Town of Simsbury, CT Littering

Any dwelling, house, building or other structure designed or used either wholly or in part for private residential purposes, commercial or industrial purposes, whether inhabited or temporarily or continuously uninhabited or vacant, and shall include any yard, grounds, walk, driveway, parking area as defined in Connecticut Public Act 75-448, porch, steps, vestibule or mailbox belonging or appurtenant to such dwelling, house, building or other structure.

§ 106-2 Owner to maintain premises free of litter.

The owner or person in control of any private property shall at all times maintain said property free of litter. The storage of litter in proper containers for collection shall not be considered a violation of this chapter.

§ 106-3 Notice to remove litter, failure comply; assessment of costs and expenses.

The Town Manager or his authorized representative is hereby authorized and empowered to notify the owner of any private property within the town or the agent of such owner to dispose of litter located on such owner's property which is unsightly or dangerous to public health, safety or welfare. Said notice shall be by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, addressed to such owner at the address shown on the last completed grand list or to his agent at his last known address.

[Amended 7-12-2021]

Action upon noncompliance. Upon the failure, neglect or refusal of any owner or agent so notified to dispose of litter unsightly or dangerous to public health, safety or welfare within five days after receipt of written notice provided for in Subsection A above, or within five days after the date of such notice in the event the same is returned by the United States Postal Service because of its inability to make delivery thereof, provided that the same was properly addressed to such owner or agent, the First Selectman or his authorized representative is hereby authorized and empowered to pay for the disposing of such litter or to order its disposal by the town.

Recorded statement constitutes lien. Upon completion of such work, the First Selectman or his authorized representative shall determine the reasonable cost thereof and bill the owner or agent therefor. Upon failure of the owner or agent to remit to the town the amount of such charge within 30 days from the date of such notice shall cause to be recorded in the land records of the town a sworn statement showing the cost and expense incurred for the work, the date the work was done and the location of the property on which said work was done. The recordation of such sworn statement shall constitute a lien and privilege on the property and shall remain in full force and effect for the amount due in principal and legal interest, plus costs of court, if any, for collection, until final payment has been made. Sworn statements recorded in accordance with the provisions hereof shall be prima facie evidence that all legal formalities have been complied with and that the work has been done properly and satisfactorily and shall be full notice to every person concerned that the amount of the statement, plus interest at the same rate as allowed for delinquent town taxes, constitutes a charge against the property designated or described in the statement and that the same is due and collectible as provided by law. Said lien shall be of the same effect and may be foreclosed in the same manner as a tax lien.

§ 106-4 Penalties for offenses.

[Amended 1-8-1990]

A violation of any provision of this chapter shall be an infraction as provided for in Connecticut General Statutes Sections 51-164m and 51-164n. Pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes Section 51-164p, any such violation shall be punishable by a fine of not more than $90 for each offense. Each day that such offense is committed or permitted to continue shall constitute a separate offense and shall be punishable as such hereunder.