A nuisance is a condition or use of property that interferes with adjoining landowners’ (neighbors) use and enjoyment of their properties; or endangers the life, health, enjoyment, or safety of others; or is offensive to others. Loud noises, foul odors, unsightly conditions, and illegal or immoral activities (such as prostitution or illegal drug activity) on a property are common examples of nuisances.

Trash, litter, uncut grass or vegetation, untrimmed trees, graffiti, and abandoned motor vehicles and tires are also common subjects of nuisance abatement efforts—often undertaken by a city or town’s code compliance or code enforcement department or division.

Abatement is generally the act of stopping, eliminating, or nullifying some condition or activity. Nuisance abatement or abatement of a nuisance generally includes stopping or eliminating a noise, odor, unsightly condition, or other nuisance—or repairing or demolishing a home, apartment complex, or other building the owner has failed to maintain and that endangers the life, health, safety, or life enjoyment of persons in the neighborhood.

State laws (statutes) often provide local governments with certain nuisance abatement powers to compel the owner of a property to fix or remedy the conditions creating a nuisance—and if the owner fails to do so, the local government may do so, such as by demolishing or razing a building.

Under some circumstances the local government may choose to repair or rehabilitate the nuisance condition—or remove, remediate, transport, and dispose of materials or property on the premises that are creating the nuisance.

Local governments may also have the right to prohibit access to the premises by some or all persons, and to control access to the premises.

In Connecticut, nuisance is defined as an unreasonable interference with the use and enjoyment of land. It can include loud noises, foul odors, unsightly conditions, and illegal activities, among other things. Connecticut state statutes empower local governments to address nuisances through abatement efforts. This means that if a property owner fails to maintain their property and it becomes a nuisance, the local government can step in to correct the issue. This could involve cleaning up the property, making necessary repairs, or even demolishing unsafe structures. The local government may also restrict access to the property to prevent further nuisance activities. If the property owner does not comply with orders to remedy the nuisance, the local government may perform the necessary actions and potentially charge the owner for the costs incurred. The specific procedures and regulations for nuisance abatement can vary by city or town within Connecticut, as local ordinances will detail the enforcement mechanisms and standards for what constitutes a nuisance in that area.