Understanding the East Hampton Planning Board Process

What It Is, When You Need It, and How to Navigate It Successfully

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.

Whether you’re constructing a new home, subdividing land, expanding a commercial property, or proposing a project in a sensitive area, it’s important to understand how the Planning Board works—because it can significantly affect your timeline, your design, and your budget.

This guide walks you through the full process, what triggers Planning Board review, and how Land Planning Services can help you move through it with confidence.

What Is the East Hampton Planning Board?

The East Hampton Planning Board is a seven-member board responsible for reviewing and approving certain development projects within the Town of East Hampton. The board’s goal is to ensure that new development aligns with the town’s Comprehensive Plan, protects the environment, preserves community character, and supports long-term land use goals.

Planning Board approval is separate from a building permit and must be obtained first in any case where it applies.

When Do You Need Planning Board Approval?

Not every project goes before the Planning Board. However, you will need their review and approval if your project involves:

• Subdivision of land (major or minor)

• Site plan approval for commercial or multi-family properties

• Construction within Natural Resource Special Permit areas

• Projects near or within wetlands, coastal erosion hazard areas, or scenic areas

• Lot line modifications or easement creation

• Development that may require public hearings or neighbor notification

Even if your project is on a residential lot, if it’s within or near environmentally sensitive zones or involves substantial land disturbance, the Planning Board may get involved.

What Does the Process Look Like?

The Planning Board review process includes several steps. These steps vary slightly depending on the scope of your project, but generally follow this format:

Step 1: Pre-Submission Consultation

Before formally submitting, applicants often request a pre-submission conference. This informal meeting with Planning Department staff helps identify zoning issues, environmental concerns, and documentation requirements.

Step 2: Application Submission

Your formal application includes:

• Project narrative and environmental impact statements

• Site plans and surveys

• Landscaping and lighting plans

• Drainage and grading plans

• Elevations and renderings

• Legal documentation and fees

LPS handles all of this for our clients to ensure nothing is missed.

Step 3: Technical Review

The Planning Department reviews your submission for completeness and begins coordinating with other departments, such as the Environmental Protection Department, Building Department, and Highway Department.

You may be asked to revise or supplement your plans at this stage.

Step 4: Public Hearing (If Required)

If the project is large or may impact neighbors or the environment, a public hearing will be scheduled. Notices must be mailed to nearby property owners, and the project will be presented at a Planning Board meeting.

Public feedback is collected and considered before final decisions are made.

Step 5: Planning Board Deliberation

After reviewing staff recommendations and hearing public input, the Planning Board discusses your application at a public meeting. They may:

• Approve it

• Approve it with conditions

• Request changes

• Deny the application

Conditions may include landscaping changes, limitations on lighting, or conservation requirements.

Step 6: Final Approval and Filing

Once approved, the decision is recorded with the Town Clerk and you may move forward with your building permit application and other necessary steps like Health Department approval.

How Long Does the Planning Board Process Take?

The full process can take anywhere from 8 to 24 weeks, depending on:

• The complexity of your project

• Whether revisions are requested

• If a public hearing is required

• The Planning Board’s meeting schedule and workload

• Responsiveness from your design team

Projects near wetlands, within special districts, or involving land subdivision often take longer.

How Land Planning Services Helps

At Land Planning Services, we guide homeowners, developers, and architects through the East Hampton Planning Board process from start to finish.

We provide:

• Zoning and environmental review to assess whether Planning Board approval is required

• Complete preparation and submission of your application

• Coordination with your architect, engineer, or surveyor

• Attendance at public hearings and Planning Board meetings on your behalf

• Responses to board comments, requested revisions, or additional studies

• Ongoing communication with town officials to keep your application moving forward

We know what the Planning Board looks for—and how to avoid the mistakes that cause costly delays.

Planning a Project That May Require Board Review?

If you’re building on or near wetlands, proposing a new driveway through conservation land, or considering subdividing your property, don’t guess your way through the process.

Contact Land Planning Services today for a clear roadmap to Planning Board approval in East Hampton. We’ll make sure you’re prepared, compliant, and positioned for success.