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1. How do I find out who is the owner of a certain property?

You must know the correct address or section, block and lot. Then you can call the Assessment office 516-478-6208 for the owner listed on record.

2. How can I lower my assessment?

A real property owner may file a complaint on real property assessment application (RP-524) to challenge their assessment. The filing period begins February 1st through the 3rd Tuesday of February each year. Applications must be received in the assessment office on or before by the close of business on the 3rd Tuesday of February. Applications are available in the assessment department office or online.

3. What tax exemptions are applicable to the Village tax and when is the filing period?

The village exemptions are:
- Commercial
- Ministers
- Non-Profit Organizations
- Senior Citizen
- Veterans
- Volunteer Firefighter/Ambulance Workers

The filing period for all exemptions begins October 1st and must be received by December 31st each year.

4. What is my market value?

The market value for each property is listed on their respective tax bill.

5. What is the residential assessment ratio (RAR)?

The Residential Assessment Ration is processed by the New York State Office of Real Property from the number of residential sales and sale prices within the Village for the purpose of creating residential assessments.

6. What is the equalization rate?

The Equalization Rate is also processed by the New York State Office of Real Property from the number of sales (commercial/residential) and sale prices within the Village for the purpose of creating commercial assessments.

7. Is there a listing of vacant or foreclosed properties?

The Village does not have a listing of vacant or foreclosed properties.

8. What do I have to do to notify the assessment department of a ownership or tax billing change?

A letter may be sent by mail or fax to the assessment department indicating the property address, owner's name, section block and lot and tax billing information. A signature by the owner is required as authorization to make any changes. Telephone requests are not acceptable.

9. Why is my county / town assessment different from my village assessment?

The equalization and residential assessment ratios mandated by the state are not the same for each taxing authority. When these ratios are applied to market value the assessments created are different.

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1. I would like to obtain a permit to build a dormer on my home. I live in West Hempstead. Is this the correct department?

No. This is the Inc. Village of Hempstead and your home is under the jurisdiction of the Town of Hempstead. The Inc. Village of Hempstead only covers the properties within the village limits. All the surrounding towns are under the jurisdiction of the Town of Hempstead. Their telephone number 538-8500.

2. Can I occupy a cellar or basement apartment?

No, the occupancy of cellar or basement apartment is prohibited. The only uses allowed are recreation room, bathroom, laundry room and furnace room, with proper permits.

3. When is heat required for a rented apartment?

The heating season is October 1st through May 31st. The hours are 6 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. not less than 68° Fahrenheit and 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. not less than 65° Fahrenheit, regardless of outdoor temperature.

4. Can romex wiring be used?

Yes, romex wiring is allowed for residential use only.

5. What are the current building department fees?

View the current Building Department Fees (PDF).

6. What is a back-flow device and why do I need one?

A back-flow devise is a valve installed on your water line to prevent contaminated water from backing into the public water system. This is a New York State Law that must be enforced by the local municipalities and must be inspected and tested annually.

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1. How do I become a member of the Hempstead Volunteer Fire Department?

The membership committee meets on the third Tuesday of every month at Fire Headquarters which is located at:
Headquarters / Firehouse
75 Clinton Street
Hempstead, NY 11550

At this time an applicant desiring to become a member will be given a packet containing all the information and requirements needed for them to become a volunteer firefighter with the Hempstead Fire Department.

2. How will I receive the training needed to become a firefighter?

The training that you will need to become a firefighter will be provided in the form of training sessions provided by both the Hempstead Fire Department and the Nassau County Fire Service Academy.

3. Is the public allowed to rent the Fire Houses in the Village of Hempstead for private parties?

No, unfortunately the fire houses in the Village of Hempstead are not eligible for the public to rent for their private use.

4. How do I get the Fire Department to attend a function at our school and bring information on fire safety in the home?

This can be done by contacting the Hempstead Volunteer Fire Department's Bureau of Fire Prevention at 486-0311 ext. 354.

5. When the Fire Department conducts their annual fund drive how do I know if it is really the fire department that I am contributing to?

When the Hempstead Fire Department conducts their Annual Fund Drive, all correspondence with the residents will be done via the mail on official Fire Department stationary. The Hempstead Fire Department does not conduct any portion of their fund drive via the phone. If you have any questions, please call the Chief's Office at 486-0311 extension 357.

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1. When are the Village Offices Closed?

Every year the Village Offices are closed for the following holidays:
- Abraham Lincoln's Birthday
- Christmas
- Columbus Day
- Election Day
- George Washington's Birthday
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Martin Luther King Day
- Memorial Day
- New Year's Day
- Thanksgiving
- Veteran's Day

The Hempstead Police Department and any other department that provides essential services will remain open.

