In most Nassau County towns, yes — clearing land usually requires a permit if you're removing trees above a certain size, working in a regulated area (wetlands, slopes, or flood zones), or clearing in preparation for construction. Each town has its own tree-removal ordinances and thresholds, so the exact requirements depend on where the property is. Always check with your local town building department before clearing.
Why land clearing is regulated
Nassau County has become increasingly suburban over decades, and the towns have responded by protecting remaining tree cover, wetlands, and natural drainage features. Land-clearing permits exist to control erosion, protect mature trees, prevent illegal wetlands destruction, and ensure that cleared land is handled responsibly before construction begins.
Who issues the permit?
Land-clearing permits are issued at the town level in Nassau County, not the county level. The relevant towns include:
- Town of Hempstead
- Town of North Hempstead
- Town of Oyster Bay
- City of Glen Cove
- City of Long Beach
Plus the various incorporated villages, each of which may have its own additional rules. The village of Old Brookville has different requirements than the village of Mineola, even though both are within the Town of North Hempstead.
What typically triggers a permit requirement?
The most common triggers are:
- Removing trees above a certain size — many Nassau towns regulate trees with trunks above 6 or 8 inches in diameter. Removing several such trees without a permit can result in fines.
- Wetlands proximity — clearing within a regulated buffer of designated wetlands typically requires special permission, sometimes from the New York State DEC in addition to the town.
- Slopes and erosion-sensitive areas — steep slopes often have additional clearing restrictions.
- Clearing for construction — even if a few trees alone wouldn’t trigger a permit, clearing a lot in preparation for building usually requires it.
- Total area cleared — some ordinances kick in based on square footage cleared.
What happens if you clear without a permit?
Penalties vary by town but typically include fines, stop-work orders, and a requirement to replant trees — often at a 2-to-1 or 3-to-1 ratio for what was removed. In serious cases (wetlands violations, mature specimen tree removal), fines can run into the tens of thousands. Buyers and lenders also sometimes catch unpermitted clearing during property sales, which can complicate or kill a transaction.
What does the permit application typically require?
Each town is different, but most applications need a site plan or survey showing which trees you intend to remove, the size and species of each tree, the reason for removal, sometimes a tree replacement plan, and the application fee. A contractor familiar with the town can usually help you assemble this.
How DLI handles permitting
DLI Contracting has worked across Nassau County for decades and is familiar with the permitting processes in the major towns. For larger jobs we coordinate with the town building department and any required surveyors, so the clearing happens with the right paperwork in place — not after a stop-work notice arrives.
This article is general information, not legal or regulatory advice. Permit requirements change and vary by town — always confirm current rules with your local building department before starting work.