Who Reviews Your Permit Application in East Hampton? (Hint: It’s Not Just One Person)

When you submit a permit application in East Hampton, it doesn’t land on just one person’s desk. Multiple departments, boards, and reviewers are involved, each with their own specific criteria and timelines.

First, your application is reviewed by the Building Department, which checks your plans for compliance with local building codes, zoning regulations, and structural standards. But that’s only the beginning. Depending on the scope of your project, your file may also be routed to the Planning Department to ensure consistency with the Town’s Comprehensive Plan, especially if your property is located near wetlands, open space, or within a designated overlay district.

If your project affects the exterior appearance of a structure or is within a historic district, it will be reviewed by the Architectural Review Board (ARB). This board evaluates aesthetic compatibility, materials, massing, and more. For properties near sensitive environmental areas, you may also need input from the Environmental Protection Department or a Wetlands Inspector, who will assess any potential impacts and recommend conditions or mitigation strategies.

If your project requires a variance (say, for a setback or height issue) the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) will be involved. This introduces a formal public hearing process and a much longer timeline. Certain projects, especially commercial or subdivision-related, might also involve the Planning Board, which reviews everything from parking to drainage.

The number of reviewers increases significantly if your lot is in a Coastal Erosion Hazard Area (CEHA), flood zone, or other regulated overlay district. What might seem like a straightforward application can quickly become multi-layered.

This is why it helps to work with an experienced local expeditor. They know who the gatekeepers are, what each department is looking for, and how to move your application forward without unnecessary delays.