05/28/2026
Newsday’s editorial board said what homeowners, contractors, and builders across Long Island have known for years: our permitting system is broken. When local governments fail to create efficient, transparent permitting processes, it delays projects and creates an environment where bad actors thrive and some property owners feel pushed toward unsafe or unpermitted work to move forward.
The permitting crisis has become a serious threat to Long Island’s construction economy. Material costs remain high, labor costs rise, and lengthy permitting delays make it difficult for projects to move forward or even financially pencil out. These delays affect not only builders but also construction workers, local businesses, housing production, and homeowners trying to improve their property.
Legislation introduced by State Sen. Monica Martinez and Assemb. Steve Stern would allow licensed architects and engineers to professionally certify code compliance for certain qualifying projects, helping municipalities reduce permitting backlogs and speed up approvals while maintaining accountability and safety standards. It is a practical, common-sense reform to a system that has struggled for far too long.
Long Island cannot continue allowing excessive permitting delays and government red tape to slow smart economic growth and prevent homeowners from responsibly improving their own property. Meaningful reform is long overdue.
