Fairfield, CT Code Violation Reporting: How to Report (2026)

The Town of Fairfield handles code complaints about deteriorating property through Chapter 51, Blight Prevention, enacted under Connecticut Statutes § 7-148(7)(H)(xv). Under § 51-4A, a resident starts the process by filing a written complaint of a possible violation, signed by the complainant, with the Blight Prevention Officer. That officer is one of the Building Official, Fire Marshal or Director of Health, designated by the First Selectman under § 51-2, with one officer directing the others. If the investigation finds a probable violation, § 51-4B requires the officer to mail written notice by both regular and certified mail to the owner, agent or tenant, with a copy sent to the Town Department of Social Services when appropriate.

Under § 51-4C, that notice orders the recipient to a hearing before the Town Condemnation Board, which under § 51-4D issues a written determination of violation, the required corrective actions and an abatement deadline of not less than 30 days from mailing. If the property remains unabated past that deadline, § 51-5 imposes a $100-per-day fine, and § 51-6 authorizes the Blight Prevention Officer to issue a citation, following the hearing procedures of Chapter 11, Citations Hearings. Unpaid fines become a lien on the property under § 51-8 and Connecticut General Statutes § 7-148aa.

Complaints tied to a pending special permit or site plan for the same property get a 120-day exemption under § 51-10. The Blight Prevention Officer reports annually to the Representative Town Meeting each January on complaints received and their disposition, per § 51-13B.