North Branford expands blight ordinance

NORTH BRANFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — A new ordinance going into effect Friday widens what is considered blight in North Branford.

The town council approved the new ordinance in June as part of a way to “protect the well-being and property values of residents,” according to an announcement on Thursday.

Under the new law, discarded car parts, appliances, furniture and other materials that are considered to be unsanitary or dangerous are considered a nuisance.

According to the announcement, the town can consider a property blighted if:

1. 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.
2. Is attracting illegal activity as identified by the Police Department.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.

Violators will receive a written notice and will either have 10 days to come into compliance or to submit an action plan. If neither is done, they could face an unspecified penalty.

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