Trumbull, Conn., Mun. Code ch. 10 § 10-16
Designation of unfit dwellings, dwelling units; procedure for condemnation
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 dwellings or dwelling units shall be carried out in compliance with the following requirements: (1) Any dwelling or dwelling unit which is 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 enforcing officer: a. One that is so damaged, decayed, dilapidated, insanitary, unsafe or vermin-infested that it creates a serious hazard to the health or safety of the occupants or of the public. b. One that lacks illumination, ventilation or sanitation facilities adequate to protect the health or safety of the occupants or of the public. c. One that because of its general condition or location is insanitary or otherwise dangerous to the health or safety of the occupants or of the public. (2) Any unit condemned as unfit for human habitation and so designated and placarded by the enforcing officer shall be vacated within thirty (30) days. (3) No dwelling, dwelling unit or rooming unit that 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 permission of the enforcing officer. The enforcing officer shall permit removal of such placard by the owner, occupant or person in charge of the dwelling, dwelling unit or rooming unit whenever the defect or defects upon which the placarding action was based have been eliminated. (4) No person shall willfully deface or remove the placard from any dwelling, dwelling unit or rooming unit which has been condemned as unfit for human habitation, and placarded as such except when such action has been authorized by the enforcing officer as provided for in subsection (3) above. Whoever violates this provision shall upon conviction be subject to a fine of fifty dollars ($50.00). (5) Any person aggrieved by any order involving the placarding of a dwelling, dwelling unit or rooming unit may request and be granted a hearing under the conditions specified in section 10-13 . (6) Where no corrective action is taken by the owner, occupant or person in charge of a dwelling, dwelling unit or rooming unit designated as unfit for human habitation for six (6) months and when no hearing is pending, the enforcement officer shall order the structure in violation to be destroyed as soon as practicable. The cost of the destruction shall be borne by the owner. (7) Nothing herein contained shall be interpreted as precluding any private right of action of any person against an owner, occupant or person in charge of the placarded structure.
Trumbull Municipal Code ch. 10 § 10-16 establishes the process by which local authorities can formally declare a dwelling unfit for human habitation. A dwelling may be condemned and placarded if it poses serious health or safety hazards due to physical deterioration, lack of basic utilities, or dangerous conditions. Once condemned, occupants must vacate within 30 days, and the unit cannot be reoccupied until the enforcing officer confirms defects have been corrected and removes the placard. If no corrective action is taken within six months and no hearing is pending, the enforcing officer may order the structure demolished at the owner's expense.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Trumbull Municipal Code ch. 10 § 10-16, property owners who receive a condemnation placard are expected to promptly address the specific defects cited by the enforcing officer and seek written approval before allowing any reoccupation. Operators who allow six months to pass without corrective action risk a demolition order, with all associated costs falling to the owner. Owners who believe a placarding order is unwarranted have the right to request a hearing under the procedures referenced in § 10-13, and the provision also preserves the right of third parties to pursue private legal action related to the placarded structure.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Trumbull Municipal Code ch. 10 § 10-16 gives tenants living in condemned dwellings a defined timeline — 30 days to vacate after a placard is posted — and ensures that a unit cannot legally be re-rented until the enforcing officer confirms all cited defects have been corrected. Tenants who believe a placarding order affects them unfairly may request a hearing under the process described in § 10-13. The provision also explicitly preserves private rights of action, meaning tenants may have avenues beyond the municipal process; tenant-rights organizations can help explain what options may be available in a given situation.
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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