New Britain, Conn., Code of Ordinances ch. 13 § 13-46
Judicial remedy on interference with inspection
Operative Text
If any owner, operator, or occupant of a dwelling, dwelling unit or rooming unit subject to the provisions of this article refuses, impedes, interferes with, restricts, or obstructs entry and free access to every part of the structure or premises where inspection authorized by this article is sought, the chief building inspector or the director of health may seek in a court of competent jurisdiction an order that such owner, occupant or other person in charge cease and desist with such interference or the chief building inspector or the director of health may seek in a court of competent jurisdiction authorization of a warrant to search the premises.
New Britain Code of Ordinances ch. 13, art. II, div. 2 § 13-46 establishes a judicial remedy when anyone who owns, operates, or occupies a dwelling, dwelling unit, or rooming unit blocks or obstructs an authorized inspection. When such interference occurs, the chief building inspector or the director of health has two options: seek a court order requiring the person to stop the interference, or seek a court-issued search warrant to access the premises. The provision ensures that authorized inspections cannot be permanently frustrated by non-cooperation, because a court can compel access.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under New Britain Code of Ordinances ch. 13, art. II, div. 2 § 13-46, property owners and operators who are subject to this article's inspection requirements generally cooperate with authorized inspectors and provide free access to all parts of the structure and premises. Operators who refuse or obstruct entry expose themselves to court proceedings initiated by the chief building inspector or the director of health, which can result in a cease-and-desist order or a judicially authorized search warrant. Maintaining a practice of scheduling and facilitating inspections promptly is consistent with what compliant operators typically do under this framework.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
New Britain Code of Ordinances ch. 13, art. II, div. 2 § 13-46 is relevant to occupants as well as owners and operators, since the provision applies to anyone who interferes with an authorized inspection. Tenants who are aware that an owner or operator is blocking inspections may find it useful to contact the city's building inspection office or health department, as those agencies hold the authority to seek court intervention. Tenant-rights organizations in the New Britain area can help occupants understand how this provision interacts with their broader rights under the housing code.
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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