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Building department details backlog‑reduction plan, adds staff and launches OpenGov2
Summary
East Hampton's building department reported 2025 activity and laid out a staffing and process plan to reduce permit backlog, launch tracking by permit type and publish a checklist for applicants; the board asked for monthly status reporting.
The town’s building department presented a plan on May 12 to shorten a backlog created over recent years, increase permit throughput and improve public access to permit information.
The department reported 2025 figures including 1,342 building permits issued, 3,257 inspections and 722 certificates of occupancy. Leadership said the office filled multiple positions this year, added two plan examiner roles and launched OpenGov2 for online permit submission on March 4. The department also adopted Bluebeam for document review.
The director said the department aims to reduce the backlog to a three‑month wait by Jan. 1 next year and to reach a two‑week turnaround for small accessory permits and four‑to‑six‑week reviews for larger projects within a year. He outlined further hires (additional inspectors and plan examiners), outside architectural review contracts, and relocation of office workspace to improve productivity.
Board members asked for monthly public metrics — number of applications received, permits issued and certificates of occupancy — to track progress. The director agreed the newly defined permit types will allow the town to generate those reports. He also said staff will publish a permit‑checklist and suggested applicants include a table of contents in uploaded files to speed review.
The board pledged support for staffing and digitization investments to accelerate turnaround times and improve service for residents and businesses.
