Shelton, Conn., Code of Ordinances ch. 8 § 8-95
Safety requirements for stairs, porches, railings and other exit facilities
Operative Text
Stairs, porches, railings and other exit facilities shall be adequate for safety as provided by the State of Connecticut Basic Building Code, and shall comply with the following subsections: (1) Every flight of stairs which is more than two (2) risers high shall have handrails which shall be located as required by the State of Connecticut Basic Building Code; (2) Eery porch which is located more than three (3) feet higher than the adjacent area shall have handrails and balustrades or other approved protection so located and of such design as required by the building code; (3) Every handrail and balustrade shall be firmly fastened and shall be maintained in good condition.
Section 8-95 of the Shelton Code of Ordinances, Article III, establishes safety standards for stairs, porches, railings, and other exit facilities in residential properties. Specifically, any stairway with more than two risers must have handrails positioned in accordance with the Connecticut Basic Building Code, and any porch elevated more than three feet above the adjacent ground level must have handrails and balustrades or equivalent approved protection. All handrails and balustrades, wherever required, must be securely fastened and kept in good working condition at all times.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers subject to Shelton Code of Ordinances ch. 8, art. III § 8-95 generally ensure that all stairways with more than two risers are equipped with properly positioned handrails meeting Connecticut Basic Building Code specifications. Compliant operators also install handrails and balustrades—or other code-approved protective barriers—on any porch elevated more than three feet above the surrounding area. Routine inspections and prompt repairs help ensure that all such hardware remains firmly fastened and structurally sound throughout the tenancy.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under Shelton Code of Ordinances ch. 8, art. III § 8-95, tenants have a right to stairs, porches, and exit facilities that meet the safety standards described in the provision, including secure handrails and balustrades where required. If a handrail is loose, missing, or a porch lacks required protective barriers, tenants may consider documenting the condition in writing and notifying the landlord, or contacting the Shelton building or housing inspection office to report a potential code violation. Local tenant-rights organizations can also help explain what options may be available when a landlord does not address safety concerns covered by this section.
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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