Lawrence is an incorporated village with its own building department. Permits for work here are issued by the Village of Lawrence — not by the Town of Hempstead and not by Nassau County.
That trips up homeowners and out-of-area contractors constantly. Filing with the town when the village has jurisdiction means the application comes back and the clock restarts.
Lawrence Building Department — Contact and Hours
| Address | 196 Central Avenue, Lawrence, NY 11559 |
|---|---|
| Phone | 516-239-4600 |
| Hours | Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. |
| Website | Village of Lawrence Building Department |
What Is Specific to Lawrence
The Superintendent of Buildings is Danny Vacchio, reachable at 516-239-3987 ext. 1027; Village Hall is 516-239-4600. Lawrence is one of the Five Towns, where lot coverage and setback rules are enforced tightly — confirm requirements before design is finalized.
How We Handle Lawrence Permits
We are a licensed general contractor (Nassau County Home Improvement License #184594) and have been building on Long Island since 1976. We file permits as part of the job — not as an extra you chase separately.
- We file with the village, not the town or county — the correct authority, first time
- We identify board review requirements before the application goes in
- We prepare drawings to the village’s submission standard
- We schedule inspections and carry the project through to certificate of occupancy
Permit Questions
Does Lawrence issue its own building permits?
Yes. Lawrence is an incorporated village with its own building department at 196 Central Avenue, Lawrence, NY 11559. Permits are issued by the village, not by the town or Nassau County.
Do I need a permit to remodel a kitchen or bathroom in Lawrence?
In nearly all cases, yes. Interior alterations require a permit, and work involving plumbing, electrical, or structural changes requires permits and inspections.
What happens if work is done without a permit in Lawrence?
Unpermitted work can result in stop-work orders, fines, and difficulty obtaining a certificate of occupancy. It also commonly surfaces at resale, when a municipal search reveals open or absent permits.
How long does a Lawrence building permit take?
Timelines depend on scope and whether the project requires board review. Board review is scheduled by meeting calendar, which is typically the largest variable. Contact the Building Department at 516-239-4600 for current processing times.
Planning a Renovation in Lawrence?
We handle the permit process as part of the project. Free consultation, and a written line-item estimate.
516-826-8054 · Licensed Nassau County #184594 · BBB A+ since 1991 · 14× Angi Super Service Award
Related: What a kitchen remodel costs on Long Island · Building permits in all 64 Nassau villages