Town of Manchester, CT General Requirements

All premises shall be graded and maintained to prevent the erosion of soil and to prevent the accumulation of stagnant water thereon, or within any structure located thereon.

Exception: water retention areas and reservoirs approved by the Department of Public Works.

Sidewalks and driveways. All sidewalks, walkways, stairs, driveways, parking spaces and similar areas necessary for access from the public way into the premises shall be kept in a proper state of repair and maintained free from hazardous conditions. Stairs shall comply with the requirements of §§ 242-17J and 242-41C.

Weeds. All premises and exterior property shall be maintained free from weeds in excess of 10 inches (254 mm). All noxious weeds shall be prohibited from areas of expected and authorized human presence. "Weeds" shall be defined as all grasses, annual plants and vegetation other than trees or shrubs; provided, however, this term (weeds) shall not include cultivated flowers and gardens. This section shall not apply to drainage detention basins approved by agencies of the Town; land held under a deed of restriction for conservation or designated as open space upon the records of the Office of the Assessor; land used for active farming for a period of greater than four months during the year; easements in favor of public utilities (including but not limited to electrical, gas, water, sewage, and storm drainage); watershed land owned by a public water supply company or division of government; nor to inland wetlands and watercourses regulated by the Manchester Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission. Parcels of land not otherwise exempted but consisting of areas in excess of two acres shall not be subject to this section, except that the 20 feet nearest a public street shall be subject to the provisions of this section. Rights-of-way within which a public street is located shall be maintained free of weeds only to the extent required by the Traffic Authority for the maintenance of adequate sight lines. When a vacant residential property is in violation of this subsection, a minimum of 14 days have passed since service of the initial notice of the violation and neither the owner nor any responsible person can be located, then, upon the recommendation of the Property Maintenance Enforcement Committee, the Town or its agents may remediate the violation at the Town's expense, which expense may be recovered by the Town in a civil action against the owner. The Town shall have a lien against the property for such recovery. The remedies provided in this subsection shall be in addition to those permitted by §§ 242-6 and 242-7.

Rat harborage. All structures and exterior property shall be kept free from rat infestation. Where rats are found, they shall be promptly exterminated by approved processes which will not be injurious to human health. After extermination, proper precautions shall be taken to prevent reinfestation.

Exhaust vents. Pipes, ducts, conductors, fans or blowers shall not discharge gases, steam, vapor, hot air, grease, smoke, odors or other gaseous or particulate wastes directly upon abutting or adjacent public or private property or that of another tenant.

Accessory structures. All accessory structures, including detached garages, fences and walls, shall be maintained structurally sound and in good repair.

Motor vehicles.

Except as provided for in other regulations, not more than one currently unregistered motor vehicle shall be parked, kept or stored on any premises, and no vehicle shall at any time be in a state of major disassembly, disrepair, or in the process of being stripped or dismantled.

Exceptions:

(a)

A vehicle of any type is permitted to undergo major overhaul, including body work, provided that such work is performed inside a structure or enclosed area designed and approved for such purposes.

(b)

Unregistered vehicles displayed on business premises licensed by the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles as new or used car dealers or automobile repair facilities.

(c)

Vehicles or equipment used in construction, road maintenance, utility maintenance, municipal maintenance or by the United States Postal Service which are unregistered or undergoing active repair, provided that the area is contained within an eight-foot opaque fence or plantings of similar height so as to screen and minimize the view from a public street or land not owned by the operator of the facility upon which such vehicles and equipment are stored or being repaired.

§ 242-17 Exterior structure.

General. The exterior of a structure shall be maintained in good repair, free of blight, structurally sound and sanitary so as not to pose a threat to the public health, safety or welfare.

Exterior painting. All wood and metal surfaces, including but not limited to window frames, doors, door frames, cornices, porches and trim, shall be maintained in good condition. Peeling, flaking and chipped paint in excess of 25% of the painted surfaces of the building shall be eliminated and surfaces repainted. Notwithstanding this provision of the code, all applicable federal and state regulations pertaining to lead paint issues shall govern in the event of a conflict.

Street numbers. All street numbers shall be installed as required in Chapter 137, Buildings, Numbering of, of the Manchester Town Code.

Structural members. All structural members shall be maintained free from deterioration and shall be capable of safely supporting the imposed dead and live loads.

Foundation walls. All foundation walls shall be maintained plumb, structurally sound and free from open cracks and breaks and shall be kept in such condition so as to prevent the entry of rats.

Exterior walls. All exterior walls shall be free from holes, breaks, loose or rotting materials; and maintained weatherproof and properly surface coated where required to prevent deterioration.

