The purpose of this chapter is to promote public safety and
convenience through the provisions of a uniform system of numbering
buildings, properties and houses in the Town of Wethersfield in order
to ease the speed in which the public and emergency services such
as firefighting, police and emergency medical care are able to efficiently
locate properties.
The Engineering Division shall assign street address numbers
to all properties in the Town and shall direct the owner to affix
to his or her premises figures indicating the building/house numbers
assigned. The Engineering Division shall mail a copy of the assigned
street number to the property owner who shall be responsible for affixing
the building/house number within 30 days after the sending of the
notice.
In affixing building/house numbers, the property owner shall
conform to the following specifications:
A. Building/house numbers shall be plain block script or written numbers
made of durable materials such as metal, glass, wood or plastic, or
they may be painted.
B. All building/house numbers shall be at least three inches in height.
C. Building/house numbers shall be of a color contrasting with the color
of the background to which they are affixed. Owners are encouraged,
but not required, to use numbers made of reflective material and to
illuminate building numbers so as to be easily visible at night.
D. If a building is less than 100 feet from the center line of the street
on which it fronts, the building numbers shall be located on the front
of the building or on a signpost or mailbox located between the building
and street on which it fronts, so that the number shall be visible
and readable from both left and right approaches.
E. If a building is set back more than 100 feet from the center line
of the street on which it fronts, or if the numerals cannot be read
from the center line because of obstructions, an additional building/house
number shall be affixed to a signpost, mailbox, or fence which shall
be located along the street line and within 10 feet of the principal
driveway or principal walkway entrance to the premises in a manner
so as to be visible from either direction of travel on the street.
F. In general, when affixed, all building/house numbers shall be positioned
not less than four feet nor more than 12 feet from the surface of
the ground directly below them. Exception to this provision of this
chapter may be granted by the Engineering Division in cases where
it is determined visibility is adequate.
G. On a corner lot, the building/house number shall face the street
named in the address.
H. When the Engineering Division and/or the Fire Marshal determines
the need for multiple building numbers to be displayed in the best
interest of safety, or in the case of commercial properties or multitenant
apartments or condominiums, an owner/occupant may be required to affix
building numbers at both front and rear entrances or locations otherwise
determined by the Engineering Division and/or Fire Marshal.
I. Building/house numbers shall be displayed on approved building lots
prior to the commencement of any site work or construction.
J. Property owners shall ensure that street address numbers are maintained
in good repair and readable.
This chapter has been specifically designated for enforcement
by citations issued by designated municipal officers or employees,
and the citation hearing procedure established by Chapter 168 of the Code of the Town of Wethersfield shall be followed.
A. All new construction shall have a building/house number affixed in
compliance with the guidelines set forth herein prior to the issuance
of a certificate of occupancy.
B. Owners of existing buildings must comply with this ordinance within
30 days from the date of enacting this chapter.
In the event that a property owner is cited for a violation
of this chapter the property owner shall have 10 days from date of
notice, to comply and meet these requirements. If the owner does not
comply, he or she shall be subject to a fine of $25 for each day of
neglect or refusal.
Any person who is aggrieved by the enforcement of this chapter
may submit an appeal to the Citation Hearing Board as set forth by
that chapter.
This chapter shall be effective on May 1, 2011, and shall apply
to all buildings within the Town of Wethersfield.