New Britain, Conn., Code of Ordinances ch. 13 § 13-180
Limit of dwelling unit access to commercial uses
Operative Text
No habitable room, bathroom, or water closet compartment which is accessory to a dwelling unit shall open directly into or shall be used in conjunction with a food store, barber or beauty shop, doctor's or dentist's examination or treatment room, club, or any similar room used for public or commercial purposes.
New Britain Code of Ordinances ch. 13, art. II, div. 8 § 13-180 establishes a physical and functional separation requirement between residential spaces and certain commercial uses. Specifically, habitable rooms, bathrooms, and water closet compartments that are part of a dwelling unit may not have a direct opening into — or be shared with — spaces like food stores, barbershops, beauty salons, medical or dental offices, clubs, or similar publicly accessible commercial areas. The rule is designed to protect the privacy, sanitation, and safety of residential occupants by preventing their living spaces from being integrated with commercial activity.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under New Britain Code of Ordinances ch. 13, art. II, div. 8 § 13-180, property owners and managers who operate or lease space in mixed-use buildings generally ensure that no door, passageway, or shared-use arrangement connects a dwelling unit's habitable rooms, bathrooms, or toilet compartments directly to any commercial space open to the public. Compliant operators typically review floor plans and physical layouts when configuring or renovating mixed-use properties to confirm this separation is maintained. Leasing arrangements that would allow commercial tenants to access or share residential sanitary facilities would also raise concerns under this provision.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 13-180 of the New Britain Code of Ordinances ch. 13, art. II, div. 8 gives residential occupants a right to have their living spaces — including bathrooms and toilet rooms — physically separated from adjacent commercial operations such as shops, salons, or medical offices. If a tenant believes their dwelling unit is not properly separated from a commercial use in violation of this provision, they may consider documenting the condition and reporting it to the local housing or building code enforcement authority. Tenant-rights organizations familiar with New Britain housing regulations can also help residents understand what options may be available to them.
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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