Thinking about a home project in East Hampton or Southampton? Whether you are planning a new deck, a second-story addition, or a backyard pool, getting the right permits is a critical step. But too often, homeowners rush in without understanding the process, and that can lead to expensive delays, fines, or even having to undo completed work.

If you are building, renovating, buying, or selling a home in the Hamptons, you will likely hear the term Certificate of Occupancy or CO. It might not sound exciting, but this small document plays a major role in whether your property is considered legal, livable, and ready for sale.

A backyard pool in the Hamptons? Yes, please. But before you start envisioning summer swims and poolside spritzes, there’s one important step that can’t be skipped: making sure your dream pool doesn’t violate local zoning codes.

Whether you're planning to build a new home from the ground up or breathe new life into an existing one, one thing is clear: you’re going to need permits. But the type of project you’re doing—new construction vs. renovation—will determine what approvals are required and how complex the process will be.

Thinking about renovating your home in the Hamptons? Whether you're updating a kitchen, building a pool, or expanding your deck, one question always comes up first: Do I need a permit for this? The short answer? Most likely, yes. In the Hamptons, building permits are required for a wide range of renovation projects, even the ones that seem simple. And skipping that step can lead to costly fines, delays, and even forced removal of unapproved work. Here’s what you need to know