The Town of Westport plans to implement its new authority to issue fines of up to $150 per day for zoning violations some time after June 1, Planning and Zoning Director Laurence Bradley has announced. 

The Representative Town Meeting (RTM) approved the Municipal Citation Ordinance at its April 1 meeting. The ordinance became effective when it was published in the Westport News on Friday, April 4.  However, the department is not expected to begin using the new regulation until June 1, Bradley said.  

This date was chosen to allow time for the public to become informed about the new procedures, he said.  Also before citations can be issued, First Selectman Gordon F. Joseloff must appoint a hearing officer who will hear appeals from property owners who receive fines under the ordinance. 

“The ability to issue citations for zoning violations will help insure that Westport’s Zoning Regulations will be followed,” said Bradley. “The Municipal Citation Ordinance will add another tool in our tool box of enforcement opportunities."

The full text of the ordinance is available from the Westport Town Clerk’s Office and may be downloaded below. The text of the Zoning Enforcement Policy may also be downloaded.

Download text of Municipal Citation Ordinance (pdf file.  Note that section numbers have not yet been added to this text.)

Download text of Zoning Enforcement Policy (pdf file)