupied home is valued at $1,104,300.
Utility gas 0%, fuel oil 78%, electricity 11%: that is how occupied homes here are heated (Census Bureau estimates for 2020-2024).
Permits
The Town issues building permits outside its incorporated villages; a village with its own building department handles permits inside its limits. The Town of Shelter Island Building Department is the office (631-749-0772). Our Town of Shelter Island permit guide covers how to apply.
Trades we match in Shelter Island
| Trade | What the town says |
|---|---|
| Roofing | Shelter Island lets owners file and pay for a roofing permit online. |
| Heating and cooling | HVAC systems and generators on Shelter Island need a permit, since they must meet setbacks. |
| Electrical | On Shelter Island, rough electrical work needs an underwriter inspection as well as the town's. |
| Water damage repair | Waterfront, low-lying and new construction sites on Shelter Island need a topographical survey with flood zones. |
| Cesspool and septic | Shelter Island septic design falls to the county health department, and distance from water to the DEC and Town Board. |
| Basement waterproofing | Waterfront, low-lying and new construction sites on Shelter Island need a topographical survey with flood zones. |
| Fences and decks | Any new fence on Shelter Island needs a building permit under strict Chapter 133-29 rules. |
| Junk removal and demolition | On Shelter Island's 2022 schedule, demolishing a home of up to 2,000 square feet costs $250.00. |
| Oil tank removal | Shelter Island's handbook favors above-ground fuel tanks placed where a leak would be fully contained. |
| Bulkheads, docks and seawalls | Shelter Island's Town Board issues wetland permits for work within 100 feet of a wetland's landward edge. |
| Standby generators | Yard equipment such as generators may need its own Shelter Island permit and must meet setbacks. |
| Solar | Rooftop solar on Shelter Island takes a building permit application plus the town's Fast Track Application. |
| Siding | Siding permits on Shelter Island can be filed and paid for online. |
| Insulation | The 2025 New York State Energy Code has been in effect on Shelter Island since December 31, 2025. |
| Chimney repair | On Shelter Island's 2022 schedule, fireplaces, wood stoves and chimneys cost $200.00 to permit. |
| Driveways, pavers and masonry | Driveways and driveway aprons on Shelter Island now need a permit. |
| Tree service | Shelter Island's Landmark Trees on public land need prior permission before removal or heavy pruning. |
| Foundation repair | Shelter Island permit plans must be scaled and carry an architect's or engineer's stamp. |
| Irrigation and sprinklers | Every irrigation system on Shelter Island, old or new, needs a yearly permit to run. |
| Pools and pool service | Shelter Island pools need a Building Inspector permit and a fence that stays closed. |
| EV chargers | Car charging units carry a $200.00 fee on Shelter Island's 2022 Building Department schedule. |
| Home security and smart home | No town permit is needed for a home alarm system on Shelter Island. |
| Sheds | Sheds, carports, gazebos and pergolas on Shelter Island need a permit and must meet setbacks. |
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 Shelter Island
- Roofers in Shelter Island
- HVAC Contractors in Shelter Island
- Electricians in Shelter Island
- Water Damage Repair in Shelter Island
- Cesspool and Septic Service in Shelter Island
- Basement Waterproofing in Shelter Island
- Fence and Deck Builders in Shelter Island
- Junk Removal and Demolition in Shelter Island
- Oil Tank Removal in Shelter Island
- Bulkhead and Dock Builders in Shelter Island
- Generator Installers in Shelter Island
- Solar Installers in Shelter Island
- Siding Contractors in Shelter Island
- Insulation Contractors in Shelter Island
- Chimney Contractors in Shelter Island
- Driveway and Paver Contractors in Shelter Island
- Tree Service in Shelter Island
- Foundation Repair in Shelter Island
- Irrigation and Sprinkler Contractors in Shelter Island
- Pool Builders and Pool Service in Shelter Island
- EV Charger Installers in Shelter Island
- Home Security Installers in Shelter Island
- Shed Builders in Shelter Island
More
Questions homeowners ask
Who issues building permits in Shelter Island, NY?
The Town of Shelter Island Building Department issues permits for the parts of the Town of Shelter Island outside incorporated villages. A village with its own building department issues permits inside its limits.
How old are the homes in Shelter Island?
The median home in the Town of Shelter Island was built in 1980, and 28% were built before 1960, according to Census Bureau estimates for 2020-2024.
How does Revival find a licensed pro in Shelter Island?
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 (Shelter Island town) (read 2026-11-03)
- Town of Shelter Island, Building Department (read 2026-11-03)
- Town of Shelter Island, Building Permit Application and instructions (PDF) (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.