New Britain, Conn., Code of Ordinances ch. 13 § 13-153
Enclosure of porches
Operative Text
Porch and veranda enclosures consisting of removable glass or screen doors and windows, and including pinned hinges and necessary sash for protection against the weather or insects, shall not constitute a violation of building line restrictions when the porch-or veranda so enclosed otherwise conforms to the building line restrictions of the city zoning code. No porch or veranda shall be used as an additional room for living or sleeping purposes, but shall be used only as a porch or veranda.
New Britain Code of Ordinances ch. 13, art. II, div. 7 § 13-153 establishes that porches and verandas may be enclosed with removable glass or screen doors and windows without triggering a building line violation, provided the structure itself already complies with the city's zoning code. However, the rule draws a firm line at use: a porch or veranda may not be converted into or treated as a living space or sleeping area. It must remain functionally a porch or veranda, regardless of how it is enclosed.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 13-153, property owners who enclose porches or verandas with removable glass or screen panels — including pinned hinges and weather-protection sash — generally remain in compliance with building line restrictions, so long as the underlying structure conforms to zoning requirements. Compliant operators take care not to market, furnish, or rent enclosed porches or verandas as additional living or sleeping rooms, since that use is expressly prohibited by this provision. Keeping documentation that any enclosure materials are removable and that the space is designated and used only as a porch or veranda supports ongoing compliance.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 13-153 of the New Britain Code of Ordinances means that a landlord cannot lawfully designate an enclosed porch or veranda as a rentable living or sleeping room, even if it has been fitted with glass or screen enclosures. Tenants who believe a porch or veranda is being presented or used as a bedroom or living unit in violation of this provision may consider raising the issue with the appropriate New Britain municipal code enforcement office. Tenant-rights organizations familiar with local housing codes can help explain what options are generally available when a space does not meet lawful habitability or use standards.
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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