Roofs and drainage. The roof and flashing shall be sound, tight and not have defects that admit rain. Roof drainage shall be adequate to prevent dampness or deterioration in the walls or interior portion of the structure. Roof drains, gutters and downspouts shall be maintained in good repair and free from obstructions. Roof water shall not be discharged in a manner that creates a public nuisance.

Decorative features. All cornices, belt courses, corbels, terra cotta trim, wall facings and similar decorative features shall be maintained in good repair with proper anchorage and in a safe condition.

Overhang extensions. All canopies, marquees, signs, metal awnings, fire escapes, standpipes, exhaust ducts and similar overhang extensions shall be maintained in good repair and be properly anchored so as to be kept in a sound condition. When required, all exposed surfaces of metal or wood shall be protected from the elements and against decay or rust by periodic application of weather-coating materials, such as paint or similar surface treatment.

Stairs and walking surfaces. Every stair, ramp, balcony, porch, deck or other walking surface shall comply with the provisions of § 242-41C.

Stairways, decks, porches and balconies. Every exterior stairway, deck, porch and balcony, and all appurtenances attached thereto, shall be maintained structurally sound, in good repair, with proper anchorage and capable of supporting the imposed loads.

Chimneys and towers. All chimneys, cooling towers, smoke stacks, and similar appurtenances shall be maintained structurally safe and sound, and in good repair. All exposed surfaces of metal or wood shall be protected from the elements and against decay or rust by periodic application of weather-coating materials, such as paint or similar surface treatment.

Handrails and guards. Every handrail and guard shall be firmly fastened and capable of supporting normally imposed loads and shall be maintained in good condition.

Window and door frames. Every window, door and frame shall be kept in sound condition, good repair and weather tight.

Insect screens.

During the period from March 1 to November 30, every door, window and other outside opening utilized or required for ventilation purposes serving any residential structure containing habitable rooms, food preparation areas, food service areas, or any areas where products to be included or utilized in food for human consumption are processed shall be supplied with approved tightly fitting screens of not less than 16 mesh per inch, and every swinging door shall have a self-closing device in good working condition.

Exception: Screen doors shall not be required where other approved means, such as air curtains or insect-repellent fans, are employed.

Doors. All exterior doors and hardware shall be maintained in good condition. Locks at all entrances to dwelling units and rooming units shall tightly secure the door.

Basement hatchways. Every basement hatchway shall be maintained to prevent the entrance of rats, rain and surface drainage water.

Guards for basement windows. Every basement window that is openable shall be supplied with ratproof shields, storm windows or other approved protection against the entry of rats.

§ 242-18 Interior structure.

General. The interior of a structure and equipment therein shall be maintained in good repair, structurally sound and in a sanitary condition. Every occupant shall keep that part of the structure which such occupant occupies or controls in a clean and sanitary condition. Every owner of a structure containing a rooming house, a dormitory, two or more dwelling units or two or more nonresidential occupancies shall maintain, in a clean and sanitary condition, the shared or public areas of the structure and exterior property.

Structural members. All structural members shall be maintained structurally sound and be capable of supporting the imposed loads.

Interior surfaces. All interior surfaces, including windows and doors, shall be maintained in good, clean and sanitary condition. Peeling paint, cracked or loose plaster, decayed wood, and other defective surface conditions shall be corrected.

Lead-based paint. Interior and exterior painted surfaces of dwellings and child- and day-care facilities, including fences and outbuildings, which contain lead levels equal to or greater than 1.0 milligram per square centimeter or in excess of 0.50% lead by weight shall be maintained in a condition free from peeling, chipping and flaking paint or removed or covered in an approved manner. Any surface to be covered shall first be identified by approved warnings as to the lead content of such surface. The code official will attach a lead hazard warning to all repair orders for target dwellings whenever these conditions are not maintained.

Violations. Violations concerning lead-based paint shall be directed to the Director of Health for compliance with state and federal regulations.

Deteriorated condition of painted surfaces. If a child under six years of age resides in the property and there exist deteriorated, flaking or loose paint conditions, the code official will collect a dust wipe sample when applicable. The sample will be sent to the Director of Health along with a report of conditions. If the dust sample test results exceed safe conditions as determined by the Director of Health based upon state and federal standards, the Director of Health shall order the lead hazard conditions to be abated.

Stairs and railings. All interior stairs and railings shall be maintained in sound condition and good repair.

Stairs and walking surfaces. Every stair, ramp, balcony, porch, deck or other walking surface shall comply with the provisions of § 242-41C.

