Local building department guide · Updated 2026-07-30

Hempstead Building Department | Permits, Inspections & Contact

Use this guide to find the official Town of Hempstead Building Department, start a permit application, search permit records, schedule an inspection, and locate the correct zoning or plan review contact.

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The Town of Hempstead Building Department is the municipal authority for building, plumbing, electrical, housing, zoning, inspection, and occupancy matters within the Town of Hempstead. Nassau County is the county context, but Nassau County should not be treated as the permit issuer for a property that falls inside the Town’s jurisdiction.

Town of Hempstead building permits

The department directs applicants to its Online Permit Center for building permits, forms, and related information. The department administers and enforces building, plumbing, electrical, and housing codes, as well as the Town Code and Building Zone Ordinance. Work that requires a permit should be reviewed with the Town before construction begins, and the department’s plans examiners can advise on application requirements.

Inspections, code compliance, and occupancy

Town inspectors perform inspection and enforcement activities for the laws and codes administered by the department, including use and occupancy of real property and structures. The Town Code identifies the Building Department’s responsibility for permit and inspection records and for required certificates of completion or occupancy. Building, plumbing, and housing/zoning inspectors publish separate phone windows for field-inspection questions.

Zoning and permit records

Hempstead’s Building Zone Ordinance is a municipal requirement that can affect setbacks, permitted uses, and other project conditions. Use the Online Permit Center and Town Building Department for the property’s permit history, forms, and current review instructions rather than relying on a Nassau County general page.

Official contact information

The Town Building Department lists One Washington Street, 2nd Floor, Hempstead, NY 11550 and 516-538-8500, with front-counter hours published on the official page. For field questions, the Town separately lists building inspectors at 516-812-3088, plumbing inspectors at 516-812-3126, and housing/zoning inspectors at 516-812-3289 during their published call windows.

Permit process

How to Apply for a Hempstead Building Permit

01

Confirm the project scope

Identify the work, property address, project valuation, and whether plans are required.

02

Prepare your documents

Gather plans, owner and contractor details, site information, and any zoning approvals.

03

Submit and monitor

Submit through the department’s stated process, pay fees, and watch for review comments.

Field work & closeout

Building Inspections & Code Compliance in Hempstead

Most permitted work must remain accessible for inspection at defined stages. Before scheduling, check your permit record for the required inspection sequence and make sure the site is safe and ready. Final inspections can be especially important for code compliance and a certificate of occupancy.

Helpful preparation

Keep the permit card or approval number available, confirm the property address, and ask the official office about lead times or reinspection fees.

Planning & review

Zoning and Plan Review Requirements

A building permit is not always the only approval your project needs. Zoning guidelines may affect use, setbacks, height, parking, signage, or lot coverage. Residential and commercial building permits can also follow different plan review tracks, so confirm the correct path before investing in a full plan set.

For a project in Hempstead, start with the official department below and ask which zoning, planning, conservation, or fire review approvals apply to your address.

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Official Contact Information

DepartmentTown of Hempstead Building Department
Phone516-538-8500
AddressOne Washington Street, 2nd Floor, Hempstead, NY 11550
Official websitehttps://hempsteadny.gov/191/Building-Department
Last verified2026-07-30

Official source pages used for this guide

These links were checked on 2026-07-30. Requirements, fees, office hours, and portal addresses can change; use the official source as the final authority.