Southampton Proposes to Eliminate Shed Permits

Soon, Southampton residents may no longer need to apply for a permit to place a storage shed on their property. 

Earlier this week, Southampton Supervisor Anna Throne-Holst proposed an amendment to the town code that would eliminate the need for a permit for a single storage shed, provided it is placed a minimum of 10 feet from adjacent properties.

Throne-Holst said she is presenting the proposal because she has found that often times, the cost for a permit exceeds the cost of a new shed. 

Under the current law, if a resident wants to place a storage on their property, they must pay not only a $67.50 permit fee, but also $1,200 for a survey. 

“It’s critical that we continually revisit our Town code and re-evaluate how it is working, and the shed permit is an example of a requirement that is simply too onerous,” said Throne-Holst.

According to Throne-Holst, the town receives about 100 shed permit applications annually. A shed, she is described as a structure used to store household equipment and having a maximum gross floor area of 120 square feet with a height not greater than 12 feet. 

If the legislation is approved, Throne-Holst said 

A public hearing on the amendment is scheduled for Sept. 24 at 1:00 p.m.

Patch wants to know: Do you think the town should get rid of its shed permit? Comment below.