Substitute House Bill No. 5391, also known as Public Act No. 26-9, amends Section 8-12 of the general statutes concerning the enforcement of zoning regulations. The bill introduces new legal language that clarifies the authority under which zoning bylaws, ordinances, rules, or regulations are enforced, specifically stating that they are conferred by any provision of the chapter or by any special act. It allows officials to take action against unlawful construction or use of buildings and structures, including issuing cease and desist orders for violations related to land grading and soil erosion. The bill also specifies that owners, agents, lessees, or tenants involved in violations can be fined between ten to two hundred fifty dollars per day, depending on whether the offense is willful.

Additionally, the bill establishes that individuals who fail to comply with orders to discontinue violations may face civil penalties up to two thousand five hundred dollars. It allows defendants in criminal prosecutions to argue that their case is based on a zoning regulation that is also the subject of a civil action, potentially affecting the outcome of the prosecution. The court may award costs and reasonable attorney's fees to municipalities if they prevail in cases of willful violations. Overall, the bill aims to strengthen the enforcement of zoning regulations and clarify the legal framework surrounding such enforcement actions.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 8-12
PD Joint Favorable Substitute: 8-12
File No. 261: 8-12
Public Act No. 26-9: 8-12