2. How can I contact departments within the Village Office?

Find contact information for each office in the Staff Directory.

3. Village of Hempstead Hours of Operation

Village of Hempstead non essential office hours:

Monday           8:15 am to 4:15 pm

Tuesday          8:15 am to 4:15 pm

Wednesday     8:15 am to 4:15 pm

Thursday         8:15 am to 4:15 pm

Friday              8:15 am to 4:15 pm

Saturday         Closed

Sunday           Closed

Non-emergency Service Request Line:

Available 24 hours a day 7 days a week 516-487-6333

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1. Who is eligible for a Long Island Railroad Parking Permit?

Residents of Nassau County.

2. What documents are required to obtain a Permit?

• Letter of employment or student status, on company/school letterhead; stating employment or attendance at a location requiring use of LIRR and number if days per week.
• Copy of original and current NYS Vehicle Registration 

For further inquires please contact us at 516-489-3400 ext. 601.

3. What is the cost for a Parking Permit?

• Village of Hempstead residents $60.00
• Town of Hempstead/Nassau County Residents. (Outside the Village of Hempstead) $120.00
• Stickers are good for ONE YEAR (One year is defined as April 1^st. Until March 31^st of the following year).
• For renewal, all the above listed documents must be currently dated and presented for reprocessing.

4. Can a Parking Permit be transferred?

A Parking Permit may be transferred from one vehicle to another, providing that the applicant   is the owner of record of both vehicles or has dominion or control over both vehicles. The original permit (sticker) must be surrendered in identifiable form to the Incorporated Village of Hempstead.

• Permit Transfer Fee (Village resident) $1.00
• Permit Transfer Fee (Non0-Village resident) $5.00

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1. How does a person find out about the programs that are offered by the Recreation Department?

Program information is available at the recreation office at Kennedy Park which is located at:

335 Greenwich Street
Hempstead, NY 11550

Special events will also be advertised on the message board that is located in front of Kennedy Park on Greenwich Street. If further assistance is needed, please call 489-3400 ext. 247.

2. What are the hours of operation of Kennedy Memorial Park?

Kennedy Park is open Monday through Friday between the hours of 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Saturday and Sunday between the hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

3. What are the hours and days of operation for the swimming pools?

Kennedy Park Pool will be open 7 days a week between the hours of 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Lincoln Park pool will be open Monday through Friday between the hours of 9 am. to 5 p.m. The pools are scheduled to open on June 27th.

4. What are some of the sports that are available for the youth of our community?

Some of the organized sports that are available to the youth of the Village of Hempstead are:
- Boxing
- Competitive Swimming
- Double Dutch
- Judo
- Karate
- Midget Football
- Swim Lessons

Little league also runs the baseball program in the Village.

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1. How do I get a library card?

Find out how to obtain a library card on the Hempstead Public Library website.

2. Are there programs for adults and children at the library?

Find programs available in the Hempstead Public Library Newsletter (PDF).

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1. My sewer is backing up at my home. Who should I make my first phone call to?

Before you call a plumber, call the Village of Hempstead Sewer Department, there is no charge for this service.

2. The tree in front of my house is lifting my sidewalk and it is a village owned tree. Will the village repair my sidewalk?

The sidewalk is the homeowner's responsibility, even if it is a village curbside tree has uplifted the sidewalk. This information is supported by section 116 of the Village Code Book.

3. I received a Notice of Violation because of garbage and litter in the street in front of my home. The street is the Village's responsibility, why did I get the violation?

The homeowner is responsible for cleaning and sweeping 18 inches past the face of the gutter into the street.

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1. Access the Tax and Assessment Web Portal

https://hempstead.municipaltaxpayments.com/status/

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1. Can I pay my taxes by telephone?

No, taxes cannot be paid for over the phone.

2. When is the Village Tax Lien Sale held?

The Lien Sale is held every May, please contact the Village office for exact day.

3. When are my Village taxes due?

The first half tax is due and payable June 1st and penalties begin to accrue after July 1st.

Second half tax is due and payable December 1st and penalties begin to accrue after December 31st.

4. Can I pay my taxes electronically?

The Village of Hempstead is pleased to announce that taxpayers may view and pay their property taxes online (Please click the following link): https://hempstead.municipaltaxpayments.com. 

on the website.

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1. What does the Village Attorney do?

The Village Attorney's Office is the principal legal advisor to the Village Board and all Village departments. This office represents the Village in all legal matters affecting the Village's interests. The Village Attorney's Office is also responsible for drafting resolutions, local laws, and ordinances for the Village Board.

2. Does the Village Attorney provide notary public services?

No, the Village Attorney's Office does not provide notary public services to the public.

