A new East Hampton Town law going into effect Jan. 1 will require a new certificate of occupancy (C.O.) to be obtained when the ownership of a property changes hands.
The new law "is designed to protect residents' health and safety," the town said in an announcement on Thursday. There are two exceptions: if a new C.O. was obtained within the prior six months leading up to a change of ownership, and if the transfer is primarily for estate-planning purposes where the "beneficial ownership" of the property "remains unchanged," the town said. The full code can be accessed online at this link.
The East Hampton Town Board passed the resolution on Oct. 5 following a public hearing in September. The change brings East Hampton Town in line with other nearby municipalities, including Sag Harbor Village and East Hampton Village, in requiring a new C.O. in these instances.
