Bristol, Conn., Code of Ordinances ch. 12 § 12-63
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 subsection 12-78 (a) and such required minimum window area is located entirely above the grade of the ground adjoining such window area. Windows for rescue and ventilation must meet the state fire safety and building codes. (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) The ceiling height of such room or rooms complies with subsection 12-62 (c) of this code. (3) Said cellar space complies with the lighting and ventilation standards for habitable rooms as contained in this code. (4) Said cellar space complies with the means of egress standards in this code. (5) No cellar space shall be used as a sleeping room unless it complies with the egress requirements from the state fire and building codes. (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, nonhabitable space or public space shall be used for sleeping purposes. (f) Permit to create or modify existing 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 building inspector has determined that it is in conformity with city zoning regulations, and 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 city has examined the premises for conformance to the fire and safety codes of the state and town 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. c. A certificate of occupancy is issued by the city building department.
Bristol Code of Ordinances ch. 12, art. IV § 12-63 establishes where people may and may not legally live within a building. Cellar spaces are broadly prohibited from serving as dwelling units, while basement spaces may be used as dwelling units or habitable rooms only when they meet specific standards for windows, light, ventilation, and egress. The provision also requires that any new or converted dwelling unit within an existing structure receive written permits and inspection certifications from the building inspector, fire marshal, and director of health before anyone may occupy it.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Bristol Code of Ordinances ch. 12, art. IV § 12-63, compliant property operators ensure that no cellar space is rented or offered as a dwelling unit, and that any basement space used for habitation meets the code's window-area, ceiling-height, lighting, ventilation, and egress requirements. When creating, converting, remodeling, or altering a structure to add a dwelling unit, operators typically obtain a written permit from the building inspector confirming zoning conformity and state building code compliance before work begins. Before allowing occupancy of any such unit, compliant operators secure inspection reports from both the fire marshal and the director of health, as well as a certificate of occupancy from the city building department.
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. IV § 12-63 gives tenants a basis to question whether a cellar or basement unit they occupy meets the legally required standards for windows, ventilation, egress, and dampness resistance. If a unit was created or converted without the required building inspector permit, fire marshal inspection report, director of health certification, or certificate of occupancy, those omissions may constitute violations of this provision. Tenants who believe their unit does not comply can document conditions, contact Bristol's building or health department to request an inspection, or reach out to a local tenant-rights organization for general guidance on available options.
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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