GENERAL PROVISIONS
Fire prevention and protection — See Ch. 7.
Housing — See Ch. 11.
Trailers — See Ch. 21.
[Code 1962, § 4.3 (100.10); Ord. of 3-4-1971; Ord. of 4-12-1995; Ord. of 6-3-2002; Ord. of 7-1-2002: Ord. of 12-2-2019]
(a) 
Before receiving a building permit as required under the Connecticut State Building Code, the property owner or his/her designated agent shall pay permit fee(s) as adopted by the Building Official for the City of Milford. Fees may be assessed for functions, including, but not limited to, permits, plan reviews, inspections, and special events.
(b) 
The Building Office shall post the fee schedule(s) in the offices of the Department of Permitting and Land Use and Building Inspection Division, in public view, and on the City of Milford's website.
Building, Signs, Swimming Pool, and Demolition Permit Fees:
For the first $1,000 or any portion thereof the first $1,000 (of construction value as determined by the Building Official): $15
For every $1,000 or portion thereof above the first $1,000 and up to $5,000,000 (of construction value as determined by the Building Official): $12
For every $1,000 or portion thereof above $5,000,000: $6
Electrical, Heating, Plumbing, Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, Ventilation and Exhaust Systems, Elevator Equipment, Lift Equipment, Compactors, Generators, Temporary Heating Commercial, Cooking Appliances Commercial, Hoods, Fans, Commercial Permit Fees:
For the first $1,000 or portion thereof the first $1,000 (of construction value as determined by the Building Official): $15
For every $1,000 or portion thereof above the first $1,000 and up to $2,500,000 (of construction value as determined by the Building Official): $12
For every $1,000 or portion thereof above $2,500,000 (of construction value as determined by the Building Official): $6
Demolition Permit Fees:
Up to $1,000: $15
Above $1,000: $15
Plus $6 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof above $1,000
Reinspection:
For each reinspection provided for any address where the following exist — incomplete work, violations or for any other reason designated by the inspector: $15
Certificate of Use/Occupancy Fee Schedule:
Residential buildings and additions of less than two dwelling units: $15
Residential buildings and additions of two or more dwelling units: $15 Per Unit
Accessory structures to above: $15
For All Other Buildings and Structures:
Up to 50,000 square feet (total area): $25
Over 50,000 square feet up to 500,000 square feet: $35
Over 500,000 square feet: $50
For a Permit and Inspection for Carnivals, Exhibits, Bazaars, Exterior Assembly, Reviewing Stand and Bazaar: $50
[Added 9-12-2011; amended 12-3-2012]
(a) 
Permit fees as set forth in §6-1 above, excluding any portion required by the Connecticut General Statutes, for permit applications submitted as a result of damage sustained from a natural disaster, as declared by the Governor of the State of Connecticut, pursuant to Title V of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. §§ 5191 through 5193, as amended, and implementing regulations of 44 CFR Part 205, Subparts B and C, shall be waived with respect to any building, dwelling, structure or improvement located on any real property, only to the extent of said damage, in whole or in part. This waiver of fees may be applied retroactively. Any property owner seeking a retroactive refund pursuant to this section must make a written request to the Director of the Department of Permitting and Land Use, or designee, within one year of the issuance of said permit.
(b) 
To be eligible for the above permit fee waiver, property owners shall submit proof to the satisfaction of the Director of the Department of Permitting and Land Use, or designee, that the permit sought is strictly in connection with the replacement and/or repair of a building, dwelling, structure or improvement that sustained damage from a natural disaster, as declared by the Governor of the State of Connecticut and as set forth in Subsection (a) above. Such proof may include, but not be limited to, evidence of an insurance claim, architect’s certificate, engineer’s certificate or any other evidentiary information the Director of the Department of Permitting and Land Use, or designee, may deem necessary.
[Code 1962, § 4-3]
Nothing in this chapter contained shall prohibit the owner of a building or structure from personally installing the plumbing or electrical system in his own residence; provided, however, that the plans and specifications for all such work must first be submitted to the building officials for their approval, and the issuance of the necessary permits. All such work shall be performed by the owner himself in accordance with the provisions of the State Building Code, and the owner shall make application for all required inspections and tests.
[Ord. of 2-7-1972; Ord. of 7-1-2002]
Any person who shall violate a provision of the State Basic Building Code shall fail to comply with any of the requirements thereof or shall erect, construct, alter or repair a building or structure in violation of any approved plan or directive of the Building Official, or of a permit or certificate issued under the provisions of such code, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of not more than $500 or by imprisonment not exceeding one year, or both such fine and imprisonment. Each day that a violation continues shall be deemed a separate offense. In addition to all other fines and penalties hereunder, violation of any provision of this section or permits issued hereunder shall double the permit fees. The City of Milford may initiate civil action seeking injunction, as well as other relief to prevent violation(s) of this chapter.
[Ord. of 1-7-1991]
All municipal projects of the City of Milford are and shall henceforth be exempted from liability for building permit fees and may be issued permits and certificates of occupancy without charge therefor, provided that such projects must adhere to all regulations and qualifications necessary according to building codes of the City.
