Property Issues – New Canaan Answer Book

Is there municipal garbage collection?

No. You must call a private hauling company licensed to work in New Canaan. For the names of haulers, you can check with neighbors or call the town’s transfer station at 594-3703. 

Can I take care of my household garbage myself?

Yes, the New Canaan Transfer Station on Lakeview Avenue accepts household trash and other materials from residents. There is a residential drop-off area that is protected from the weather. The station is open Monday through Friday, 7:30 to 3:15; and Saturday from 7:30 to 2:15. It is closed major holidays. Upon presenting a driver’s license or registration as proof of residency - and as of July 2009, a $40 dumping fee -  New Canaan residents will receive a sticker for their car. For information, call 594-3703. The superintendent of solid waste is James Rogers. 

What else can I bring to the transfer station?

Residents may also drop off construction and demolition materials, brush and yard waste (including Christmas trees), waste oil, propane tanks, and tires. Residents may drop off up to 200 pounds per visit of construction debris, brush, and yard waste at no charge. Beyond that, there is a charge per ton that varies depending on the material. 

Can I recycle at the transfer station?

Yes. The station accepts cardboard, mixed papers, newspapers, glass, plastics No. 1 or 2, and aluminum food containers. 

For information, call the transfer station at 594-3703 or visit newcanaan.info. Click on Departments, then Public Works. 

Where can I get rid of hazardous material? 

The town sponsors a hazardous waste collection day each fall. New Canaan also participates in a number of hazardous waste collection days with neighboring towns that residents may attend. 

All events are well publicized in The New Canaan Advertiser. For a list of accepted materials and the date of the next collection, visit the transfer station page at newcanaan.info. (See above for links.) 

Does the town pick up leaves?

Every fall before or on Dec. 1, the public works department sends out a big, vacuum truck to collect leaves in areas of town zoned one acre or less. Homeowners should rake their leaves into a wind row along the edge of the road. 

Homeowners may also bring leaves (no twigs or grass clippings) to the composting site on Lapham Road, or when that is closed, to the transfer station. Call 594-3704 for the composting site hours. 

Where can I get mulch?

Beginning in spring, New Canaan residents can help themselves to leaf mulch from the mulch pile on Lapham Road. 

If I go away, will the police check my home?

Yes, the police maintain a “closed house list.” If you expect to be away for an extended period of time, you may have your home put on the list. A uniformed police officer checks them once a week. The list is confidential. For information, call 594-3500. 

I’m having a big party. Will the police assist in security?

New Canaan residents may arrange for an off-duty police officer to help with parking and/or security for a party. Call the desk officer at 594-3500 at least 10 days in advance to make arrangements. 

How can I find out what I can and cannot do on my property?

Probably your best bet is to peruse the town’s zoning regulations, available online at the Planning & Zoning Web page at newcanaan.info. You may also call Planning & Zoning at 594-3042 or the Building Department at 594-3012. 

What permits do I need for a construction project?

Before building or renovating anything, you should get in touch with the following departments: health, wetlands, engineering, planning and zoning, fire marshal, and building. Requirements depend on what is being proposed. 

Does the town have a noise ordinance?

Yes. Construction and lawn care noise is allowed from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, Saturdays and holidays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The rest of the time, noise from machinery, regardless of how it is powered, may not exceed 45 decibels at the neighboring property line. There is an exception for snow blowers and snow throwers. Recreational vehicles such as all-terrain vehicles and dirt bikes are limited to 55 decibels at the neighboring property line between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. daily, and 45 decibels the rest of the day. 

Blasting — with a permit — may be conducted between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday, excluding state or federal holidays. 

Complaints should be directed to the police department at 594-3500. Those found to be exceeding the limits may be fined $100 per occurrence. 

Do I need a permit for tree work?

Normal tree maintenance and clearing of dead trees do no not require a permit. For more ambitious projects, check with Planning and Zoning. 

Do I need a permit to drill a well?

Yes. The well must be a minimum of 75 feet from any source of pollution, such as a septic system, and 25 feet from curtain or footing drains. 

What is a wetland?

Wetlands are diverse and not always visible to the eye. In Connecticut, they are defined by the chemical and physical characteristics of the first 18 to 24 inches of soil. According to the town’s zoning regulations a wetland is “any land area, including submerged land, which consists of any soil types generally designated as ‘poorly drained,’ ‘very poorly drained,’ ‘alluvial,’ and ‘flood plain’ by the National Cooperative Soils Survey ... of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.” 

Can I fill in a pond on my property?

Generally, no. The town would rather see you restore it with professional guidance. Talk to the Inland Wetland agent in town hall before doing anything. 

