Bristol, Conn., Code of Ordinances ch. 12 § 12-138
Demolition
Operative Text
(a) The director of health shall order a premises to be demolished if it has been designated as unfit for human habitation, has been placarded as such, has been vacated, has not been put into proper repair so as to rescind the designation as unfit for human habitation and to cause the placard to be removed and is determined by the director of health not to warrant repair under subsection 12-136 (a). (b) The owner of any premises which has been ordered demolished shall be given notice of this order in the manner provided for service of notice in section 12-134 and shall be given a reasonable time, not to exceed one hundred twenty (120) days, in which to demolish such structure. (c) Any owner aggrieved by the notice to demolish may, within seven (7) days, seek a reconsideration of the matter in the manner hereinafter provided and may seek a hearing in the manner provided in section 12-139 . (d) When the owner fails, neglects or refuses to demolish an unfit, unsafe or unsanitary premises within the requisite time, the director of health may apply to a court of competent jurisdiction for a demolition order. The court may grant such order when no reconsideration or hearing on the matter is pending. The cost of such demolition shall create a debt in favor of the city against such owner; such costs shall be recoverable in a civil action brought by the city which shall possess all the rights of a private creditor. (e) Whenever a premises is demolished, whether carried out by the owner or by the director of health, such demolition shall include the filling in of the excavation on which the demolished structure was located in such manner as to eliminate all potential danger to the public health, safety and welfare arising from such excavation. (f) All demolition shall be preceded by an inspection of the premises by the director of health to determine whether or not extermination procedures are necessary. If the premises is found to be infested, appropriate rat extermination to prevent the spread of rats to adjoining or other areas shall be instituted before, during and after demolition.
Bristol Code of Ordinances ch. 12, art. VIII § 12-138 establishes a process by which the Director of Health can order the demolition of a property that has been declared unfit for human habitation, vacated, and left unrepaired when repair is not deemed warranted. Once a demolition order is issued, the owner receives formal notice and is given up to 120 days to carry out the demolition. If the owner does not act, the city may seek a court-ordered demolition and recover its costs from the owner as a civil debt. Any demolition must also include filling in the excavation and, if the property is infested, conducting rat extermination before, during, and after the work.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Bristol Code of Ordinances ch. 12, art. VIII § 12-138, a property owner who receives a demolition order should be aware that they have no more than 120 days to complete the demolition after receiving proper notice. Compliant operators typically act promptly on the notice, ensure the excavation site is properly filled in, and arrange for pest inspections and any required extermination before work begins. Owners who believe the order is unwarranted have a narrow seven-day window to seek reconsideration or request a hearing under § 12-139, making timely attention to any notices critical.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Bristol Code of Ordinances ch. 12, art. VIII § 12-138 is primarily directed at property owners and the Director of Health, but it has direct implications for tenants living in a property that has been declared unfit for human habitation and vacated. If a property you occupy has been placarded and vacated under this process, the provision confirms that the city has formal mechanisms to ensure the structure is either repaired or demolished, protecting public health and safety. Tenants in this situation may wish to contact local tenant-rights organizations or the Bristol health department to understand the status of any orders affecting their housing and to learn about available relocation resources.
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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