The Nassau County Legislature, spearheaded by Legislators Laura Curran (D- Baldwin) and Steve Rhoads (R-Bellmore ), announced today that Nassau County is extending the time period to waive fees charged by County departments for Sandy victims. Today, all 19 members of the Legislature are expected to unanimously approve a local law to provide economic hardship relief to the victims of Superstorm Sandy by providing a waiver of county fees associated with the continued rebuilding effort.
“After nearly four years of applications and forms, untangling miles of bureaucratic red tape, and a revolving door of state caseworkers, some of our neighbors are finally able to do the work necessary to make their house resilient and livable,” stated Legislator Laura Curran. “I am delighted that the County can make their work just a little bit easier with these exemptions.”
The law extends the fee-waiver period to December 31, 2017.
Upon Legislative approval, all department heads will waive any and all fees for permits or services which are required for repairs or new construction in connection with the effects of Superstorm Sandy upon a showing of good cause by an applicant.
“Sandy is not over,” stated Legislator Rhoads. “Four long years after the storm, people are still rebuilding their homes, and this extension will ensure that no Sandy victim will be penalized because of the lengthy rebuilding process.”
Residents seeing assistance must provide Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) identification or case number and a notarized statement that the claimed waiver is in connection with the rebuilding efforts necessitated by Superstorm Sandy.
Applicants shall be entitled to a refund for all fees that were remitted for permits or services necessary for repairs or construction in connection with the effects of Superstorm Sandy. Refunds shall be obtained by sending, via certified or registered mail, evidence of payment and a showing of good cause to the department head responsible for the permit or service.