Stamford, Conn., Code of Ordinances ch. 146 § 146-28
Space, use and location
Operative Text
No person shall occupy or let to another for occupancy any dwelling or dwelling unit for the purpose of living therein which does not comply with the following requirements: A. Every dwelling unit shall contain at least one hundred fifty (150) square feet of floor space for the first occupant thereof and at least one hundred thirty (130) square feet of floor space for every additional occupant, the floor space to be calculated on the basis of total habitable room area. B. In every dwelling unit of two (2) or more rooms, every room occupied for sleeping purposes shall contain at least seventy (70) square feet of floor space for the first occupant and at least fifty (50) square feet of floor space for each additional occupant thereof. C. At least one-half (½) of the floor area of every habitable room shall have a ceiling height of at least seven (7) feet; and the floor area of that part of any room where the ceiling height is less than five (5) feet shall not be considered as part of the floor area in computing the total floor area of the room for the purpose of determining the maximum permissible occupancy thereof. D. No cellar space shall be used as a habitable room or dwelling unit. E. No basement space shall be used as a habitable room or dwelling unit unless: (1) Each habitable room is located so that the finished floor surface is not more than three (3) feet below the finished grade level at its lowest point. (2) The floor and walls are impervious to leakage of underground and surface runoff water and are waterproofed against dampness. (3) The total window area in each room is equal to at least the minimum window area sizes as required in § 146-26A. (4) Such required minimum window area is located entirely above the grade of the ground adjoining such window area. (5) The total openable window area in each room is equal to at least the minimum as required under § 146-26B. (6) There are no pipes or other obstructions less than six (6) feet eight (8) inches above the floor level which interfere with the normal use of the room or area. F. Every dwelling unit shall have adequate closet or other storage space for the personal effects of each permissible occupant. If it is lacking, an amount of space equal in square footage to the deficiency shall be subtracted from the area of habitable room space used in determining permissible occupancy. G. A dwelling unit shall not be occupied by more than one (1) family plus two (2) occupants unrelated to the family, except guests or domestic employees, or by not more than one (1) household if the occupants are unrelated, unless specific approval has been granted by the Director of Health. H. Each dwelling shall have a suitable facility for the safe storage of medicines, toxic materials and household poisons.
Stamford Code of Ordinances ch. 146 § 146-28 establishes minimum space, use, and occupancy standards for all dwellings and dwelling units in Stamford. It sets specific square-footage floors per occupant for overall living space and for sleeping rooms, requires adequate ceiling heights, prohibits cellar spaces from being used as living quarters, and places strict conditions on when basement spaces may qualify as habitable. The rule also limits how many unrelated occupants may share a unit and requires that every dwelling provide storage space and a safe place to keep medicines and toxic materials.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of residential properties in Stamford must ensure that every unit they offer for occupancy meets the space and use standards of ch. 146 § 146-28 before a tenant moves in. Compliant operators generally calculate total habitable floor area against the number of intended occupants, verify that sleeping rooms meet the per-occupant minimums, confirm that no cellar space is being used as living quarters, and ensure any basement unit satisfies all six enumerated conditions — including waterproofing, window area, and ceiling clearance. Operators also typically document that adequate storage is available and that a suitable facility exists for safely storing medicines and household poisons.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under Stamford Code of Ordinances ch. 146 § 146-28, tenants have a right to occupy a unit that meets minimum space standards, is not located in a cellar, and — if in a basement — satisfies specific habitability conditions such as waterproofing and proper window area. If a unit appears to fall short of these requirements, tenants may consider documenting the conditions and raising a violation with the appropriate Stamford housing or health authority, or consulting a local tenant-rights organization for guidance on available options. A violation of § 146-28 may also be relevant as a defense or counterclaim in certain housing proceedings, and tenants can explore those paths with a qualified housing advocate.
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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