Plan Pitched To Raise Fines For Southampton Stop Work Order Violations

SOUTHAMPTON, NY — Councilman Michael Iasilli has put forth new legislation that he said addresses the need to raise fines for those who violate "stop work" orders and "stop" orders in Southampton Town.

The legislation, he said, recognizes the need to protect against dangers to construction workers, homeowners, and the public at large from hazards associated with unpermitted building projects.

The proposed resolution sets a minimum fine amount of $750 per day from $0, to be imposed by a judge, following conviction for violations of a SWO, he said.

The goal, he said, is to deter "such illegal activity", and "hold developers who skirt around the town’s zoning more accountable. The higher minimum fine sends a message that the town is serious about this issue, and adds a layer of deterrence."

Iasilli also introduced a complementary piece of legislation, raising stop order fines that pertain to unpermitted clearing, excavating, and modifying grade of natural landscapes to a new minimum fine of $750 per day, as well.

"We have received plenty of comments from our community that the town has to tighten its regulations when it comes to violators of stop work orders," Iasilli said. "Not only is it a nuisance, but it is unsafe for workers when left unchecked. Additionally, non-permitted clearing and excavation of our natural landscapes harm our natural habitats and wildlife. It is important that we stand firmer on the notion that you can’t do whatever you want just because it’s the "cost of doing business.'"

Ryan Murphy, Southampton's director of public safety, added: "It is imperative that people take stop work orders seriously. These orders are typically issued for egregious violations or dangerous conditions. Increasing the minimum fines for violating these orders will hopefully ensure that people actually stop and don’t consider violating the order as just the cost of doing business."

"I am proud to join Councilmember Iasilli’s legislative efforts, which aims to hold big developers accountable for ignoring stop work orders and stop orders," Southampton Town Councilman Bill Pell, who cosponsored both resolutions, said.