This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.
07/25/2024 04:25 PMPress Release, Town of North Branford
The North Branford Town Council approved a new Blight Ordinance at their regular meeting in June, following a public hearing on the proposed ordinance where several residents showed up to express support for the measure. The ordinance is intended to protect the well-being and property values of residents should they have properties near them that are seriously neglected or have unmitigated deterioration.
The new ordinance regulates against cast-off or discarded items such as motor vehicle parts, household appliances, furniture, equipment and building materials, or other materials that are unsanitary or hazardous to the safety and welfare of people, their property, or is causing a nuisance.
Under the ordinance, a property may be cited as blighted if:
It poses a serious threat to the safety, health and general welfare of the community or is deemed unsafe by the Director of Health, Zoning Enforcement Officer, Fire Marshal or Building Inspector.
Is attracting illegal activity as identified by the Police Department.
There is improperly stored garbage and trash or the presence of a trash dumpster in excess of 5 yards for 30 or more consecutive days.
It is not being maintained as evidenced by the conditions of structures open to the elements, collapsing walls, siding, roofs, windows, window glass, fencing, gutters and downspouts, doors, exhibiting damage, dilapidation, decay or sever animal infestation.
There are abandoned, inoperable, or unregistered motor vehicles. One inoperable motor vehicle is permitted on a residential property provided it is safe and inaccessible, has a fully intact exterior, is covered and in an area free of brush and long grass and is located behind the building. Properties used for the sale, recycling and/or repair of motor vehicles are exempt from this provision.
There is chronically overgrown grass, weeds, or similar vegetation that is allowed to reach and remain 12” in height or greater for more than 30 days. This provision excludes property that is classified as farmland, forest land, or open space.
Complaints should be filed with the Town Planner in his capacity as Zoning Enforcement Officer. Violators will receive a written notification of violation and will have ten days to either bring the property into compliance or submit an action plan that includes an estimated timeframe on remediation. If a property owner in violation fails to either remedy the blight or submit in action plan after ten days, penalties can be assessed in accordance with state law. Failure to pay penalties will result in a lien on the property to remedy the blight.
Special consideration will be given to individuals who are elderly and disabled, or active members of any branch of military service in remedying blighted property.
The new ordinance is in effect as of Friday, July 26th, 2024. From this date forward, forms can be found online on the town website, northbranfordct.gov, or available in paper format in the Building Department at Town Hall for residents who wish to file a complaint regarding blighted property.