State may let professionals self-certify Long Island projects

Self-certification would bypass a sometimes lengthy municipal approvals process. (iStock)
Self-certification would bypass a sometimes lengthy municipal approvals process. (iStock)

New York State lawmakers could allow architects and engineers to self-certify building permits in Nassau and Suffolk counties, potentially speeding up development projects, according to Newsday.

Lawmakers are considering a bill allowing cities and town to issue permits if a registered architect or engineer certifies that an application meets state and local codes. The measure would expire in late 2024 — ensuring hesitant lawmakers that if it leads to problems, it will die on its own.

Self-certification would bypass a sometimes lengthy municipal approvals process, which critics argue makes development significantly more expensive and throttles housing production.

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Towns and cities would need to opt into such a program. While self-certification could speed up projects, it also has the potential to cause trouble. Typically, professionals who abuse their privileges can lose their right to self-certify and even be stripped of their licenses.

Officials in Babylon, Brookhaven, Hempstead, Huntington, and Islip have voiced support for the measure. The state legislative session ends June 10.

[Newsday] — Dennis Lynch