What You Need To Know
When Purchasing
Oceanfront Properties.

Buying an oceanfront home will be one of the most exciting decisions you will likely ever make. One usually falls in love with a property with their heart.  However, because oceanfront properties can be some of the most highly regulated on the east end, it is important to make decisions with your head.  To avoid unpleasant surprises, having proper research completed along with a comprehensive assessment of the rules and regulations that govern development is key.

Critical to any pre-purchase assessment is making sure there is available a survey showing all of the current conditions on the property . . . including topography, flood plain boundaries, the dune crest, all of the existing structures along with the other various features that are regulated and which control development. While each property has its own special circumstances, once the survey is completed a proper assessment will likely include an evaluation of the following:

• An analysis of the prior permits and C.O.’s issued for the property, to be able to understand the legality of all of the existing improvements found there.
• An assessment of the zoning restrictions that govern development, including, but not limited to: identifying principal and accessory structure setbacks, allowable lot coverage, gross floor area (GFA), maximum height requirements, etc.
• Understanding the FEMA flood plain requirements and the degree of conformity of the existing structures on the site.
• An identification of the dune crest setback requirements, along with the coastal erosion hazard area (CEHA) restrictions.
• Learning the history of the property’s conditions as it relates to recent storms. A comprehensive erosion analysis and vulnerability study can also be completed.
• Analysis of existing clearing and landscaping on the property and determination of its compliance to the code requirements.
• An analysis of your goals and objectives in terms of future construction that is contemplated.

Special properties demand special attention. Over the past 40 years, Inter-Science Research Associates, Inc. has provided top level service to our clients in environmental planning, design, regulatory permitting and strategic planning for properties throughout the East End. Let us assist you with your property

Founder of Inter-Science Research Associates

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36 Nugent Street, P.O. Box 1201 • Southampton, New York 11969-1201
(631) 283-5958 (631)283-5974 Facsimile • www.inter-science.net • [email protected]