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ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT OF THE NEW HAVEN BOARD OF ALDERS AMENDING ARTICLE VIII, SECTION 62, TO THE NEW HAVEN CODE OF ORDINANCES TO AUTHORIZE THE ZONING ENFORCEMENT OFFICER OR DEPUTIES TO ISSUE ZONING VIOLATION FINES.
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WHEREAS, there is a need for the City of New Haven to strengthen its zoning ordinances to include needed and explicit powers from the State legislature, to enable it to develop solutions to address zoning violation fine;
WHEREAS, the current New Haven Zoning Ordinance does not provide a mechanism to impose fines for zoning violations, thereby limiting the City's ability to enforce compliance with zoning regulations;
WHEREAS, the absence of fines for zoning violations undermines the City's efforts to address violations that negatively impact residents' quality of life;
WHEREAS, the proposed amendment to Article VIII, Section 62 of the New Haven Zoning Ordinance seeks to correct this by establishing a fine of one hundred fifty dollars ($150) for each violation, with an additional one hundred fifty dollars ($150) for each day such violation continues, pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes Section 8-12a;
WHEREAS, the proposed amendment further clarifies and defines zoning violations, including but not limited to unlawful construction and land use, and holds property owners accountable for compliance;
WHEREAS, provides that uncontested fines shall be payable within fifteen (15) days, while ensuring due process through a clear appeals process and the right to challenge citations;
WHEREAS, this ordinance amendment has been developed with input and collaboration from the City Plan Department, the Office of the Corporation Counsel, and the Building Department; and
WHEREAS, this is an essential step toward improving accountability, strengthening enforcement mechanisms, and preserving the standards that safeguard the quality of life in neighborhoods across the City of New Haven.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the New Haven Board of Alders that A...
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