Handrails and guards. Every handrail and guard shall be firmly fastened and capable of supporting normally imposed loads and shall be maintained in good condition.

§ 242-19 Rubbish and garbage.

Accumulation of rubbish or garbage. All exterior property and premises and the interior of every structure shall be free from any accumulation of rubbish or garbage.

Disposal of rubbish. Every occupant of a structure shall dispose of all rubbish in a clean and sanitary manner by placing such rubbish in containers normally utilized for such purpose in accordance with prevailing industry standards.

Rubbish storage facilities. Tenants shall be responsible for the supplying of rubbish containers for all one- to four-unit dwellings. The owners shall be responsible for supplying rubbish containers for buildings with five or more dwelling units.

Disposal of garbage. Every occupant of a dwelling shall store and dispose of any materials which might provide food for insects and/or rodents in a clean, safe and sanitary manner. All garbage cans and refuse containers shall be ratproof, insectproof, watertight, structurally strong to withstand handling stress, and easily filled, emptied and cleaned; shall be provided with tight-fitting covers or similar closures; and shall be maintained at all times in a clean, sanitary condition. Plastic bags may be used as garbage and refuse liners, but shall not be used without the container for on-site storage of garbage or refuse; provided, however, the code official may approve the use of plastic bags in circumstances which are found to be ratproof, insectproof and at all times in a clean and sanitary condition. All bulk storage containers shall be equipped with self-closing lids.

Garbage facilities. Every owner of a dwelling containing five or more dwelling units shall supply facilities or refuse containers for the clean, safe and sanitary storage and/or disposal of garbage and/or refuse. The total capacity of all provided garbage and/or refuse containers shall be sufficient to meet the needs of the occupants of the dwelling. In the case of dwellings containing four units or less, it shall be the responsibility of each occupant to furnish such facilities or containers.

Recycling. Containers and materials used in conjunction with an approved waste recovery (recycling) program shall be provided in accordance with such program. The presence of such materials and containers shall not constitute a violation of other provisions of this § 242-19. Tenants shall be responsible for supplying approved recycling containers for all one- to four-unit dwellings. Owners shall be responsible for supplying approved recycling containers for buildings with five or more dwelling units.

Compost. Compost must be kept in an enclosure or bin not to exceed a footprint of 150 square feet or be more than 4 1/2 feet tall, and located to the rear of the dwelling.

§ 242-20 Extermination.

Infestation. All structures shall be kept free from insect and rat infestation. All structures in which insects or rats are found shall be promptly exterminated by approved processes that will not be injurious to human health. After extermination, proper precautions shall be taken to prevent reinfestation.

Owner. The owner of any structure shall be responsible for extermination within the structure prior to renting or leasing the structure.

Single occupant. The occupant of a one-family dwelling or of a single-tenant nonresidential structure shall be responsible for extermination on the premises.

Multiple occupancy. The owner of a structure containing two or more dwelling units, a multiple occupancy, a rooming house or a nonresidential structure shall be responsible for extermination in the public or shared areas of the structure and exterior property. If infestation is caused by failure of an occupant to prevent such infestation in the area occupied, the occupants shall be responsible for extermination.

Occupant.

The occupant of any structure shall be responsible for the continued rat-free, insect-free condition of the structure, and if the occupant fails to maintain the rat-free, insect-free condition, the cost of extermination shall be the responsibility of the occupant.

Exception: Where rat infestations are caused by defects in the structure, the owner shall be responsible for extermination.

Referral to Director of Health. When deemed by a competent professional that the infestation has been found to be infectious, the matter will be referred to the Director of Health for appropriate action.

§ 242-21 Rooming houses, rooming units and tenement units; license requirements.

General. No person shall operate a rooming house or tenement unit or shall occupy or let to another for occupancy any tenement unit or rooming unit in any dwelling which is not in compliance with the appropriate provisions of every section of this code. No owner or other person shall occupy or let to another for occupancy any rooming unit or tenement unit unless it complies with all applicable requirements of the Town of Manchester.