[Ord. of 2-4-2008; amended 9-14-2009; 5-5-2014]
No person shall demolish any building, structure, or part thereof without first obtaining a permit authorizing demolition from the Building Department. Permits under this section shall be valid for six months from the date of issuance or any extension thereof. No such permit shall be issued until the applicant:
(1) 
Complies with the provisions of Connecticut General Statutes § 29-406(a); and
(2) 
Complies with the provisions of Sections 6-7 and 6-9 of this article if the building, structure or part thereof is a designated structure as defined herein.
[Added 9-14-2009; amended 1-4-2010]
The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this article, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
APPLICATION
An application for a demolition permit to demolish a building, structure or part thereof.
DEMOLITION/DEMOLISH
The intentional act of disassembling, dismantling, dismembering, removal, alteration, replacement and/or razing of exterior walls of any building or structure. Nothing herein shall be construed to prevent the ordinary maintenance or repair of any exterior architectural feature which does not involve a change in the appearance or design thereof.
DESIGNATED STRUCTURE
A building, structure or part thereof which is 500 square feet or larger and 75 years old or more.
NOTICE OF INTENT
A notice of intent to demolish any designated structure that complies with the requirements of Section 6-7(b).
[Ord. of 3-4-2002; Ord. of 2-4-2008; amended 9-14-2009; 5-5-2014; 3-2-2015]
(a) 
Any person applying for a permit authorizing the demolition of a building, structure or part thereof shall file a permit application with the Building Department. Such permit application shall contain, in addition to other information as may be required, the name and address of the owner of the building, structure or part thereof to be demolished and the address, age and square footage of the building or structure to be demolished. Verification of both size and age shall be provided by the applicant. If the age of the building or structure is unknown, not indicated, or in dispute, it shall be assumed to be at least 75 years old or more for the purpose of this article.
(b) 
If the building, structure or part thereof to be demolished is a designated structure, as defined in Section 6-6 above, then, within seven days following the filing of the application, the applicant shall:
(1) 
Mail a notice of intent to the owners of all property abutting and across the street from the property on which the building(s) or structure(s) to be demolished is located. Notice to a condominium association alone shall be deemed notice to all owners therein. The applicant shall provide certificates of mailing as evidence of compliance with this provision.
(2) 
Mail a notice of intent to the City Historian, as well as any organization concerned with the preservation of buildings or structures within the City. Said notice shall include a dated copy of the permit application submitted to the Building Department. To be entitled to notification under this provision, any such organization shall register with the Building Department, indicating a desire to be notified of such applications. The applicant shall provide certificates of mailing as evidence of compliance with this provision.
(3) 
Post, in a conspicuous location on the property on which the building or structure to be demolished is situated, a sign at least 24 inches by 36 inches in size, visible from the nearest public or private street. Such sign shall include a copy of the notice of intent and shall contain the word "DEMOLITION" in capital letters no less than two inches in height. Signs required hereunder shall remain posted on the property for 14 days.
[Added 9-14-2009]
Within 14 days after filing the application to demolish a designated structure the applicant shall file in the Building Department an affidavit under oath, on a form provided by the Building Department, certifying that all of the requirements of this article have been complied with and attaching thereto a copy of the notice of intent, photograph of the posted sign and all certificates of mailing.
[Added 9-14-2009; amended 5-5-2014; 3-2-2015]
A waiting period of 120 days following the date upon which the Building Department receives a permit application shall be imposed on the demolition of a designated structure which is subject to the provisions of this article. Any objections to the issuance of the permit shall be in writing and received by the Building Division not later than 30 days following the date of mailing of the required notice of intent. Objections shall state the architectural, historic or cultural importance of the subject building or structure. Objections which do not provide such information shall not be considered. In the event that no objections meeting the requirements of this section are received within the time prescribed herein, the Building Official may issue the permit. The City Historian shall have the authority to waive the waiting period provided by this section. Any such waiver must be in writing and submitted to the Building Division.
[Ord. of 3-4-2002; Ord. of 2-4-2008; amended 9-14-2009]
This article is intended to supplement and not to limit any requirements now or hereafter imposed on any applicant for or recipient of a demolition permit and to supplement and not limit any authority now or hereafter granted to the Building Official by the State Building Code and the State Demolition Code.
[Ord. of 3-4-2002; Ord. of 2-4-2008; amended 9-14-2009]
Failure to abide by the provisions of this article shall subject the violator to all applicable penalties under state law. In addition to any and all other remedies, the Chief Building Official is authorized to institute a civil action to obtain compliance with the requirements of this article or to prevent a threatened violation thereof.
[Ord. of 3-4-2002; Ord. of 2-4-2008; amended 9-14-2009]
The provisions of this article shall not apply to:
(1) 
Any building, structure or part thereof. the proposed demolition of which was on file with the Building Department on the date of passage of this article.
(2) 
Orders issued by the Director of the Health or the Building Official for emergency application because of a threat to public health and/or safety.
(3) 
Any building, structure or part thereof acquired by the City of Milford through foreclosure or otherwise which has been designated by the Mayor as a "blighted structure."
