Showing ordinances that apply to South Hempstead, NY
South Hempstead is an unincorporated community (population 3,406) in Nassau County, New York. Because South Hempstead is not an incorporated city, it does not have its own municipal code. Instead, Nassau County ordinances apply directly to properties here. The grading & drainage rules below are the ones that govern your area.
Nassau County grading and drainage regulated by village and town codes plus NYS Residential Code. Positive drainage 6 inches in 10 ft required from foundations. Sump pump discharge to stormwater system typically prohibited. Grading permits required for disturbance over 100-500 cubic yards.
NYS Residential Code R401.3 requires grade sloped away from foundation: 6 inch fall in first 10 ft. Local codes require drainage plans for new construction and major additions. Town of Hempstead requires drainage plan for any new principal structure. Nassau County Sanitary Code prohibits surface water concentration to neighbors. Downspouts must terminate to drywells, rain gardens, or splash blocks directing water 10+ ft from foundation. Sump pump discharge to storm drains generally prohibited - must infiltrate on-site. Grading permits required in most villages for earthwork over 100-500 cubic yards or when changing drainage patterns. Sandy soils on LI generally allow infiltration but high water table in South Shore communities limits options.
Improper drainage creating neighbor impact: $250-$2,500 under local code plus civil liability. Unpermitted grading: $500-$5,000. Illicit sump discharge: $250-$2,500 under MS4 IDDE.
See how South Hempstead's grading & drainage rules stack up against other locations.
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