Politics & Government

Public Hearing Proposed for Blight Ordinance

Ridgefield will host a public hearing on Jan. 8, 2014 in the Town Hall Large Conference Room to receive comments on the proposed blight ordinance.

 The proposed ordinance contains numerous definitions about blight and what the proposed ordinance covers, and this is a controversial issue, because people worry about how the town will enforce a "blight ordinance."

A property is blighted if, “It is dilapidated or becoming dilapidated as documented by the Building Official.”

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 The Police Department and the Fire Marshal could also designate a property dilapidated if it is unsafe for people.

Any property is blighted if it poses, “a serious or immediate danger to the safety, health or general welfare of the community.”

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 The ordinance defines dilapidated as any building or structure that is deemed an unsafe structure or is designated as “unfit for human habitation.”

 The entire proposed ordinance is available here.

Beyond safety issues, a property might be blighted if it isn't properly maintained.

"The following factors may be considered in determining whether it is not being adequately maintained 

 multiple missing, broken or boarded windows or doors. 

 collapsing or missing walls, roof or floors. 

 seriously damaged or missing siding. 

 a structurally faulty foundation. 

 excessive amounts of garbage or trash. 

 abandoned or unregistered motor vehicles, including cars, trucks, boats and 

motor cycles, or other inoperable machinery on the premises.

 rodent harborage and/or infestation.  

 unrepaired fire or water damage. 

 parking lots left in a state of disrepair or abandonment.


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