FAQs • Southold, NY • CivicEngage

Does the Office of Code Enforcement handle cases of construction without a building permit: In some cases, yes, but any questions regarding the status of a building permit or complaints regarding construction without a valid building permit should be directed to the Southold Town Building Department at 631-765-1802.

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Code Enforcement

1. How do I file a complaint?: • Online Complaint Form, which may be submitted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; or
• In person at the Town Attorney’s Office during the hours of 8 a.m. through 4 p.m. Monday through Friday; or
• By telephone by calling 631-765-1939 during the hours of 8 a.m. through 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

2. How are complaints handled?: Once a complaint is filed an investigation of the complaint is made. The officer may make an inspection of the location in question, reviews documents in the Town files, and seek corroboration that a violation does in fact exist. In the event a violation is discovered, notice is sent to the owner of the property or the person legally responsible for addressing the violation. At the discretion of the Code Enforcement Officer, the owner/responsible party may be provided a reasonable period of time to correct the violation if warranted and if the nature of the violation allows for compliance.

3. What if the person fails to comply with Code Enforcement’s directives?: The Code Enforcement Officer may issue an appearance ticket which will be heard in Southold Town Justice Court. In such cases, the town will seek remediation of the violation and/or fines or imprisonment if warranted.

4. Does the Office of Code Enforcement handle violations of the Town’s Wetlands and Shoreline and/or Coastal Erosion Hazard Area Code?: No. Any complaints regarding wetlands violations should be directed to the Southold Police Department Marine Division at (631) 765-2600.

5. Does the Office of Code Enforcement handle cases of construction without a building permit: In some cases, yes, but any questions regarding the status of a building permit or complaints regarding construction without a valid building permit should be directed to the Southold Town Building Department at 631-765-1802.

6. What if an incident takes place outside of normal town business hours?: If an alleged violation of the Town Code occurs outside of normal Town business hours the online complaint form should be used and a Code Enforcement Officer will be dispatched to investigate.