Norwalk, Conn., Code of Ordinances ch. 59 § 59-10
Condemnation procedures (Norwalk Housing Code)
Operative Text
The designation of dwellings or dwelling units as unfit for human habitation and the procedure for the condemnation and placarding of such unfit dwelling or dwelling units shall be carried out in compliance with the following requirements: A. Any dwelling or dwelling unit which shall be found to have any of the following defects shall be condemned as unfit for human habitation and shall be so designated and placarded by the Director of Public Health: (1) One which is so damaged, decayed, dilapidated, unsanitary, unsafe or vermin-infested that it creates a serious hazard to the health or safety of the occupants or of the public. (2) One which lacks illumination, ventilation or sanitation facilities adequate to protect the health or safety of the occupants or of the public as prescribed by the provisions of this chapter. (3) One which because of its general condition or location is unsanitary or otherwise dangerous to the health or safety of the occupants or of the public. B. Any dwelling or dwelling unit condemned as unfit for human habitation and so designated and placarded by the Director of Public Health shall be vacated within the time ordered by the Department of Public Health, not to exceed 30 days. C. No dwelling or dwelling unit which has been condemned and placarded as unfit for human habitation shall again be used for human habitation until written approval is secured from and such placard is removed by the Director of Public Health. The Director of Public Health shall remove such placard whenever the defects upon which the condemnation and placarding action were based have been eliminated. D. No person shall deface or remove the placard from any dwelling or dwelling unit which has been condemned as unfit for human habitation and placarded as such, except as provided in § 59-10C . E. Any person affected by any notice or order relating to the condemning and placarding of a dwelling or dwelling unit as unfit for human habitation may request in writing and shall be granted a hearing on the matter before the Code Enforcement Committee under the procedure provided by § 59-3 .
Norwalk, Conn., Code of Ordinances ch. 59 § 59-10 establishes the process by which residential dwellings can be officially declared unfit for human habitation. When the Director of Public Health finds that a dwelling is dangerously damaged, unsanitary, vermin-infested, or lacks adequate light, ventilation, or sanitation, the unit is condemned and posted with a placard. Occupants must vacate within the time ordered—up to 30 days—and the unit cannot be reoccupied until the Director formally removes the placard after confirming defects have been corrected. Anyone affected by a condemnation order has the right to request a written hearing before the Code Enforcement Committee under § 59-10E.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Norwalk, Conn., Code of Ordinances ch. 59 § 59-10, property owners and managers are generally expected to maintain dwellings in a condition that avoids the specific defects that trigger condemnation—such as structural decay, vermin infestation, or inadequate sanitation and ventilation. When a unit is condemned and placarded, a compliant operator works promptly to remediate the cited defects and coordinates with the Director of Public Health to obtain written approval and placard removal before allowing any reoccupancy. Operators should also be aware that tampering with or removing a condemnation placard without authorization from the Director is itself a violation under § 59-10D.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 59-10 of Norwalk's Code of Ordinances gives tenants important protections when a dwelling is found to be hazardous or unsanitary: the Director of Public Health is required to condemn and placard such units, and occupants must be given up to 30 days to vacate. Tenants who receive a notice or order related to a condemnation have the explicit right under § 59-10E to request a written hearing before the Code Enforcement Committee, which provides a formal avenue to raise concerns about the process. Tenant-rights organizations or legal aid services familiar with Norwalk housing law can help individuals understand what options may be available when facing displacement due to a condemnation order.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 14, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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