Historic homes are part of what gives the Hamptons its timeless appeal. From classic shingled cottages to colonial farmhouses and early twentieth century estates, these structures tell the story of the East End. If you own one, you are not just maintaining a property. You are preserving a piece of local history.

If you are planning to build or renovate in the Hamptons, you already know that zoning codes and permitting rules are complex. But here is something many homeowners and even professionals underestimate. Building codes change. Sometimes they change quietly. Sometimes they change significantly. And when they do, those changes can have a major impact on your timeline, your design, and your budget.

If you're planning to build, renovate, subdivide, or even sell property in the Hamptons, understanding the local zoning code is essential. But here’s what most property owners don’t realize: zoning laws vary significantly from one township to the next, even within the same region. The two largest towns on the East End, Southampton and East Hampton, each have their own zoning code, planning board, environmental overlays, permit process, and building department.

Building or renovating in East Hampton involves more than just submitting a permit application. In many cases, your project must also be reviewed and approved by the East Hampton Town Planning Board, a regulatory body that oversees land development and environmental impact.