In August, the East Hampton Town Building Department cut its hours, closing to the public on Wednesdays to attack a backlog of applications.
Last week, via a press release, the department announced another change. Building inspectors are now available at the counter and by phone from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Monday through Friday — that includes Wednesdays — “to improve efficiency and help staff process applications and inspections more quickly.”
Outside of those limited hours, however, the Building Department counter will be closed — except for document drop-off only, and then only until 3:30 p.m.
“These temporary adjustments will remain in place until two new office assistants are hired,” says the town release. “Once those positions are filled, they will take over counter and phone operations, scheduling inspections, and answering general inquiries.”
In the meantime, it says, “Front desk staff will be available to accept final paperwork and schedule inspections; however, building inspectors and office staff will be unavailable for phone calls or walk-up questions. Project questions or application materials will only be addressed during the designated morning hours.”
Applicants have been encouraged to use the new OpenGov portal to contact their building inspector.
The changes come on top of other recent changes at the department. In September, the town hired a new principal building inspector, Richard Normoyle, after a half-year vacancy in the important position. New positions were announced as well: In October, two new building-plan examiners and a new building inspector were hired. Another full-time building inspector, Joseph Berti, was hired yesterday. Still to be hired, however, are the two new office assistants, hence the change in the counter hours.
Patrick Derenze, the town’s public information officer, could not provide an estimate on wait times at the department, but did provide some stats from 2025. “The Building Department remains one of the busiest operations in town government,” he wrote. “So far this year, staff have processed more than 1,200 building permits, conducted over 2,800 inspections, and assisted more than 3,000 residents and contractors at the counter, while collecting over $3.6 million in permit revenue. The volume of work handled each day reflects the significant level of activity within the department.”
