Bloomfield, Conn., Code of Ordinances ch. 12 § 12-31
Use restrictions
Operative Text
(a) No cellar space shall be used as a dwelling unit. (b) No basement space shall be used as a dwelling unit or habitable room unless: (1) Said basement space complies with the standards of this code for dwelling units. (2) The total amount of window area in each room in said basement is equal to at least the minimum window area sizes as required in section 12-35 (a), and such required minimum window area is located entirely above the grade of the ground adjoining such window area. (c) No cellar space shall be used as a habitable room unless: (1) The floors and walls of said cellar space are impervious to leakage of underground and surface runoff water and are insulated against dampness. (2) Said cellar space complies with the lighting and ventilation standards for non-habitable rooms as contained in this code. (3) Said cellar space complies with the means of egress standards in this code. (d) The room and floor area of cellar space used as a habitable room shall not be considered for the purpose of determining the maximum permissible occupancy of any dwelling unit. (e) No kitchen, non-habitable space or public space shall be used for sleeping purposes. (f) Permit to create or modify dwelling. (1) No dwelling unit shall be created within an existing structure or converted, remodeled or altered so as to create an additional dwelling unit unless the town planner has determined that it is in conformity with town zoning regulations, and the building official has issued a written permit certifying that the plans and specifications for such work indicate that the provisions of the State Building Code will be complied with for all dwelling units affected. (2) No such dwelling unit shall be occupied unless: a. The fire marshal of the fire district where the premises is located has examined the premises for conformance to the fire and safety codes of the state, town, and fire district, and issued an inspection report certifying that the dwelling units comply with such codes; and b. The director of health has examined the premises for conformance to this code and issued an inspection report certifying that the dwelling units comply with the provisions of this code, and the State of Connecticut Health Code.
Bloomfield Code of Ordinances ch. 12, art. IV § 12-31 establishes where people may and may not live within a building. Cellar spaces are entirely off-limits as dwelling units, and their use as habitable rooms is only permitted when specific waterproofing, lighting, ventilation, and egress conditions are met. Basement spaces may serve as dwelling units or habitable rooms only when they meet the code's general dwelling-unit standards and have sufficient above-grade window area. Creating or converting any dwelling unit within an existing structure requires prior zoning review, a building permit, and post-construction inspections by both the fire marshal and the director of health before anyone may occupy the space.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators subject to Bloomfield Code of Ordinances ch. 12, art. IV § 12-31 generally ensure that no cellar space is rented or marketed as a dwelling unit, and that any basement unit offered for occupancy meets the code's window, lighting, and ventilation thresholds. Before converting or remodeling any space to create an additional dwelling unit, compliant operators obtain a determination of zoning conformity from the town planner and a written permit from the building official. Occupancy of a newly created or converted unit is withheld until both the fire marshal and the director of health have inspected the premises and issued certifying inspection reports.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under Bloomfield Code of Ordinances ch. 12, art. IV § 12-31, tenants have a right to live in spaces that meet minimum habitability standards — cellar spaces cannot lawfully serve as dwelling units, and basement units must satisfy specific window, waterproofing, and egress requirements. If a tenant believes their unit was created or converted without the required permits or inspections, they may consider raising that as a concern with Bloomfield's building official or director of health, or contacting a local tenant-rights organization for guidance. Tenants may also review whether the fire marshal issued a conformance inspection report for their unit, as that certification is a prerequisite for lawful occupancy under this provision.
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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