Licensing requirements. No person shall operate a rooming house or tenement unit unless he holds a current, unrevoked rooming house or tenement unit license issued by the code official in the name of the operator and for the specific dwelling. The operator shall apply to the code official for such license, which shall be issued by the code official upon compliance by the operator with the applicable provisions of this code and of any procedural rules and regulations adopted pursuant thereto. This license shall be displayed in a conspicuous place within the dwelling at all times. Every person holding such a license shall give notice in writing to the code official within 24 hours after having sold, transferred, given away or otherwise disposed of ownership of, interest in or control of any rooming house or tenement unit. Such notice shall include the name and address of the person succeeding to the ownership or control of such rooming house or tenement unit. The new owner or operator must apply for transfer of the rooming house or tenement unit license within 48 hours of receiving ownership or control of the rooming house or tenement unit. Every rooming house or tenement unit license shall expire at the end of one year following its date of issuance, unless sooner suspended or revoked as hereinafter provided, and may be reissued for successive periods of not to exceed one year.

Issuance or renewal of license. No operating license shall be issued or renewed unless the applicant, owner or operator agrees in his application to such inspection as the code official may require to determine whether the rooming house or tenement unit in connection with such license is sought is in compliance with the applicable provisions and with applicable procedural rules and regulations adopted pursuant thereto.

Temporary license. No such license shall be issued unless the rooming house or tenement unit in connection with which the license is sought is found after inspection to meet all applicable requirements and applicable procedural rules and regulations adopted pursuant thereto; except that a temporary license may be issued for a period not to exceed 60 days whenever an unmet requirement does not present a serious or immediate hazard to the health, safety and welfare of the occupants and when in the opinion of the code official the temporary license is in harmony with the general purpose and intent of this code.

Denial of license. Any person whose application for a license to operate a rooming house or tenement unit has been denied may request in writing and shall be granted a hearing on the matter before the Municipal Board of Appeals pursuant to § 242-11 of this code.

Owner's maintenance. The operator of every rooming house or tenement unit shall maintain in a clean, safe and sanitary condition the shared and/or public areas of the rooming house and premises thereof.

Occupant's maintenance. The occupant of every rooming unit or tenement unit shall maintain in a clean, safe and sanitary condition that part or those parts of the rooming house, rooming unit or tenement unit and premises thereof that he occupies and controls, except that whenever the operator agrees as part of the letting for occupancy to provide cleaning or maintenance services, the operator shall provide these services and the occupant shall allow the operator or his agent to enter at reasonable times the areas which the occupant occupies and controls for the purpose of providing these services.

Bathroom and toilet rooms. At least one flush water closet, lavatory basin and bathtub or shower shall be supplied for the exclusive use of each two tenement units. At least one flush water closet, lavatory basin and bathtub or shower, properly connected to a water and sewer system approved by the appropriate authority and in good working condition, shall be supplied for each five persons or fraction thereof residing within a rooming house, including members of the operator's family whenever they share the use of said facilities, provided:

Flush urinals: That in a rooming house where rooms are let only to males, flush urinals may be substituted for not more than 1/2 the required number of flush water closets, and provided that there shall be at least one flush water closet.

Toilet room location: That all such facilities shall be so located within the dwelling as to be reasonably accessible to all persons sharing such facilities and from a common hall or passageway, and provided that for a rooming house such facilities are not located more than one floor above or below the rooming unit served and for a tenement unit such facilities are located on the same floor as the tenement unit served.

Water temperature: That every lavatory basin and bathtub or shower shall be supplied with adequate heated and unheated water under pressure at all times.

(4)

Location: That if a rooming house has only one bathroom for use by the occupants of the rooming units, said facilities shall not be located below grade.

Habitable rooms. Every rooming unit and tenement unit shall comply with all the requirements of this code pertaining to a habitable room. In addition, every window in every rooming unit shall be supplied with shades, drapes or other device or material which, when properly used, will afford privacy to the occupant of the rooming unit.

Space requirements. Every rooming house and tenement unit shall comply with the following minimum space requirements:

Minimum floor area. In each tenement unit there shall be at least one room containing not less than 120 square feet of floor area.

Calculation of floor space. There shall be at least 100 square feet of floor area for each occupant thereof. The floor space shall be calculated on the basis of total habitable room area.

Area for sleeping purposes. Every room occupied for sleeping purposes by one person shall contain at least 70 square feet of floor area, and every room occupied for sleeping purposes by more than one person shall contain at least 50 square feet of floor area for each occupant thereof.

(4)

Shared or public areas. Whenever a rooming unit contains less than 100 square feet of floor area for each occupant thereof, there shall be sufficient shared or public area available to provide a total of 100 square feet for the use of each occupant of the rooming unit. The floor space shall be calculated on the basis of habitable room area only.

Rooming house. The following provisions shall apply in all rooming houses:

Cooking prohibited. Cooking in rooming units is prohibited.

Communal cooking and dining facilities. Communal cooking and dining facilities in a rooming house must be approved by the code official in writing.