Property Issues – Darien Answer Book

What kind of work requires a building permit?

Most construction work requires a permit from the building department. This includes internal and external remodeling, enlarging, additions, changing the size of windows or adding bay windows, pools, new roofs, erecting a shed, enclosing a porch, erecting a large tent, installing a gas or wood-burning stove or fireplace, and new construction. What you need to get a permit is detailed on the town Web site at darienct.gov. Call 656-7347 for specific information.

Do I need an appointment to discuss plans for my property?

Building inspectors are in the office to answer questions and take calls Monday through Friday from 8:30 to 10, 1 to 2, and again from 4 to 4:30. Call 656-7347.

Requests for inspections may be made via e-mail to Lisa Mason at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . For information, visit the Building Department Web page at darienct.gov.

The Zoning Enforcement Officer has office hours by appointment only on most days from 9 to 9:45 and 1 to 1:45. Call 656-7351.

May I purchase a copy of the Darien zoning regulations?

Planning and Zoning has a copious set of regulations that cover every regulated issue. It can be very helpful for any renovation or construction project you may be thinking of from adding a porch, bay windows, swimming pool, fence, barn, etc. It can be downloaded from the office Web page at darienct.gov or you may purchase a copy for $10. A color copy of the zoning map is $25. You may purchase either in the Planning and Zoning office.

Other helpful documents for sale include: Inland Wetland and Watercourses Regulations ($4) and Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Map ($5). You may also purchase the 2006 Town Plan of Development ($40), Subdivision Regulations ($6), and a black-and-white zoning map ($5).

Do I need a permit for a fence on my property?

No permits are necessary; however, the maximum allowable height is four feet in front, six feet on the sides and back of the property. It does not matter which way the “good side” faces, but it is recommended that it be faced “good side out.” Although there are no required setbacks, it is recommended any fence be placed six to 12 inches inside your property. There are specific regulations for corner properties. Eight-foot privacy fences are allowed for special situations.

If you are within 50 feet of wetlands, you must submit an application to the Environmental Protection Commission.

How soon before a public hearing do I need to notify my neighbors of my application?

If you have submitted a formal application to the Planning and Zoning Commission or the Zoning Board of Appeals, you must notify all owners of property within 100 feet. These notices must be sent by certified mail 10 to 20 days prior to the public hearing.

How long does it take to get a zoning permit reviewed?

The state allows the town 30 days, although the department tries to work in as timely a manner as possible. The length of time depends primarily on how many applications are submitted.

What requirements are there for swimming pools?

Swimming pools and pool houses are among the most popular additions to homes in Darien. A pool must meet setback and coverage requirements, and if it is within 50 feet of a wetland or watercourse it must be approved by the Environmental Protection Commission. 

In addition, health, zoning, and building permits will be required.

Is it possible I live in a flood zone?

Because Darien is right along the coastline with a number of rivers flowing through it, there are a number of flood zones throughout town. Most susceptible to flooding are the areas along the coast, the river corridors, and the low-lying areas through which streams and brooks flow.

The town participates in a FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) program that stipulates construction regulations to minimize flood damage to buildings and property. As a result, all property owners in Darien are eligible to buy private flood insurance at a subsidized rate.

Past storms have caused significant flooding in town and to that end, Darien created a Flood Mitigation Committee in 2007 to draw up a comprehensive flood prevention strategy.

How do I know if I live in a flood zone?

A comprehensive map created by FEMA hangs in the Planning and Zoning office (656-7351) at town hall. Property owners are welcome to come in and look at the map and determine if they are in a flood-prone area. Planning and Zoning staff are not allowed to give that information over the phone since it is up to each individual to make that determination for themselves.

Will the town check my well to see if the water is safe to drink?

No, that is the responsibility of the homeowner. The town recommends using the lab at the Stamford Health Department (977-4399) or a private lab.

If you have a private well that is subject to flooding during heavy and/or prolonged rainstorms, you may need to disinfect your well during such events. The town’s health department can advise you how to do this. Check online at darienct.gov.

Is it likely my well water contains fluoride?

Fluoride, which is tasteless and odorless, occurs naturally in groundwater. While small amounts are beneficial to dental health, too much fluoride can adversely affect teeth and bone development. According to the national Academy of Sciences, fluoride over 4 milligrams per liter in drinking water is too high, and in fact should be 1ppm or less. Fluoride concentrations in Connecticut water tend to be low, but no extensive surveys have been done and it is possible there are pockets of high fluoride concentrations. If you are concerned, have your water tested. A fact sheet on this issue is on the health department’s Web page at darienct.gov.

How do I take care of my septic system?

You must call a private septic system pumping company. They will advise you how often to have your septic tank pumped.

The Norwalk River Watershed Initiative offers a simple, non-technical brochure for homeowners called Septic Care & Maintenance for the Homeowner. It is available free online at conservect.org/southwest.htm. Click on the septic care link and then click on the link for the downloadable format.

