Groton, Conn., Code of Ordinances ch. 9 art. IV div. 3 (2026) § 9-151
Exterior structures (Groton Art. IV Div. 3: Environmental Requirements)
Operative Text
(a) Foundations, walls and roofs. Every foundation, exterior wall, roof and all other exterior surfaces shall be maintained in a workmanlike state of maintenance and repair and shall be kept in such condition to exclude rodents. Skirting must be provided for the prevention of rodent infestation where exterior crawl spaces are prevalent. (b) Foundations. The foundation elements shall adequately support the building at all points. (c) Exterior walls. Every exterior wall shall be free of holes, breaks, loose or rotting boards or timbers and any other conditions which might admit rain or dampness to the interior portions of the walls or to the occupied spaces of the building. (d) Roofs. The roof shall be structurally sound, tight and have no defects which might admit rain; and roof drainage shall be adequate to prevent rainwater from causing dampness in the walls or interior portion of the building. (e) Stairs, porches and railings. Every outside stair, every porch and every appurtenance attached thereto shall be so constructed as to be safe to use and capable of supporting the loads to which it is subjected as required by the building code, and shall be kept in sound condition and good repair. Where the building official deems it necessary for safety, every flight of stairs which is more than three risers high shall have handrails which shall be located as required by the building code; and every porch which is more than three risers high shall have handrails so located and of such design as required by the building code. Every handrail and balustrade shall be firmly fastened and shall be maintained in good condition. (f) Windows, doors and hatchways. Every window, exterior door and basement hatchway shall be substantially tight and shall be kept in sound condition and repair. Every exterior door, when closed, shall fit reasonably well within its frame and every window, door, and frame and basement hatchway shall be constructed and maintained so as to prevent the entrance of rodents, rain, winds and surface drainage water into the dwelling or multifamily dwelling. (g) Windows to be glazed. Every window sash shall be fully supplied with glass window panes or an approved substitute which are without open cracks or holes. (h) Windows to be tight. Every window sash shall be in good condition and fit reasonably tight with its frame. (i) Windows to be openable. Every window, other than a fixed window, shall be capable of being easily opened and shall be held in position by window hardware. (j) Door hardware. Every exterior door, door hinge and door latch shall be maintained in good condition. (k) Exit doors. Every door available as an exit shall be capable of being easily opened from the inside. (l) Guards for basement windows. Every basement or cellar window used for ventilation and every other opening to a basement which might provide an entry for rodents shall be supplied with a screen or such other device as will effectively prevent their entrance. (m) Insect screens. During that portion of each year when the housing official deems it necessary for protection against mosquitoes, flies, and other insects, every door opening directly from a dwelling unit to outdoor space shall have supplied screens and a self-closing device; and every window or other device with openings to outdoor space used for ventilation shall likewise be supplied with screens, provided that such screens shall not be required during such period in rooms deemed by the housing official to be located high enough in the upper stories of buildings as to be free from such insects and in rooms located in areas of the town which are deemed by the housing official to have so few insects as to render screens unnecessary. (n) Painting. All walls, ceilings, exterior woodwork, doors and windows shall be kept free of flaking, peeling or loose paint.
Section 9-151 of Groton's Code of Ordinances establishes comprehensive maintenance standards for the exterior structures of dwellings and multifamily buildings. It requires that foundations, walls, roofs, stairs, porches, windows, doors, and related components be kept structurally sound, weathertight, and free of conditions that could allow rodents, rain, or insects to enter. The provision also addresses specific elements such as handrails, window glazing, door hardware, insect screens, and paint condition, setting a baseline of safe and habitable exterior upkeep.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of residential properties in Groton subject to § 9-151 generally maintain a routine inspection and repair schedule covering all major exterior components — foundations, walls, roofs, stairs, porches, windows, and doors. Compliant operators ensure that openings are sealed against rodents and moisture, that handrails and balustrades meet building code requirements where required by the building official, and that insect screens with self-closing devices are installed on door openings to outdoor space during periods designated by the housing official. Keeping exterior woodwork, doors, and windows free of flaking or peeling paint, and promptly addressing any structural defects, reflects the ongoing maintenance standard described in § 9-151.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under § 9-151 of Groton's Code of Ordinances, tenants in dwellings and multifamily buildings have an interest in exterior structures — including roofs, walls, stairs, windows, and doors — being maintained in a safe, weathertight, and rodent-resistant condition. If exterior conditions appear to fall short of these standards, tenants may consider documenting the issues and contacting Groton's housing or building official, who has authority under § 9-151 to assess compliance. Tenant-rights organizations can also help residents understand available options, such as filing a complaint with the appropriate local authority or raising a code violation in relevant proceedings.
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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