New Haven Register (New Haven, CT)
Zoning report: CO’s increase, complaints drop in Shelton
SHELTON — Certificate of occupancy applications jumped while complaints dropped over the past six months, according to Zoning Enforcement Officer Ron Baia.
Baia, in an update given to the Planning and Zoning Commission during its March meeting, said he and his staff closed out 36 complaints. Baia said the number of complaints reported and processed in the past six months dropped by 80 compared to the September 2023 report. Baia has given zoning updates to the commission every six months since his hiring in September 2022.
Complaints were mainly concerning blight, with reports of damaged structures as well as garbage and dilapidated vehicles on properties.
While complaints dropped, Baia said the department enjoyed a hike in certificates of occupancy, increasing by 71 compared to his September 2023 report.
The report states the staff approved 214 certificates of zoning compliance — 112 of which are for business occupancy, 37 for signs, 26 for decks, 12 for new houses, eight for detached structures and four for pools.
Baia again praised the city's use of the OpenGov Cloud software for online permitting.
The department has maintained morning office hours reserved for permitting and general zoning questions.
A kiosk has been placed on the third floor of City Hall, outside the department offices, to assist applicants in navigating the online portal and submitting applications.
Anyone wishing to submit a complaint can do so through this new system, which will track its status. Although approved permits are available online for public viewing, complaints submitted online are not attached to the property record for public access. It can only be reviewed internally by staff.
Baia said he reviews the complaint and visits the site in question. Based on the initial site visit, Baia said he will determine if a verbal notice is acceptable or if a formal letter needs to be sent.
On average, it takes about 30 days from the receipt of the complaint or violation to be compliant, he said.