Greenwich, CT Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)

Section 6D-2 defines blighted premises broadly: a structure that risks collapse, fire or infestation, has been declared unfit for human habitation by the Director of Health, has missing or boarded windows, a collapsing wall, sagging roof, damaged siding or foundation, pest infestation, or is dilapidated and unsafe as found by the Building Officer, Police Chief, Fire Marshal or Health Director. Section 6D-3 prohibits any owner or occupant from causing or perpetuating such conditions anywhere in the Town. Enforcement runs through the Blight Officer, appointed by the First Selectman with the advice of the Blight Review Board, a panel made up of the Town Administrator, Chief of Police, Fire Chief, Building Officer, Commissioner of Human Services, Health Director, Director of Planning and Zoning and Fire Marshal or their designees under Section 6D-2(e).

After an investigation, the Board decides whether a probable violation exists, and if the owner fails to correct it within the deadline in the Board's written action plan, Section 6D-6 requires a formal notice of violation, followed by a citation under Section 6D-7 if the violation continues. An owner may contest the citation before a Hearing Officer within 30 days under Section 6D-8. Section 6D-12 sets the civil penalty at the greater of $100 or the maximum allowed under C.G.S. Section 7-148(c)(7)(H)(xv) for each day the violation continues past the deadline, and Section 6D-14 turns any unpaid penalty into a lien on the real estate, enforceable like a property tax lien. Special consideration for extra time is available to elderly, disabled or low-income owners under Section 6D-9.