Street Naming & Numbering (Emergency 911 System)

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGAL VOTERS OF THE TOWN OF STONINGTON, IN LAWFUL TOWN MEETING DULY ASSEMBLED, that the existing Ordinance re: Street Naming and Numbering (Emergency 911 System) be amended as follows:

BE ITORDAINED BY THE LEGAL VOTERS OF THE TOWN OF STONINGTON IN LAWFUL TOWN MEETING DULY ASSEMBLED THAT THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE BE ESTABLISHED BY THE TOWN OF STONINGTON:

Section 1. Street Naming and Property Numbering Ordinance.

There shall be a systematic and orderly naming and renaming of streets and numbering and renumbering of properties to facilitate the implementation and effective operation of the Emergency 911 system which has been mandated by the State of Connecticut General Statutes.

Section 2.0. Designation of Street Names and Property Numbers.

When usedin this ordinance, the term street means any street, highway, private road, paper road, pentway, right-of-way and/or thoroughfare.  When used in this ordinance, the term property number means a number assigned to a property for a specific identification of that property.

Section 2.1. TheStonington Planning Office shall assign property numbers to all property fronting on any street within the town and may change any and all property numbers.  All property number changes will be submitted to the Board of Selectmen for their approval.  After the implementation of the Emergency 911 system, all future property number changes will be handled under Section 2.7.  Whenever possible, existing street names and property numbers will be utilized.  The Town may assign property numbers or names on streets which have not been accepted by the Town.  However, this will not be construed as acceptance of that street and as such, the Town's liability will not change.

Section 2.2.  One whole number shall be assigned for approximately every fifty feet (50') of roadway.  Improved and vacant property on each street will be assigned a number.

Section 2.3.  Starting from the point of origin, even numbers will be assigned to properties on the right hand side of the street and odd numbers will be assigned to properties on the left hand side. 

Section 2.4.  The Stonington Planning Office shall assign property numbers to condominium and apartment complexes.  As a general rule each property parcel will be assigned one property number. Internal units will be assigned with sub-numbers or letters, not individual property numbers.

Section 2.5.  When rear lots exist or are created in a subdivision, special attention will be given to ensure a sequential numbering system can be maintained.

Section 2.6.  New street names in subdivisions shall be proposed by the subdivider, reviewed by the Stonington Planner's office and when approved, included as part of a final subdivision plan.  The naming of all new streets must be approved by the Stonington Planner's office.

Section 2.7.  All property numbering systems proposed by the subdivider will be submitted as part of the subdivision plan and will be reviewed by the Stonington Planning Office.  The Stonington Planning Office will then recommend the numbering system or change to the Board of Selectmen for approval.  Upon obtaining approval, the Stonington Planning Office will notify the Stonington Assessor's Office, the appropriate law enforcement department, fire department, postal office, ambulance provider, utility companies, and the 911 numbering database agency.

Section 2.8.  No duplication of new street names shall be allowed.  As safety factors dictates, the name of any existing street may be changed to prevent duplication of names.  Similar sounding names are considered to be duplication regardless of spelling.  Street names will be assigned by the Stonington Planning Office and recommended to the Board of Selectmen for approval.  Upon obtaining approval, the Stonington Planning Office will notify the Stonington Assessor's Office, the appropriate law enforcement department, fire department, postal office, ambulance provider, utility companies, and the 911 numbering database agency.

Section 2.9.  Property numbers on streets will be assigned by the Stonington Planning Office.  No building permit may be approved until the Planning Office has assigned a property number.  Assigned property numbers shall be approved by the Board of Selectmen.  Upon obtaining approval, the Stonington Planning Office will notify the Stonington Assessor's Office, the appropriate law enforcement department, fire department, postal office, ambulance provider, utility companies, and the 911 numbering database agency.

Section 3.0.  Affixing of Property Numbers.

Because quickly locating a property is of primary importance during an emergency, every property owner of improved property shall, within six (6) months of the implementation of the 911 system, purchase and display the assigned number before the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy.  Property which is assigned a number that is different than the one in current use shall display the newly assigned number within thirty (30) days of receiving notice of the new number.  In the case of rental property, the property owner is responsible for posting the numbers as well as informing the tenants of their new address.       

Section 3.1.  Property numbers shall be affixed to dwelling units or some object appurtenant thereto so as to be visible from and oriented toward the street from which the address is taken.  When the structure is within fifty (50) feet of the edge of the street, the assigned number shall be displayed on the front of the building in the vicinity of the front door or entry and visible from the street.  If the structure is over fifty (50) feet from the street or if the line of sight is obstructed by plantings or other objects, then the number is to be displayed on a post, fence, wall or mailbox at the property line adjacent to the driveway entrance.

Section 3.2.  The numbers shall be arabic numerals at least three inches (3") high or written in an easily readable sign and displayed on a contrasting background.

This ordinance shall become effective following approval by Town Meeting and fifteen (15) days after publication in a newspaper having a substantial circulation in the Town of Stonington.

Adopted:  February 26, 1990
Effective:  March 28, 1990
Amended:  December 14, 2004
Effective:  January 2, 2005