Can I dig a pond on my property?

Possibly, but it may not be the Shangri-La you had envisioned. Ponds are complex matters that require approval of the Environmental Commission. Before you invite in the backhoes, keep in mind ponds should be designed with habitat goals, not just aesthetic goals, in mind. Also, you don’t want to unwittingly invite flocks of Canada geese. 

How do I avoid digging up utility wires?

Call the town engineering department at 594-3054 for utility markouts. 

What do I need to know about removing an oil tank?

The fire marshal (594-3034) oversees all tank removals. Homeowners need a free permit. The work must be done by a state-licensed spill or tank removal contractor. The fire marshal has a list or you may call your oil company. When the work is done, a soil test for contamination must be performed and results distributed as outlined on the permit. There are more detailed requirements for commercial establishments. 

Must I notify someone if I place a Dumpster on my property?

You must call the police, who will give a verbal OK. You must also provide them with a 24-hour contact person should it be necessary to move the Dumpster on short notice. 

Does my property go to the edge of the road?

The simple answer is no. Because the roads here are so old, rights-of-way vary. Along most newer roads, most property lines are 25 feet from the middle of the road. To be sure, check with the Department of Public Works. You may need a surveyor. 

Can I plant trees or bushes along the road?

Generally, you cannot plant or place anything (like a boulder) within the town’s right-of-way. Flowers or groundcover less than 12 inches may be allowed, but may not interfere with sight lines or snow plowing. Do not complain to the town if anything along the right-of-way is damaged during snow plowing. 

Who’s responsible for clearing sidewalks of snow?

Owners of residential and commercial properties are responsible for clearing sidewalks in a timely manner and using sand or salt as needed. Property owners are also responsible for maintaining the general condition of their sidewalks. 

Who’s responsible if town snow plowing damages my mailbox?

Most likely, you are. The town does not assume responsibility for replacing mailboxes or posts unless they are physically hit by plowing equipment. Mailboxes and supporting posts must be installed to withstand the rigors of snow removal, including the force of snow and slush being plowed to the roadside. 

May I burn leaves on my property?

No. The burning of leaves is prohibited, however, you may burn sticks, brush or logs, but nothing greater than four inches in diameter. Burning is allowed from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The fire must be out by 5 p.m. Residents may stop by the fire house to get a permit from 9 a.m.  to 1 p.m. Monday through Saturday; no Sundays and no holidays. Call the fire department at 594-3140. 

Can I rent an apartment in my house or take in boarders? 

Maybe. Check with the zoning office for specific details before offering an apartment for rent or taking in boarders. 

Can I start a bed and breakfast? 

Yes, but a special permit from the planning and zoning commission is required. To be approved for a bed and breakfast in your home you would have to submit a site plan, and prove you will have adequate facilities to meet health and safety regulations. 

Do I need a permit for a business in my home?

Yes, you will need permission from the planning and zoning commission. There are restrictions on the number of employees and hours of operations. A site plan and public hearing will also be needed prior to approval. 

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

No. That is the responsibility of the home owner. However, the department will help you interpret the results of a test. 

How often should I have my well water tested?

It is suggested that it be done every four to five years. If you suspect the well has been damaged by construction or landscaping, it might be a good idea to have it tested. In addition, if you notice a strange taste or a funny odor in your water, have the well tested. 

Can I find out the location of my well and/or septic system?

The health department maintains files of all septic systems installed from July 1957 to the present, and well locations from 1959. You can stop by the office for a copy of your property’s sketch, or ask for it to be faxed to you. Call 594-3019. 

How do I take care of my septic system?

The town health department suggests that you have your tank inspected by a professionally licensed septic system installer if you suspect that your tank may not be operating properly. The department maintains a list of current septic and well contractors and engineers working with the town. 

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. 

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

Call the health department at 594-3018. 

What is radon gas?

Radon gas is a decay product of radioactive uranium that cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted. Certain soils may contain high levels of radon, and well water that passes through may be a significant source of radon in a home. High levels of radon occur in Fairfield County. 

Exposure to radon increases your risk of developing lung cancer, especially when exposure is combined with smoking or inhaling someone else’s smoke. 

Radon gas gets into homes through cracks in foundations, block walls, sump pumps, drains and other openings in cellar floors and walls. It can also be released into the air by running water from faucets and showers if the source of water is a well with high levels of radon. 

The simplest way to find out if your house has high levels of radon is a carbon filter test, which can be done by the homeowner. Kits are available commercially, or may be purchased inexpensively by calling the Radon Hotline — 1-800-SOS-RADON — operated by the National Safety Council.

---

Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites