Update 9:30 a.m. Friday
The trailer has been moved. According to a representative for the property owner, it was moved June 22.
Original Story
A Mill Road homeowner has until Friday to remove a trailer that is sitting out of front of her home in violation of the New Canaan Zoning Regulations, officials say.
The trailer at 273 Mill Road in New Canaan. Credit: Michael Dinan
According to a Zoning Fine Warning Notice issued by the town, the owner of 273 Mill Road could face a citation and penalty of $150 per day if the trailer remains after June 29.
“Each day shall constitute a separate violation,” according to a letter sent by certified mail this month by the New Canaan Planning & Zoning Department to the homeowner.
The property is owned by Blair Tardino, tax records show.
According to the warning letter and associated emails, obtained by NewCanaanite.com through a Freedom of Information Act request, a neighbor’s complaint led to a zoning enforcement officer on June 15 finding the .3-acre property to be in violation of two provisions in the regulations. One provision allows for farming-related vehicles so long as they’re only used for purposes “necessary for, used for and accessory to farming.” Another spells out requirements for the storage of commercial vehicles in a residential zone (see pages 47 and 48 here).
According to an email from the complainant, the trailer’s street side placement dates back to at least April, and three immediate and nearby neighbors have raised concerns about it. The complaining neighbor said in an email that he was showing his own home for sale, and after notifying town officials on June 11 that “the big white trailer is back,” he wanted to know whether the town needed to “start the clock again” with respect to violations—the property owner in question has 10 days from the time the letter to move the trailer—or could fine her retroactively to a past violation.