Old Saybrook, Conn., Code of Ordinances ch. 166 (2026) § 166-20
Emergencies (Old Saybrook Rental Housing Standards)
Operative Text
A. Whenever, in the judgment of the Board of Selectmen or its designated agent pursuant to § 166-12A , an emergency exists which requires immediate action to protect the public health, safety or welfare, an order may be issued, without a hearing or appeal directing the owner, occupant, operator, or agent to take such action as is appropriate to correct or abate the emergency. If circumstances warrant, the Board of Selectmen or its designated agent pursuant to § 166-12A may act to correct or abate the emergency. B. The owner, occupant, operator, or agent shall be granted a hearing before the Housing Code Appeals Board on the matter upon his or her request, as soon as practicable, but such appeal shall in no case stay the abatement or correction of such emergency.
Section 166-20 of Old Saybrook's housing code establishes an emergency procedure that allows the Board of Selectmen or its designated agent to issue an immediate corrective order—without first holding a hearing—when a situation threatens public health, safety, or welfare. The responsible party (owner, occupant, operator, or agent) must comply with the order right away, and if they do not, the Board or its agent may step in and address the emergency directly. After the fact, the affected party has the right to request a hearing before the Housing Code Appeals Board, though that hearing does not pause or reverse the emergency action already taken.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 166-20, property owners and operators in Old Saybrook should be aware that emergency orders can arrive without advance notice and require immediate compliance. Compliant operators generally maintain properties in a condition that prevents emergencies from arising in the first place, and they keep current contact information on file so that orders from the Board of Selectmen or its designated agent can reach them quickly. If an emergency order is received, owners and operators can request a hearing before the Housing Code Appeals Board as soon as practicable, though that request does not suspend the obligation to comply.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 166-20 gives tenants and occupants standing in the emergency process—an order issued under this provision can be directed at an occupant as well as an owner or operator, and any of those parties may request a hearing before the Housing Code Appeals Board after an emergency order is issued. If an emergency affecting your housing is not being addressed, this provision also authorizes the Board of Selectmen or its designated agent to step in and correct or abate the problem directly. Tenants who believe an emergency exists or who have received an order under § 166-20 may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization or legal aid service to understand the hearing process and available options.
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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