[Adopted 2-3-2014]
[1]
Editor's Note: Former Art. II, which pertained to the condemnation of certain buildings and created a Board of Condemnation was been deleted as the ordinance of 2-8-1977 which adopted said article was declared invalid by court order.
(a) 
No building or structure, as described in Subsection (b) below, shall be constructed, altered or changed in occupancy classification until such plans have been reviewed by the Fire Marshal for compliance with the requirements contained in this article.
(b) 
Except as otherwise provided in this article, no person shall erect, construct, change the use of or construct an addition of more than 50% of the gross floor area to any building or structure of Type I or Type II construction which exceeds 10,000 square feet in gross floor area, including any portions thereof which may be located below grade, which fails to support adequate radio coverage. For the purposes of this section, the term "building" shall be construed to include parking structures and stairwells. The term "adequate radio coverage" shall be construed to include all of the following:
(1) 
A minimum signal strength of one microvolt (-107 dBm) available in 95% of the area of each floor of the building, including areas below grade, if applicable, when transmitted from the City of Milford Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP);
(2) 
A minimum signal strength of one microvolt (-107 dBm) received at the PSAP when transmitted from 95% of the area of each floor of the building, including areas below grade, if applicable;
(3) 
A frequency range compatible with the Milford Fire Department and Milford Police Department must be supported; and
(4) 
A one-hundred-percent reliability factor.
(a) 
Buildings and structures subject to the requirements of this article that do not provide adequate radio coverage shall be equipped with an internal multiple antenna system with FCC-type accepted bidirectional amplifiers compatible with the Milford Fire Department and Milford Police Department as necessary to achieve adequate radio coverage.
(b) 
If any part of the installed system or systems contains an electrically powered component, the system shall be capable of operating on an independent battery and/or generator system for a period of at least 12 hours without external power input. The battery system shall automatically charge in the presence of an external power input. The amplification system, if powered, will be monitored by the building fire alarm system. If the system shifts to auxiliary power, as stated above, the building fire alarm system will indicate trouble for that dedicated zone.
(c) 
Any person who constructs or develops a commercial or industrial building or structure shall provide two raceways within the walls into which the cable needed to support a multiple antenna system could be laid. Such raceways shall include an opening in the roof which allows for installation or replacement of an exterior antenna and shall include access to each floor.
(a) 
Acceptance test procedure.
(1) 
Upon completion of the installation of an in-building radio system required pursuant to Section 6-16 above, the building owner shall have said radio system tested in the manner described herein to ensure that overall two-way coverage within the building, including all areas located below grade, is a minimum 95% of each floor area.
(2) 
A maximum of two nonadjacent areas on any floor will be allowed to fail the test. The test shall be conducted using a Motorola MT 2000, or equivalent, portable radio, talking through the City of Milford Fire and Police Radio System as specified by the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) and conducted under the supervision of the City of Milford Chief of Police, Chief of Fire, or their designee. The center of a grid area will be located for the test. The radio will be keyed to verify two-way communication to and reception from the City of Milford PSAP.
(3) 
The gain values of all amplifiers shall be measured and the test measurement results shall be kept on file with the building owner, and a copy shall be submitted to the City of Milford Fire Marshal's Office, so that the measurements can be verified each year during the annual tests. In the event the measurement results become lost, the building owner will be required to repeat the acceptance test to reestablish the gain values.
(4) 
Qualifications of acceptance test personnel. All tests shall be conducted, documented and signed by a person in possession of a current FCC license, or a current technician certification issued by the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials International (APCO), the Personal Communications Industry Association (PCIA), or the National Association of Business and Educational Radio (NABER). All test records shall be retained on the inspected premises by the building owner, and a copy shall be submitted to the City of Milford Fire Marshal's Office.
(b) 
Annual tests. When an in-building radio system is required, it shall be the building owner's responsibility to have all active components of the system, such as amplifiers, power supplies and backup batteries, tested at least once every 12 months. Amplifiers shall be tested to ensure that the gain is the same as it was upon initial installation and acceptance. Backup batteries and power supplies shall be tested under load for a period of one hour to verify that they will properly operate during an actual power outage. If within the one-hour test period the battery exhibits symptoms of failure in the opinion of the testing technician, the test shall be extended for additional one-hour periods until the integrity of the battery can be determined. All other active components shall be checked to determine that they are operating within the manufacturers' specifications for the intended purpose. When possible, the annual test should be scheduled in conjunction with the annual life safety code inspection conducted by the City of Milford Fire Department.
(c) 
Radio testing. Police and fire personnel, after providing reasonable notice to the owner or his or her representative, shall be permitted to enter onto the property to conduct field testing to be certain that the required level of radio coverage is present.
The requirements of this article may be modified upon a written request of the owner when unique or unusual circumstances exist within a building or structure which make full compliance with this article practically infeasible. Upon a unanimous determination by the Building Official, Fire Chief and Police Chief that said circumstances exist and that a lower standard of compliance may be achieved without sacrificing the general intent of this article, a written waiver may be issued detailing the permissible variances.
This article shall not apply to residential structures containing three or fewer dwelling units.
Any person violating the provisions of this article shall be fined $90 for each day during or on which a violation occurs or continues to occur.