Hempstead Town Buildings Commissioner John Loeffel resigned last week after town inspectors discovered three major building code violations at his Levittown home.

Loeffel, who was appointed to his position on Dec. 12, 2006, was issued notices of violation for plumbing on a second floor without permit, renovations without permit and having an apartment without permit for his 10 Knoll Lane home, according to Susan Trenkle, press secretary to Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray.

"He has, just as any resident in this situation, 10 days to two weeks to start the paperwork [on these notices of violation]," she added. "If that's not done he will receive summonses in which case it will go to court and the fines would be determined by the court."

Trenkle added that Loeffel has not received any "special treatment" in this case.

Employed with the town since 1969, Loeffel was a town code enforcement officer for 10 years before rising to first deputy commissioner. On Feb. 27 he wrote the following brief resignation letter to Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray: "It has been my fortune to have been employed by the Town of Hempstead for the last 37-plus years, but due to current circumstances I must tender my resignation immediately."

"It is inexcusable," Murray said. "The building commissioner has to be held to a higher standard."

The Nassau County Assessor's office, which was notified when Newsday contacted them about the story, said Loeffel admitted to completing the renovations in 2003. However, according to the assessor's website, www.mynassauproperty.com, Loeffel's Levittown cape is assessed at $346,000. He currently pays $7,496.54 in property taxes a year, including $4,964.72 in school taxes and $2,531.82 in town taxes. Now a two-story colonial, press secretary to the Nassau County Assessor, Randy Yunker, said the home's increase in size to 3,424 square feet means Loeffel should be paying almost $6,000 more in taxes per year, for a total of $13,119.

"The day that the story broke two assessors went over and were denied access to the inside of the property," Yunker added. "His wife allowed us to measure around the house but they couldn't go into the backyard because there was a doberman pinscher dog in the back."

Using this and other information, Yunker said assessors determined the home's estimated current value, not including the 6 percent cap and STAR exemption, to be $510,550 for the 2007/08 roll.

As far as collecting back taxes for the past two years, Yunker said, "there is no provision under the law that allows us to go back and change his assessment from prior years."

"In fact, he had to consult with county attorneys to see if he could put the house on the 2007/08 roll," he added. "He had many years of low tax obligation on a finished house."

Nassau County Assessor Harvey Levinson sent a letter to Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice asking for Loeffel's prosecution regarding the code violations, which are considered a misdemeanor.

According to the Town of Hempstead's Building Code Ordinance, which was last amended in 1986, "any person who knowingly commits, takes part in or assists in any such violation or who maintains a building or premises in which any violation shall exist, shall be guilty of an offense punishable by a fine not exceeding $350 or by imprisonment for a period not to exceed six months, or both."

Levinson also mentioned that he thinks the Town of Hempstead should have followed Long Beach's lead where they arraigned the person who has committed these types of violations.

On March 5, Supervisor Murray announced she is implementing a four-point reform plan for the town's building department focused on increased accountability and efficiency. The agenda includes:

Top to Bottom Review - Murray has stated that the first duty of a new building department commissioner will be a "top to bottom" review of building department operations and policies.

Ethics Code Reform - The supervisor has directed the town attorney to embark upon enhancing accountability by town managers and policymakers under Hempstead Town's Ethics Code. Specifically, policymakers will be asked to make certifications concerning compliance with building code regulations as they relate to personal residences.

Town Employees Permit Certification - Under a new provision, an individual will be required to indicate whether he/she is a town employee on all town permit applications. Further, the department head will "sign-off" on these applications, indicating that they were processed in conformity with town regulations and departmental policies.

New Building Permit Display Signs - A new larger building permit sign is being designed for display on properties where work is being performed. The new brightly colored signs will be highly visible and residents can easily discern whether work is being performed on a site without a necessary permit.

"As the supervisor of America's largest township, I take seriously the need for accountability," said Murray. "My administration is working hard to create a better and more responsible building department."

Additionally Murray announced that she will commence a nationwide search for a new building commissioner.

"The candidate must be of the highest character in the performance of his duties and his personal activities which reflect upon the township," she added.