Property Maintenance

The Town of West Hartford reminds residents and businesses of their responsibilities for maintaining their properties.

Are overgrown hedges that reduce the full width of a sidewalk a violation?

Yes. Residents are asked to trim back or remove vegetation that hangs over sidewalks (West Hartford Code: Chapter 115-22). A wheelchair or stroller should be able to use the full width of the public sidewalk without having to go onto the grass. In addition, shrubs, hedges, grass and plants should not obstruct any sign.

The West Hartford-Bloomfield Health District enforces this ordinance. They can be reached at 860-561-7900. 

Enforcement of these ordinances is not intended to burden property owners, but instead to raise awareness of the responsibilities of maintaining your property so West Hartford is a safe and enjoyable community.

Why is tall grass a problem?

Whenever grass, weeds, bushes, vines, poison ivy or other vegetation are allowed to grow tall, there are negative consequences. Overgrown yards are not only an eyesore but are public health and safety issues too. Properties with tall grass and unkempt vegetation erode community value and create a breeding ground for rodents and other vermin. Lawns that are not being cared for give criminals the impression that the property is unattended and might be an easy target.

The Town of West Hartford has a local law (known as an ordinance) that requires properties to be maintained and when they are not, the owner could face a penalty of $79 per day.

According to West Hartford’s Litter and Community Appearance Standards, “No owner or occupant of any premises shall permit grass, weeds or similar growths to reach a height greater than one foot on any premises with a building or dwelling located thereon, whether said building or dwelling is occupied or not. Nor shall the owner of any undeveloped premises allow any grass, weeds or similar growths thereon greater than one foot in height to remain thereon within 25 feet of a street line or any adjoining property (West Hartford Code: Chapter 115-22).

The West Hartford-Bloomfield Health District enforces this ordinance. They can be reached at 860-561-7900.

Enforcement of these ordinances is not intended to burden property owners, but instead to raise awareness of the responsibilities of maintaining your property so West Hartford is a safe and enjoyable community.

Each year motor vehicle accidents are attributed to overgrown shrubbery on street corners and intersections. Here is a test to determine if you need to trim back your shrubbery.

Drive up to white line on the road located before the stop sign and look to make sure you can see oncoming traffic and pedestrians without having to roll forward. If you have to roll forward, its time get out your hedge clippers.

For the safety of all, it is important that hedges, bushes, trees or other growth or any fence do not obstruct a clear view of drivers (West Hartford Code: Chapter 177-24). 

West Hartford Zoning Office enforces this ordinance. They can be reached at 860-561-7555.

Enforcement of these ordinances is not intended to burden property owners, but instead to raise awareness of the responsibilities of maintaining your property so West Hartford is a safe and enjoyable community.

We are all fully aware of the damage trees can cause when they take down utility lines during a storm. It is important that the growth and maintenance of trees on your property do not obstruct utility lines or other cables and do not extend or infringe beyond the boundaries of your property (West Hartford Code: Chapter 115-22).

Are you concerned about a tree on your property that's near utility wires? Eversource tree arborists trim trees year-round but will only consider removing those branches or trees that have the potential to damage their electric system or cause significant chafing or mechanical strain to your service line.  If the tree does not qualify for Eversource's Tree Trimming service, the property owner will be responsible for its maintenance. Request non-emergency tree trimming, comment on recent work performed on your property and track the status of your tree trimming requests by visiting Eversource's website. 

The Town of West Hartford does otherwise look at Property Maintenance Concerns under West Hartford Code: Chapter 115 - Litter and Community Appearance Standards and Chapter 105 - Housing and Property Maintenance

This section of the Town Code is looked after and enforced by the West Hartford-Bloomfield Health District who has their own set of FAQs on the matter here and can be reached at 860-561-7900.