Stamford, Conn., Code of Ordinances ch. 146 § 146-6
Impeding or denying entry to Health Officer
Operative Text
A. Whenever an owner, occupant or person in charge of a dwelling, dwelling unit, rooming house, rooming unit, hotel, hotel unit or premises shall deny the Health Officer right of entry for the purpose of inspection, examination or survey, the Health Officer shall not so enter until he presents a duly issued search warrant describing the dwelling, dwelling unit, rooming house, rooming unit, hotel, hotel unit or premises to the owner, occupant or person in charge thereof. B. Nothing in this section shall be construed to preclude the entry of the Health Officer at any time when, in his judgment, an emergency tending to create an immediate danger to the public health, welfare or safety exists or when such entry is requested by the owner, occupant or person in charge of the dwelling or when the Health Officer presents a duly issued search warrant to said owner, occupant or person in charge thereof. C. Any owner, occupant or person in charge of a dwelling, dwelling unit, rooming house, rooming unit, hotel, hotel unit or premises refusing to permit or impeding entry of and free access to any part of any dwelling, dwelling unit, rooming house, rooming unit, hotel, hotel unit or premises under the provisions of this section or in violation of a court order obtained from a court of competent jurisdiction shall, upon conviction, be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be fined in an amount not to exceed twenty-five dollars ($25.) for each such offense.
Under Stamford Code of Ordinances ch. 146 § 146-6, the Health Officer generally has the right to inspect dwellings, rooming houses, hotels, and similar premises, but must obtain a duly issued search warrant before entering if the owner, occupant, or person in charge refuses access. Exceptions exist for emergencies posing an immediate danger to public health, welfare, or safety, or when entry is voluntarily requested. Anyone who refuses or impedes the Health Officer's access—whether under this section or in violation of a court order—can be found guilty of a misdemeanor and fined up to $25 per offense upon conviction.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers subject to Stamford Code of Ordinances ch. 146 § 146-6 generally understand that the Health Officer is authorized to conduct inspections of their dwellings, rooming units, hotels, and related premises. Compliant operators typically cooperate with inspection requests and are aware that denying entry does not permanently bar the Health Officer, who may return with a duly issued search warrant. Refusing or impeding entry—whether under this section or contrary to a court order—can result in a misdemeanor conviction and a fine of up to $25 per offense.
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 § 146-6, occupants have the right to require the Health Officer to present a duly issued search warrant before entering if they choose to deny access, except in declared emergencies or when entry is voluntarily requested. Tenants who believe this provision has been applied improperly—for example, if entry was forced without a warrant outside of an emergency—may have grounds to raise that as a concern with local authorities or a tenant-rights organization. Conversely, tenants who impede a lawful inspection under § 146-6 may themselves face misdemeanor charges and fines of up to $25 per offense.
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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