Norwich, Conn., Code of Ordinances ch. 4, art. IV § 4-161
Definitions
Operative Text
In the interpretation of this division, all words, other than the terms herein specifically defined in this section, shall have their meaning implied by their context in this division or their ordinarily accepted meaning as generally used. The following definitions shall apply in the interpretation and enforcement of this division. City shall mean the City of Norwich. Deterioration shall mean the condition or appearance of a building or structure, characterized by holes, breaks, rot, crumbling, cracking, peeling, rusting, or other evidence of physical decay or neglect, excessive use or lack of maintenance. Enforcement officer shall mean any person employed by the City of Norwich for the purpose of enforcing the terms of this division. Exterior of premises shall mean those portions of a building that are exposed to public view, and the open space of any premises outside of any building erected thereon. Good state of repair shall mean and be a standard of maintenance that renders a building safe, habitable, and possessed of a neat and orderly appearance. Good working condition shall mean that the item can be used and is fully operable for the purpose for which it was originally intended. Manager shall mean the city manager or his authorized representative. Operator shall mean any person who has charge, care, or control of a building or part thereof. Owner shall include any person having individual or joint or common title to property in any form defined by the laws as an estate or interest, whether legal or equitable and however acquired, in real property. Person shall include an individual, a partnership, a joint venture, a corporation, an association, and any other organization recognized as an entity by the laws of the State of Connecticut. Premises shall mean any land whether vacant or occupied on which a commercial business or industrial use is permitted under the zoning ordinance of the City of Norwich. Structure or building shall mean all structures used or intended to be used for commercial, business or industrial use or occupancy.
Section 4-161 of the Norwich Code of Ordinances, Chapter 4, Article IV, establishes the vocabulary that governs how the rest of the division is read and applied. Key terms such as 'deterioration,' 'good state of repair,' 'owner,' and 'operator' are given specific meanings that control how inspections, complaints, and enforcement actions are interpreted. The definitions apply to commercial, business, and industrial premises within the City of Norwich, not to purely residential properties. Any word not explicitly defined here is read according to its ordinary meaning or the context in which it appears in the division.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and operators of commercial, business, or industrial buildings in Norwich should be familiar with the definitions set out in § 4-161, as these terms directly shape how enforcement officers assess compliance. Standards like 'good state of repair'—meaning a building that is safe, habitable, and maintains a neat and orderly appearance—and 'good working condition' establish the baseline expectations against which a property's condition is measured. Operators, defined as anyone with charge, care, or control of a building or part thereof, share responsibility alongside owners, so both parties benefit from understanding how these terms are applied during inspections.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Businesses or occupants of commercial, business, or industrial premises in Norwich can look to § 4-161 to understand the foundational language that shapes their rights and the city's enforcement authority under this division. Terms like 'deterioration' and 'good state of repair' define the conditions that enforcement officers are empowered to act upon, which can be relevant when raising concerns about a property's condition. Those seeking to understand how a complaint or enforcement action might be framed may find it useful to consult a tenant-rights organization or legal aid resource familiar with Norwich's commercial property ordinances.
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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