Proposed Revisions to Norwalk Demolition Delay Ordinance
Council Pres. Mike Coffey
August 16, 2007

Norwalk Council President Michael W. Coffey announces the release of a revised Norwalk Demolition Delay Ordinance (NDDO). "The City's Historic structures are at risk, and it is important that we preserve Norwalk's important historic structures from the wrecking ball if it is at all possible. The state has recently enacted legislation that enables the City to delay demolitions for up to 180 days to see if a historic structure can be preserved. The Ordinance Committee will look at this revised ordinance at the September meeting, and looks forward to scheduling a public hearing to receive valuable public input on this important topic".

City of Norwalk
DEMOLITION DELAY ORDINANCE

Whereas, Connecticut General Statutes Section 29-406(a) provides that certain criteria be met prior to the issuance of a demolition permit; and

Whereas, Connecticut General Statute Section 29-406(b) authorizes municipalities to impose a waiting period of not more than one hundred eighty (180) days before granting a demolition permit for any building, structure or part thereof; and

Whereas, the City of Norwalk finds the public health, safety and welfare will be served by imposing a waiting period in order that buildings, structures or part thereof with historic and social significance may be saved from demolition;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City of Norwalk that the following requirements for the granting of a demolition permit are hereby established:

1. No permit for the demolition of any building, structures or part thereof which is 500 total square feet in size or larger, and at least 50 years old shall be issued until the following requirements are satisfied:
   1. The filing of an application for a demolition permit with the Building Department upon a form provided by the Chief Building Inspector, which form shall contain:
   • Name and address of structure to be demolished.
   • Location and identification of property to be demolished.
   • Age and type of structure to be demolished.
   • Square footage of structure to be demolished.
   • Name and address of owner.
   • Name and address of firm undertaking the demolition.
   • Reason for demolition.
   • Date on which demolition is to begin.
   • Names and addresses of all property owners abutting the property on which the building, structure(s) or part thereof to be demolished is located, according to an attached copy of a current City of Norwalk Assessor's Map.
   2. Publication by the Chief Building Inspector of notice of the demolition permit application in a newspaper having substantial circulation in the municipality. The notice shall be published within seven (7) days following the filing of the demolition permit application.
   3. The applicant shall mail such notice, by certified mail, with postal receipts provided to the Building Inspector for incorporation into the applicant’s file, within seven (7) days of filing, to the Historic District Commission, Town Historian and the Norwalk Historical Society.
   4. The applicant shall provide notification by mail, within seven (7) days following the filing of the demolition permit application, of the owners of all property abutting the property on which the building(s) to be demolished is located. The identity of the owners entitled to notification under this provision shall be those abutting property owners as shown on the then current Norwalk Assessor’s Map.
   5. The Chief Building Inspector shall post in a conspicuous location on the property thirty (30) consecutive days a sign at least 36" x 48" visible from the nearest public street or other access way adjoining the property. Such sign shall include a copy of the legal notice and shall contain the word "DEMOLITION" in capital letters no less than 3" in height. If there is more than one structure proposed for demolition, one sign shall be posted for each structure. All signs required hereunder shall remain posted on the property, if the permit is issued, until the completion of all demolition activities authorized by the permit.
   6. The applicant shall pay a minimum fee of Two Hundred Fifty ($250.00) Dollars, or one percent (1%) of assessed value, whichever is greater, for said demolition permit.
   7. There shall be a waiting period of one hundred and eighty days (180) days following the filing of the application for the demolition permit. This waiting period may be waived upon:
   1. Written consent signed by the Chairman of the Historic District Commission and the President of the Norwalk Historical Society.
2. The provisions of Subsection A hereinabove shall not apply to orders issued by the Director of Health and/or the Chief Building Inspector for emergency application because of a threat to public health and safety.
3. This ordinance is intended to supplement and not limit any requirements now or hereafter imposed by the Connecticut General Statutes and Regulations adopted thereunder, on any applicant for or recipient of a demolition permit, or any authority now or hereafter granted to the Chief Building Inspector by the Connecticut State Building Code including, but not limited to, his authority as it applies to unsafe structure, fire damaged structures, or deteriorated structures and the demolition and/or removal of same.
4. Any demolition permit shall be valid for a period of six (6) months from date of issuance.
5. Demolition of a structure without a permit shall subject the violator to all applicable penalties under the law, including a fine of the greater of One Thousand ($1,000.00) Dollars or the assessed value of the property demolished for each violation.
6. This ordinance shall become effective on the thirtieth (30th) day after its publication in accordance with the Charter of the City of Norwalk.

For More information contact:
Council President Michael W. Coffey
Cell: (914) 462-2542

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