Southampton Village, NY Environmental Rules: Boat Dock Permits (2026)

Section 116-19.2 of the Southampton Village Code names docks directly. Without first obtaining a wetlands (natural resource) special permit from the Village Zoning Board of Appeals, and complying with Chapters 49, 54, 97 and 116, no person can erect, construct, reconstruct, enlarge or alter any structure, including any groin, bulkhead, dock or boathouse, in, on or under or within 150 feet of any boundary of any wetland, watercourse or tidal water. Subsection A separately bars filling within the same 150 feet and subsection B bars digging or dredging there.

The application goes on a form prescribed by the Zoning Board of Appeals (§ 116-19.3). It must carry the applicant's name and address, written owner consent if the applicant is not the owner, the street address and Suffolk County Tax Map designation, a report on the purpose, nature and scope of the work, and a completed long environmental assessment form Part I. A survey at a minimum scale of one inch equals 40 feet, prepared by a New York State registered civil engineer or surveyor, must show for pilings the type, depth and associated activities, including pile-driving equipment, temporary roads and sediment control measures. One copy is filed with the Village Clerk and seven with the approving authority, and the applicant publishes notice in the official newspaper and one other newspaper of general circulation.

The Zoning Board of Appeals is the approving authority, except that the Town Trustees decide wetlands or regulated areas already under their jurisdiction when the chapter took effect. The Building Inspector reports back within 30 days of referral. The public hearing is held no sooner than 30 days and not later than 60 days after a complete application, with at least 15 days of notice, a posted sign at least two feet long and one foot wide displayed not less than 10 days, and certified-mail notice to owners within 200 feet. The fee under § 116-19.6 is $750 or such other amount as the Board of Trustees fixes by resolution, plus the cost of professional review.

Under § 116-19.4, the applicant must demonstrate in a clear and convincing manner that the work accords with the chapter, and the approving authority can impose conditions, require a bond and suspend a permit for noncompliance. A permit expires automatically if construction is not started within 90 days of issuance and completed within one year, unless extended for good cause. Review of a decision is by Article 78 or Title 11 of Article 24 of the Environmental Conservation Law (§ 116-19.5). Pile driving is separately barred by § 77-2C on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from Memorial Day through Labor Day.