Long Island, with its picturesque north and south shores, has long been a desirable place to call home. However, the beauty of its coastal proximity now comes with an increasing challenge: rising sea levels and more frequent, intense storms. This escalating threat, driven by climate change, is fueling a significant and growing demand for house lifting services across the island. For many homeowners, elevating their homes is no longer a luxury, but a vital investment in protecting their property and peace of mind.

Climate Change and Long Island’s Vulnerability

The scientific consensus is clear: climate change is leading to higher global temperatures, which in turn cause glaciers and ice sheets to melt, expanding ocean volumes. This phenomenon, coupled with the thermal expansion of warming seawater, directly translates to rising sea levels. For low-lying coastal areas like Long Island, this means an increased risk of tidal flooding, storm surge, and the erosion of shorelines.

The North and South Shores of Long Island are particularly vulnerable. The South Shore, directly facing the Atlantic Ocean, has historically borne the brunt of major storms like Superstorm Sandy, which brought devastating flooding to countless homes. Communities along the Great South Bay, for example, have experienced firsthand the destructive power of storm surge. While perhaps less immediately apparent, the North Shore, bordering the Long Island Sound, is also susceptible to coastal flooding, especially during nor’easters and other weather events that can push water inland. A recent report even projected that Long Island could lose over 80,000 homes to flooding by 2040.

This heightened risk translates into higher flood insurance premiums and, in many cases, a desperate need for homeowners to proactively mitigate potential damage. House lifting, which involves raising a structure to a higher elevation, often above the projected flood plain, has emerged as a primary solution.

Permits, Codes, and Compliance

The decision to lift a home on Long Island is not just a construction undertaking; it’s a journey through a complex legal and regulatory landscape. Homeowners considering elevation must be prepared for a multi-step process involving permits, inspections, and strict adherence to local building codes and federal guidelines.

• Permits are Paramount: Before any work begins, homeowners must obtain the necessary permits from their respective town or county (e.g., Nassau County Department of Consumer Affairs, Suffolk County Legislature). The process can vary by municipality, but generally requires detailed plans from licensed architects and engineers. Some towns have expedited processes due to past storm damage, but it’s crucial to confirm local requirements.
• FEMA and Flood Plain Regulations: The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) plays a significant role. Homes in designated flood zones (Special Flood Hazard Areas) often have specific elevation requirements to minimize flood risk and potentially lower flood insurance premiums. FEMA’s Base Flood Elevation (BFE) is a critical reference point. Long Island communities, in many cases, require homes to be elevated at least two feet above the BFE, a “freeboard” requirement that provides an additional buffer against future flooding. Homeowners will need an Elevation Certificate (FEMA Form 086-0-33) to verify compliance.
• Contractor Licensing and Insurance: It is imperative to work with licensed and insured house lifting contractors. Both Nassau and Suffolk Counties have specific licensing requirements for home improvement contractors, and a “House Lifting License” may also be required. Verifying references and ensuring the contractor carries adequate insurance is crucial to protect yourself from liability and ensure quality work.
• Utility Disconnections: Prior to the lift, all utilities (electric, gas, water, sewer) must be safely disconnected. This requires coordination with utility companies like LIPA and National Grid, and often a licensed plumber for sewer disconnections.
• Potential for Grants and Assistance Programs: While house lifting can be a significant financial undertaking, homeowners may be eligible for various assistance programs. New York State, for instance, has offered programs like the Resilient Retrofit Program and the NY Rising Housing Recovery Program (often in the wake of major storms) which can provide grants or low-interest loans for flood mitigation efforts, including elevation. It’s advisable to research current programs offered by the state, county, and federal agencies like USDA Rural Development (for eligible rural areas).

Resources for Long Island Homeowners

• FEMA Flood Map Service Center: To find your property’s flood zone and Base Flood Elevation. (Website: msc.fema.gov/portal/search)
• Town/County Building Departments: Contact your local town hall or county building department for specific permitting requirements and local building codes related to house lifting.
• New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR): Information on state-level housing and resiliency programs, including potential funding. (Website: governor.ny.gov/news – search for “Resilient Retrofit Program”)
• Community Development Corporation of Long Island (CDLI): Administers programs that may offer financial assistance for home improvements. (Website: cdcli.org)
• USDA Rural Development (New York State): Offers Single Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants for eligible very-low-income homeowners in rural areas. (Website: rd.usda.gov/programs-services/single-family-housing-programs/single-family-housing-repair-loans-grants-18)
• FloodHelpNY.org: Provides valuable information on elevating homes, flood insurance, and related resources for New York residents. (Website: floodhelpny.org)

Taking the Next Step

The decision to elevate your home is a significant one, both financially and logistically. It requires careful planning, adherence to regulations, and the expertise of qualified professionals. If you’re a homeowner on the North or South Shore of Long Island facing concerns about flood risk, it’s highly recommended to:

1. Assess Your Risk: Use the FEMA Flood Map Service Center to understand your property’s specific flood zone and BFE.
2. Consult with Professionals: Reach out to reputable house lifting companies for evaluations and quotes. They can assess your home’s unique structure and provide an estimated scope of work and cost.
3. Engage with Legal Expertise: Consider a consultation with a construction attorney specializing in property and flood-related issues. They can guide you through the permitting process, explain legal considerations, and help navigate potential challenges.
4. Explore Funding Options: Research state, federal, and local programs that may offer financial assistance for flood mitigation.

By taking these proactive steps, Long Island homeowners can not only protect their most valuable asset but also contribute to the long-term resilience of their communities in the face of a changing climate.

John Caravella Esq., is a construction attorney and formerly practicing project architect at The Law Office of John Caravella, P.C., representing architects, engineers, contractors, subcontractors, and owners in all phases of contract preparation, litigation, and arbitration across New York and Florida. He also serves as an arbitrator to the American Arbitration Association Construction Industry Panel. Mr. Caravella can be reached by email: John@LIConstructionLaw.com or (516) 462-7051.

The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only.  Readers of this website should contact their attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular legal matter.  No reader, user, or browser of this site should act or refrain from acting on the basis of information on this site without first seeking legal advice from counsel in the relevant jurisdiction.  Only your individual attorney can provide assurances that the information contained herein – and your interpretation of it – is applicable or appropriate to your particular situation.  Use of, and access to, this website or any of the links or resources contained within the site do not create an attorney-client relationship between the reader, user, or browser and website authors, contributors, contributing law firms, or committee members and their respective employers.