Norwich, Conn., Code of Ordinances ch. 4, art. IV § 4-163
Maintenance of exterior of premises
Operative Text
The exterior of the premises and the condition of necessary structures including dangerous buildings, within the terms of section 4-18 , and condemned buildings, within the terms of section 4-68, shall be maintained so as not to create the conditions cited in the statement of purpose. Such maintenance shall include, without limitation, the following: (1) Foundations, floors, and walls shall be in good painted condition without peeling. (2) Vent attachments shall be safe, durable, smoketight, and capable of withstanding the action of flue gasses. (3) Exterior balconies, porches, landings, stairs, and fire escapes shall be provided with banisters or railings properly designed, installed and maintained to minimize the hazard of falling and unsightly appearance. (4) All permanent signs and billboards exposed to public view permitted by reason of other regulations or as a lawful nonconforming use shall be maintained in good repair. Any signs that have become excessively weathered, those upon which the paint has excessively peeled, or those whose supports have deteriorated so that they no longer meet the structural requirements of the building code shall, with their supports, be removed or put into a good state of repair. All nonoperative or broken electrical signs shall be repaired or shall, with their supports, be removed. (5) All storefronts, both occupied and unoccupied, and walls exposed to public view shall be kept in a good state of repair. (6) Any awnings or marquees and their accompanying structural members shall be maintained in a good state of repair. Nothing herein shall be construed to authorize any encroachment on streets, sidewalks, or other parts of public domain. (7) All surfaces shall be maintained free of broken or cracked glass, loose shingles, crumbling stone or brick, excessive peeling paint or other conditions reflective of deteriorating or inadequate maintenance. (8) Roof drains, overflow pipes, air conditioning drains, and any other device used to channel water off or out of a building shall be maintained in a safe and operable condition and shall not drain onto a public sidewalk or walkway. (9) The grading and drainage of premises and structures shall be such that no water shall be allowed to seep into any basement or cellar, or to accumulate or become stagnant therein or on the premises, and on the roof. (10) Every foundation floor, roof, ceiling, exterior and interior wall shall be reasonably weathertight, watertight and dampfree and shall be kept in sound condition and good repair. All exterior wood surfaces shall be protected from the elements by paint or other protective covering or treatment. (11) All premises shall be graded, drained, kept free of standing water and maintained in a clean, safe and sanitary condition. (12) No garbage, rubbish or debris shall be permitted to remain on the premises unless in a bin or receptacle. (13) Every window, exterior door and bulkhead shall be reasonably weathertight, watertight and rodentproof and shall be kept in sound working condition and good repair.
Norwich Code of Ordinances ch. 4, art. IV § 4-163 establishes a comprehensive set of exterior maintenance standards for all premises within the city. The rule requires that structural elements such as foundations, walls, roofs, windows, and doors be kept weathertight, watertight, and in sound repair, while features like balconies, fire escapes, and railings must be maintained to minimize fall hazards. Drainage systems must function properly and not direct water onto public walkways or allow it to accumulate on the property, and all surfaces must be kept free of deteriorating materials such as crumbling masonry, broken glass, or excessively peeling paint. Signs, awnings, storefronts, and other exterior elements visible to the public are also subject to upkeep requirements under this provision.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under Norwich Code of Ordinances ch. 4, art. IV § 4-163 generally keep a routine inspection schedule covering all exterior components — foundations, walls, roofs, windows, doors, balconies, and drainage systems — to ensure each meets the provision's maintenance standards. Compliant operators promptly address deteriorating paint, crumbling masonry, broken glass, and faulty drainage, and ensure that railings on stairs, porches, and fire escapes are properly installed and structurally sound. Signage, awnings, and storefronts visible to the public are also kept in good repair or removed when they fall below the structural and aesthetic standards described in § 4-163.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tenants living in premises subject to Norwich Code of Ordinances ch. 4, art. IV § 4-163 have an interest in knowing that this provision requires landlords to maintain the exterior of the property — including foundations, roofs, drainage, railings, windows, and doors — in safe and sound condition. If exterior conditions such as broken railings, standing water, deteriorating walls, or faulty drainage appear to fall short of these standards, tenants may document the conditions and report them to the relevant Norwich code enforcement authority. Tenant-rights organizations and legal aid resources can help residents understand how § 4-163 may apply to their situation and what general options exist for pursuing a complaint or raising a violation.
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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