The Darien Health Department offers a Home Buyer’s Guide for septic systems on its Web page at darienct.gov.

Whom do I call if my neighbor’s septic system is leaking onto my property?

Call the health department at 656-7320.

How do I clean up a compact fluorescent light bulb?

Compact fluorescent light bulbs contain small amounts of mercury and when they break, mercury vapor is released into the air. For this reason, pregnant women and young children should stay out of a room where such a light bulb has broken until several days after it has been cleaned up, according to the Connecticut Department of Public Health. In fact, everyone should leave the room for at least 15 minutes right after the bulb has broken to lower exposure. Do not use a vacuum cleaner to pick up broken glass and debris. A fact sheet on how to perform such a cleanup is available under Featured Links at ct.gov/dph.

Is there municipal garbage collection?

No. Residents must contract with a private carter for garbage collection. There are many that serve Darien.

Can I take care of my garbage myself?

The town maintains a Refuse Disposal Area, also known as “the dump,” at 126 Ledge Road. It is open Monday through Saturday from 7 to 2:45. The site is closed on major holidays.

A yearly sticker is required to use the dump. The fee is $110 for residents without garbage collection, $34 for residents with garbage collection, $55 for those in the tax abatement program, and $50 for seniors over 65 without garbage collection. Seniors over 65 with garbage collection get one free dump sticker, additional stickers are $34. Stickers are valid July 1 to June 30. For details, call 656-7346 or 656-7300.

The dump accepts most household waste and construction debris. The following items may not be dropped off: hazardous waste, liquids, paints (empty latex paint cans are OK), asbestos, pathological or medical waste, cylinders, barrels, sealed containers, propane tanks, or items larger than six inches in diameter or four feet long.

Refrigeration equipment (anything with Freon in it) may be disposed of for a $15 fee. Payment in the form of exact cash or check will be accepted at the scale house. For more information, call the Darien Department of Public Works at 656-7346.

What items do I recycle and where do I take them?

There is a recycling center at the refuse disposal area. Recycle newspapers, mixed papers (magazines, office paper, mail), corrugated cardboard, glass or metal food and beverage containers, #1 and #2 plastics, and scrap metal. Place all recyclable items on the tables in front of the Dumpsters.

There is a waste oil recycling tank near the scale house. The tank is open on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 8 to 10 a.m. Only waste motor oil is accepted. Car batteries may be recycled and household batteries can be disposed of at the recycling center.

Where can I get rid of hazardous waste?

Darien participates in a regional household hazardous waste collection program with neighboring towns, including Greenwich, Norwalk and Westport. Darien residents may bring their hazardous waste to any scheduled drop-off day for free. For a schedule, call 656-7346.

For more information on disposing of hazardous waste, call the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection at 566-8843.

Is there a source of free compost or wood chips?

Leaf compost and wood chips are available at the dump for residents to take. There are piles of both just beyond the scale house.

Does the town pick up leaves?

From November through early December, the department of public works collects leaves packed in biodegradable  paper bags from every public street. The leaves are then shipped to a composting facility.

Loose leaves or bags containing lawn clippings, brush or other materials will not be collected. For information, call 656-7346.

The public works department also picks up Christmas trees in January. Watch The Times for details.

What is spring cleanup?

Each spring the town picks up household debris placed along public roads. Specific weeks, usually in March, are set aside. Watch The Times for information, or call the department of public works (656-7346).

Am I allowed to burn anything on my property?

No. The town does not allow the burning of leaves, brush, or anything else on a person’s property.

What do I need to know about my fuel oil tank?

Due to the heavy clay content of soil in Darien, leaking tanks are fairly common. The fire marshal’s office suggests you consider replacing your tank if it is more than 15 years old. If it is a 275-gallon tank, no matter how old it is you should remove it because they were never approved for in-ground use.

If oil leaks from your tank, it will likely enter wells, brooks, streams, and/or building foundations and you will have a big environmental mess that can wind up being very costly.

To replace your home tank, you will need a permit and inspection from the building department. New tanks can be installed indoors or above ground. New installations will not be approved until the old tank is removed or properly abandoned and accepted by the fire marshal. You will need a permit from his office to do this.

Do I need a permit to sand blast or power wash my home?

Because it is dangerous to expose anyone, especially children, to dust created by the disturbance of lead-based paint, all contractors and property owners must get a permit from the health department before doing any sand blasting, power sanding or power washing of buildings or other structures. Of special concern are buildings built before 1978. In addition, you must submit a Lead Safe removal plan to the health department for review and approval. For details, call 656-7320.

Who is responsible for keeping sidewalks clear of snow?

Homeowners and business owners whose property abuts a public sidewalk are required to clear the sidewalk of snow and ice. Anyone unable to do so because of illness or physical restriction should call the first selectwoman’s office at 656-7338.