Village of Garden City Building Permits
Get your permit filed or your violation fixed. Free quote.
4.6on Google (11 reviews). Opens our Google listing.Garden City is a village in the Town of Hempstead. It has its own Building Department. Fences, kitchen and bath remodels, plumbing fixtures and basements need a permit.
Village of Garden City Building Department (not us)
- Address
- Village Hall, 2nd Floor, 351 Stewart Avenue, Garden City, NY 11530
- Phone
- 516-465-4040
- dob@gardencityny.net
- Hours
- Monday–Friday, 8:30am–4:30pm
- Permit portal
- None. Garden City files on paper at Village Hall.
- Permit rules
- When do I need a permit? (PDF) (opens in a new tab)
- Local code
- Village of Garden City Code
Village of Garden City Building Permit Fees
A residential building permit in Garden City costs $400 for the first $1,000 of estimated cost, plus $20 for each additional $1,000, including the application and certificate fees.
| Permit | Fee |
|---|---|
| Building permit, residential (new and alterations) | $400 for the first $1,000 of cost, plus $20 per additional $1,000 |
| Refundable deposit, residential | $300 for the first $1,000 of cost, plus $20 per additional $1,000 |
| Demolition, residential | $400 for the first $1,000 of cost, plus $20 per additional $1,000 |
| Fence | $150 |
| Maintain or legalize existing work, residential | 3 times the permit fee |
The deposit is returned when the permit is closed.
Source: Village of Garden City: Fee Schedule, amended August 6, 2025 (PDF) (opens in a new tab). Checked .
How Filing Works in Garden City
- Typed, on paperThree typed copies. Incomplete ones are not accepted.
- PlansTwo sets of drawings with a full zoning analysis.
- PapersA survey, Energy Code math and insurance and county forms.
- Design reviewSome outside changes go to the Architectural Design Review Board.
Selling your house? Close your open permits first.
How We Help in Garden City
- Complete packages. We check the property's file first.
- We handle design review and follow up to final sign-off.
- Need a variance? We refer you to a zoning/land-use attorney and keep the permit moving.
Decks, fences, sheds and pools: about 2–4 weeks. Other jobs: about 4–8 weeks on average.* It varies by town and scope.*Typical time is based on an average job in the Village of Garden City, assuming no extra work or construction needs to be done and the building department accepts the permit application.
Garden City Permit Questions
My address says Garden City. Is it in the Village?
Not always. Places with a "Garden City" mailing name, like Garden City Park and Garden City South, are often outside the Village. A town handles those instead. We confirm who has jurisdiction before anything is drawn or filed.
What work needs a permit in Garden City?
The Village asks you to check with the Building Department about new buildings, additions, interior or exterior alterations, accessory structures (fences, sheds, decks, central air conditioning), signs and certificates of occupancy.
Source: Garden City: Building Department (opens in a new tab)
Is there a simpler form for small jobs?
Yes. Fences, pools, driveways, replacement windows and accessory structures use the Village's Minor Building Permit Application.
Source: Garden City: Minor Building Permit Application (PDF) (opens in a new tab)
What goes in a Garden City permit package?
The building permit application must be typewritten and submitted in triplicate. A typical package has two sets of construction drawings with a full zoning analysis, a current survey, Energy Code calculations, workers' compensation and disability certificates, and the Nassau County assessor's form. Incomplete applications aren't accepted.
Source: Garden City: Building Permit Application with Instructions (PDF) (opens in a new tab)
When can I talk to an inspector?
Inspectors are available by appointment only, Monday–Friday 9:00am–12:30pm. Code questions are taken Monday–Friday 1:00–3:30pm. Inspection requests need 48 hours' notice.
Source: Garden City: When do I need a building permit? (PDF) (opens in a new tab)
Who can do plumbing and electrical work?
Plumbing and electrical work must be done by licensed trades.
Source: Garden City: When do I need a building permit? (PDF) (opens in a new tab)
Which board will look at my project?
Some exterior changes go to the Architectural Design Review Board. Variances go to the Zoning Board of Appeals. Design review can add a hearing to the schedule, so start early on anything exterior.
Source: Garden City: When do I need a building permit? (PDF) (opens in a new tab)
My contractor files the permit. Am I covered?
Contractors usually file. But it's the owner's responsibility to make sure permits and approvals are obtained.
Source: Garden City: Building Department (opens in a new tab)
Can an open permit hurt my sale?
Yes. Garden City's records follow the house. An open permit, an unpermitted deck or fence, or an A/C unit that was never signed off can come up in a buyer's search. It can delay a closing until the Village inspects and closes it.
Hours
- Monday
- 8:30am–8:30pm
- Tuesday
- 8:30am–8:30pm
- Wednesday
- 8:30am–8:30pm
- Thursday
- 8:30am–8:30pm
- Friday
- 8:30am–8:30pm
- Saturday
- Closed
- Sunday
- Closed
After-hours and weekend messages are answered the next business day.
Prefer to talk? Call or text 516-399-0139.