Nassau County waives Sandy permit fees

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The Nassau County Legislature recently unanimously approved a measure to waive all building fees for Superstorm Sandy victims.

The law extends the fee-waiver period to Dec. 31, 2017.

Legislator Steve Rhoads, a Republican from Bellmore, and Legislator Laura Curran, a Democrat from Baldwin who represents part of Merrick, championed the legislation.

“After nearly four years of applications and forms, untangling miles of bureaucratic red tape, and a revolving door of state caseworkers, some of our neighbors are finally able to do the work necessary to make their house resilient and livable,” Curran said in a news release. “I am delighted that the county can make their work just a little bit easier with these exemptions.”

All department heads will waive all fees for permits or services that are required for repairs or new construction necessitated by Sandy.

“Sandy is not over,” Rhoads said. “Four long years after the storm, people are still rebuilding their homes, and this extension will ensure that no Sandy victim will be penalized because of the lengthy rebuilding process.”

Residents seeking assistance must provide a Federal Emergency Management Agency identification or case number and a notarized statement that the claimed waiver applies to Sandy reconstruction.

Applicants will be entitled to refunds for all fees that were remitted for Sandy permits or services. By certified or registered mail, send evidence of payment and document good cause for the refund to the department head responsible for the permit or service.