Hamden, Conn., Mun. Code Ch. 152 § 152.22
Conditions for variances
Operative Text
The board of review may grant variances from the provisions of this chapter, or from applicable rules and regulations issued pursuant thereto, when .the board of review finds that there is practical difficulty or undue hardship connected with the performance of any act required by this chapter and applicable rules and regulations pursuant thereto; that strict adherence to the provisions would be arbitrary in the case at hand; that extension would not provide an appropriate remedy in the case at hand; and that the variance is in harmony with the general purpose of this chapter to secure the public health, safety and welfare. (Adopted 9-5-67)
Under Hamden Ch. 152 § 152.22, the local board of review has the authority to grant variances from the Housing Code's requirements when specific conditions are met. Those conditions include a finding of practical difficulty or undue hardship, a determination that strict compliance would be arbitrary in the particular case, a finding that a time extension would not adequately resolve the situation, and a conclusion that granting the variance still serves the code's overarching goal of protecting public health, safety, and welfare. A variance is not automatic; all four findings must be satisfied before relief can be approved.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners or managers facing circumstances that make strict compliance with Hamden Ch. 152 § 152.22 genuinely burdensome may seek a variance from the board of review. Operators who pursue this path typically document the specific practical difficulty or hardship involved, explain why rigid adherence would produce an arbitrary result in their situation, and demonstrate how the requested variance remains consistent with the Housing Code's public health and safety objectives. Maintaining thorough records of the property's conditions and the steps already taken toward compliance generally supports a variance application.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Hamden Ch. 152 § 152.22 establishes that any variance from Housing Code requirements must clear a multi-part threshold before the board of review can approve it, meaning landlords cannot simply opt out of code obligations without formal review. Tenants have an interest in understanding when a variance has been granted affecting their unit, since the board must find that public health, safety, and welfare are still protected. Tenants who have questions about a variance affecting their housing may consider contacting the Hamden housing or building department for records of board decisions, or reaching out to a local tenant-rights organization for guidance on how the variance process works.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 11, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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