Before You Build in Glen Cove, NY: Permit & Rule Checklist (2026)

Chapter 248 (Swimming Pools) requires adequate fencing that completely encloses any pool larger than 18 inches deep or 100 square feet of surface area, with all gates equipped with self-closing, self-latching devices on the inside and kept locked when not in use.

Glen Cove requires retaining walls over 5 feet in height to have a fence at least 4 feet high at the top to prevent falls. Retaining walls also require a building permit and engineering review under Chapter 111 (Building Construction) when over 4 feet in height as referenced in the NYS Uniform Code.

Glen Cove Chapter 280 zoning regulates fence heights and types. Barbed wire and razor wire are prohibited; low wire/twine/rope fences under 3 feet within 5 feet of a public right-of-way are also banned as public-health nuisances under Chapter 199. On corner lots, no fence, wall, hedge or other growth taller than 3 feet may be placed within a 25-foot sight triangle.

Chapter 248 requires a permit issued by the Building Department Administrator before constructing, erecting or maintaining any swimming pool, tank, depression or excavation that retains water deeper than 18 inches or covers more than 100 square feet of open surface area. Pools must comply with Chapter 280 (Zoning) and the NYS Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code.

Hot tubs and spas with covers that meet ASTM F1346 are typically exempt from Chapter 248's pool-fence requirement under the NYS Uniform Code, but still require a building/electrical permit and must meet zoning setbacks.

Pool fencing under Chapter 248 must completely enclose the pool or the yard containing it, with all gates equipped with self-closing and self-latching devices installed on the inside, and locked when the pool is not in active use.

Glen Cove's Chapter 280 does not authorize accessory dwelling units (ADUs) as-of-right. The city's residence districts allow only one principal dwelling per lot, with accessory uses limited to garages, sheds, pools, playhouses and similar non-habitable structures.

Glen Cove zoning generally limits residence districts to one private garage building per property and prohibits use of garages as habitable rooms or rental units without rezoning. Garages converted to living space without permits routinely fail Chapter 168 housing-standards inspections.

Glen Cove requires a building permit for any shed that is over 100 square feet, costs more than $100, or exceeds 12 feet in height. Open or temporary sheds under 12 feet tall and costing under $100 are exempt. All sheds must meet Chapter 280 yard setback rules - typically side and rear yard placement only.

Glen Cove Chapter 147 (Fire Prevention) adopts the Nassau County Fire Prevention Code, which prohibits open burning of refuse, leaves and yard waste citywide. Recreational fires using clean, seasoned wood in a manufactured fire pit are permitted only when authorized by the Fire Inspector and conducted at least 25 feet from any structure under New York State Fire Code § 307.

Chapter 263 requires a tree removal permit from the Building Department Administrator and Tree Commission approval before removing any tree with a diameter at breast height (DBH) of 8 inches or greater on private property. Permit applications must be decided within 7 business days or are deemed granted.

Glen Cove Chapter 263 (Trees) requires city authorization before trimming, pruning or removing any tree in the public right-of-way. The Tree Commission and Building Department Administrator share authority over street trees and tree-removal permitting.