New Britain, Conn., Code of Ordinances ch. 13 § 13-209
Means of egress from rooming units required
Operative Text
Every rooming unit shall have access to two (2) or more safe, unobstructed means of egress, either by inside stairways or outside fire escapes, to safe and open space at ground level, as required by the laws of the state and of the city. Outside fire escapes shall be accessible through exit doors located as remotely as possible from inside stairways. All exit doors shall open outward, be equipped with panic hardware and have an exit light over them. All exits must comply with the state basic building code and the state fire safety code.
New Britain Code of Ordinances ch. 13, art. II, div. 9 § 13-209 establishes that every rooming unit must have at least two separate, clear paths of escape — either interior stairways or exterior fire escapes — leading to safe, open ground-level space. Outside fire escapes must be reachable through exit doors placed as far as practical from interior stairways, and all exit doors must swing outward, be fitted with panic hardware, and be marked with an illuminated exit sign. These requirements align with Connecticut's state building and fire safety codes, ensuring a baseline of life-safety design in rooming facilities.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of rooming houses subject to New Britain Code of Ordinances ch. 13, art. II, div. 9 § 13-209 generally maintain at least two unobstructed egress paths per rooming unit at all times, keeping stairways and fire escape access points clear of storage or debris. Compliant properties feature outward-swinging exit doors equipped with functioning panic hardware and illuminated exit signs, with outside fire escape access doors positioned as far as feasible from interior stairways. Routine inspections that verify alignment with both the state basic building code and the state fire safety code are a standard part of responsible property management under this provision.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under New Britain Code of Ordinances ch. 13, art. II, div. 9 § 13-209, residents of rooming units have a right to at least two safe, unobstructed escape routes, properly equipped exit doors with panic hardware, and working exit lighting. If egress paths are blocked, exit doors are missing required hardware, or fire escapes are inaccessible, these conditions may constitute violations of this provision. Tenants who observe such conditions can consider reporting them to the New Britain building or fire marshal's office, raising the issue with a local tenant-rights organization, or documenting the conditions in writing to the property owner.
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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