3. What is a FOIL request?

A Freedom of Information request (FOIL) is a request for access to Village Records pursuant to the Freedom of Information Law (Public Officers Law, article 6 sections 84-90).

Once the request form is received by the Village Clerk via fax or in person, the Village Attorney reviews the request with subject area personnel. The law pertains to records only. It is not intended for examination of employees or officials. The Village is not required to create a new record in response to a question or questions.

The Village may seek clarification of the requested information and may reasonably decline to honor a request that is not descriptive enough within the context of the Village's record keeping system.

All records are available, unless an exception permits an agency to deny access. Common sense and the potential for harm that might arise from a specific disclosure, such as that which could preclude the government from carrying out its duties, are things that could limit disclosure.

4. What is the process for making a FOIL request?

Once the request is made and requested information is compiled by the subject area department, it is forwarded to the Village Clerk's Office and the requester is notified that the information is available. This is usually done by phone.

For more information, contact the Village Clerk's Office at 516-478-6202.

5. Can I make a FOIL request for property information?

FOILS can be filed for property information by non-owners as per usual procedures.

Property owners do not need to file a FOIL request to get information pertaining to property they own (and can show proof).

If a Certified Certificate of Occupancy is required, the application can be filled out by the property owner in the Department of Planning & Development's Building Division. Certified documents usually take about 2 weeks to be prepared.

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1. When is court in session?

Parking Conferences are the first Tuesday of each month from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and must be scheduled in advance.

Trials are held the fourth Tuesday of each month at 9 a.m. and must be scheduled in advance.

Housing Violations are held every Wednesday at 9 a.m. Traffic and Appearance tickets are every Wednesday at 1 p.m. / 7 p.m.

2. What are the court office hours?

Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. We do not close for lunch hour.

3. What form of payment does the court accept?

Cash, certified check or money order, Mastercard, or Visa.

4. Can someone appear in court for me?

No, with one exception an attorney may appear on your behalf with a letter/affidavit of power of attorney.

5. Can I just plead guilty and pay the fine without appearing in court?

Yes, you may please guilty by signing the back of the ticket and mailing it in with the payment or pay at the cashier's window. With the exception for violations 511, 512, 1212, 600, all housing violations, and code of ordinance violations in which an appearance is mandatory.

6. Can I enter a plea of not guilty without appearing in the court?

For parking and traffic tickets you may plead not guilty by signing the back of the ticket and forwarding it to the court. You will then be scheduled for a subsequent conference date at which time you will meet with the prosecuting attorney.

Appearance is mandatory for all housing and code of ordinance violations.

7. How can I get an adjournment?

You may request an adjournment at the cashier's window or by mail. You may not get an adjournment via a telephone call.

8. If I have a warrant will I be arrested?

Yes, there is a possibility that you will be arrested. You must answer the ticket/summons as quickly as possible.

9. What will happen if I fail to answer the summons/ticket?

Eventually you will be declared a scofflaw and/or a warrant will be issued for your arrest.

10. How many points will I get for traffic violation?

For all questions regarding points please contact the Department of Motor Vehicles at 1-800-DIAL-DMV or visit the Online DMW website.

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1. What are the water billing periods?

• Water is billed quarterly (every three months), billing months are FEBRUARY – MAY – AUGUST – NOVEMBER.
• Fire service accounts (flats) are billed annually.

2. What are the water billing rates?

0-9,000 flat fee* 9,001-50,000 are $4.63, 50,001-100,000 are $6.33, 101,001-500,000 are $8.94, 500,001-1,000,000 are $10.78, and Over 1,000,001 are $11.84 per one thousand gallons. 

*Price may vary depending on the size of meter diameter.

3. When are water bills due?

Water bills are due immediately upon receipt and begin to accrue interest after 30 days. Last day of billing month.

4. When do I notify the Tax and Water Department of billing changes?

A Water Account Address Change Form must be completed and signed by the homeowner when any name and billing address changes occur.   

5. How do I notify the Tax and Water Department of billing changes?

• By completing the Water Account Address Change Form as instructed and delivering it to the physical address in person or by mail), or fax number, or email listed on the top of the form.
• Water account changes will not be made unless this form is filled out in its entirety and received by our Tax & Water Department office.

6. How can I obtain a water account closing letter?

Call the Water Plant for a final reading appointment at 516-489-3400 ext. 252 or ext. 253.

7. How can I pay my water bill?

• Online: https://hempstead.municipaltaxpayments.com/?janowcentral=payment.intro
• Phone: 1-888-604-7888 using the Village access code: a003x5
• In-Person:  99 James A. Garner Way, Hempstead, NY 11550, Tax & Water Department (Hempstead Village Hall).
• By Mail:      99 James A. Garner Way, Hempstead, NY 11550, C/O Tax & Water Department.