North Hempstead, NY Fence Regulations: Fence Permit Requirements (2026)

Section 2-9 of the Town Code opens with a broad prohibition: no person, firm or corporation may commence the alteration of any lot or parcel, including the erection or construction of any building or structure, without first filing an application with the Building Commissioner and obtaining a building permit. The Town's zoning definitions in § 70-231 confirm that "structure" is defined to include, among other things, fences, retaining walls, and swimming pools, so a fence falls squarely inside § 2-9's permit trigger. The section does list five narrow categories exempt from a building permit, such as small detached tool sheds under 144 square feet, temporary theater sets, window awnings, interior finish work, and portable equipment, but fences appear nowhere on that exemption list.

Applications must go through the Building Department's online portal and include a description of the land, the Tax Map number, a statement of use, the estimated valuation of the work, the owner's and applicant's names and addresses, and a set of plans and specifications. 2, meaning a homeowner installing a fence in North Hempstead needs both the building permit under § 2-9 and compliance with the zoning fence standards before the Building Commissioner will sign off on the work.