Norwalk, CT Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)

Section 58A-2 of the Blight Prevention chapter, adopted February 27, 2024 and amended November 26, 2024, prohibits any owner from causing or allowing property to become a Blighted Property, or from allowing one to continue existing. Section 58A-1 defines Blighted Property broadly to include conditions that pose a serious danger to the community, structures that are not adequately maintained (missing windows or roof, damaged siding, fire damage, a faulty foundation, junk or abandoned vehicles on the lot), properties cited for state or City code violations, sites tied to documented criminal activity or fire hazards, and any Property Maintenance Violation as separately defined in the chapter.

The Blight Prevention Officer, who is the Chief Building Official or a designee, must first send a written warning describing each violation and a reasonable correction period. If the owner does not correct it, a citation can issue no sooner than 15 days after the warning's deadline. Citation hearings go before an independent hearing officer, a Connecticut Bar Association member appointed by the Mayor, and can be appealed to Connecticut Superior Court. If a citation goes uncorrected for 30 days, the City itself may correct the conditions and add its costs, plus the fine, as a lien on the property; a third or later violation within 12 months lets the City abate immediately.