New Haven, Conn., Code of Ordinances tit. V § 204
Same—Hearing officer; authority; conditions for granting extensions; modifications (New Haven Housing Code)
Operative Text
Such a hearing shall be had before the hearing officer, who may issue a written decision sustaining, modifying or withdrawing the enforcement order; may also grant an extension or modification in accordance with the following conditions: (a) Extension . The time for performance of any act required by the enforcement order may be extended for not more than eighteen (18) months subject to appropriate conditions and provided that the hearing officer makes specific written findings of fact based on evidence relating to the following factors: (1) That there are practical difficulties or unnecessary hardships that prevent the carrying out the strict letter of any provisions of this title; and (2) That such extension is in harmony with the general purpose and intent of this title in securing the public health, safety and general welfare. (b) Modifications . A modification may be granted in a specific case and from a specific provision of this title subject to appropriate conditions and provided that the hearing officer makes specific written findings of fact based on evidence relating to the following factors: (1) That there are practical difficulties or unnecessary hardships that prevent carrying out the strict letter of the provision; (2) That the effect of the strict application of the code provisions would be arbitrary in the specific case; (3) That an extension would not result in an appropriate remedy for these practical difficulties or unnecessary hardships and this arbitrary effect; and (4) That such modification is in harmony with the general purpose and intent of this title in securing the public health, safety and general welfare. Note-- Formerly, ¶ 207.
New Haven Code of Ordinances tit. V § 204 establishes the authority of a hearing officer to review enforcement orders related to housing conditions and either uphold, modify, or withdraw them. The hearing officer may also grant an extension of up to 18 months for completing required work if specific written findings support practical difficulties or undue hardship, and if the extension aligns with public health, safety, and welfare goals. A modification to the specific requirements of an enforcement order may be granted when strict application would be arbitrary, an extension alone would not adequately address the hardship, and the modification still serves the ordinance's broader purposes.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under tit. V § 204, property owners subject to an enforcement order in New Haven have a formal avenue to seek relief through a hearing officer if compliance within the original timeframe presents genuine practical difficulties. A compliant operator generally documents the specific hardships or obstacles preventing timely compliance and presents that evidence clearly at the hearing, since the hearing officer must make written findings of fact to support any extension or modification. Operators should be aware that extensions are capped at 18 months and that modifications require a higher evidentiary showing, including demonstrating that strict code application would be arbitrary in the particular circumstances.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
For tenants, tit. V § 204 is relevant because it governs the process by which a landlord may seek to delay or alter the requirements of an enforcement order that may have been issued to address housing conditions affecting the rental unit. Tenants have an interest in understanding that any extension or modification granted under this provision must be supported by specific written findings of fact, meaning the hearing officer cannot simply grant relief without documented justification. Tenants who believe an enforcement order affects their habitability or safety may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization or legal aid provider to understand how the hearing process under § 204 may affect 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 September 17, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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