Bristol, Conn., Code of Ordinances ch. 12 § 12-140
Emergencies
Operative Text
(a) Whenever, in the judgment of the director of health, an emergency exists which requires immediate action to protect the public health, safety or welfare, an order may be issued, without a hearing or appeal, directing the owner, occupant, operator or agent to take such action as is appropriate to correct or abate the emergency. If circumstances warrant, the director of health may immediately act to correct or abate the emergency. (b) The owner, occupant, operator or agent shall be granted a hearing before the housing code appeals board on the matter upon his request, as soon as practicable, but such appeal shall in no case stay the abatement or correction of such emergency. (c) Whenever a violation of sections 12-41 , 12-42 , 12-61 (a) or 12-103 (b) is noticed, the director of health may proceed under the authority granted by this section of the code, when in the director's judgment the protection of the public health, safety and welfare requires that it take immediate action.
Bristol Code of Ordinances ch. 12, art. VIII § 12-140 establishes an emergency authority that allows the director of health to issue immediate corrective orders — without first holding a hearing — when a situation poses an urgent threat to public health, safety, or welfare. The director may also step in directly to correct or abate the emergency if circumstances demand it. This provision applies specifically to violations of certain enumerated code sections (§§ 12-41, 12-42, 12-61(a), and 12-103(b)) when the director determines that immediate action is necessary.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Bristol Code of Ordinances ch. 12, art. VIII § 12-140, property owners, operators, and their agents should be aware that an emergency order from the director of health carries immediate legal force and does not require a prior hearing before it takes effect. Compliant operators generally maintain properties in a condition that avoids triggering the emergency provisions tied to §§ 12-41, 12-42, 12-61(a), and 12-103(b), and they respond promptly to any emergency directives they receive. A post-order hearing before the housing code appeals board is available upon request, but that process does not pause any required abatement or correction work.
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 § 12-140 gives the director of health authority to act swiftly when housing conditions create an emergency affecting public health, safety, or welfare — which can be a meaningful protection for occupants living in dangerous conditions. Tenants who believe an emergency condition exists in their unit or building may contact the Bristol health department to request an inspection or emergency review under this provision. If an emergency order is issued and not followed, tenants can also seek information from a local tenant-rights organization about available remedies, including whether a hearing before the housing code appeals board is relevant to their 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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