Levittown’s classic capes just scored a win against the big-box rebuilds. On Tuesday, the Town of Hempstead voted unanimously to limit how much of a lot a house can cover, a direct shot at the wave of tear-downs that has swapped modest postwar homes for hulking new construction.
What The New Rule Says
Under the local law, “The building area shall not exceed 27.5% of the lot area,” and any accessory decking under three feet high is allowed only if total lot coverage stays at or below 30%. That language appears in the meeting packet and draft law, according to Town of Hempstead documents.
Neighbors Say The New Builds Are Just Too Big
Longtime residents at the hearing told officials the outsized homes are swallowing yards and cutting off sunlight for the older Cape Cods and colonials next door. “They’re just way too big,” one neighbor told News 12, which also reported that some newly built Levittown houses have been selling for roughly $1.5 million.
Town Says It Is Protecting Levittown’s Look
In its Short Environmental Assessment Form, the town describes “a trend involving the tear-down of traditional Levittown homes and construction of much larger residences that are not consistent with the existing character of the community,” and says the amendment is meant to be stricter than current zoning. The packet calls the change “enhanced development controls” for the Levittown Planned Residence District, according to Town of Hempstead documents.
How The Vote Went And What Happens Next
The town board signed off in a unanimous vote, according to CBS News New York. The law is not official until it is filed with the state, and the New York Department of State notes that local laws must be filed with the Secretary of State before they become effective, which is the next procedural step for the town.
Builders, Buyers And The New Math
Contractors at the hearing told reporters they are simply following market demand and that rising costs make tear-down-and-rebuild the most workable option on many Levittown parcels. Town officials also told reporters the new rule would bring Levittown in line with about 80% of the rest of Hempstead, according to News 12.
The cap does not ban large homes outright, but it trims the buildable envelope on Levittown lots and will change the design calculus for owners and contractors. Expect permit filings and variance requests to start reflecting the tighter limits as the town works through the enforcement details in the weeks ahead.
