What to Know Westport Mid-Fairfield County Association of Realtors - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

What to Know Westport

Mid-Fairfield County Association of Realtors October 18, 2017

Westport Town Clerk

Patricia H. Strauss

1835 Edwin Wheeler 1897-1911 Joseph G. Hyatt 1835-1838 Lewis Raymond 1912-1914 W.J. Wood, Sr. 1839-1873 John W. Taylor 1915-1934 E. C. Birge 1873-1879 Edward J. Taylor 1934-1944 William A. Krause 1880-1881 Henry P. Burr 1944-1959 Lois R. Clark 1882-1885 William J. Finch 1959-1963 Dorothy Janson 1886-1887 Henry P. Burr 1963-1998 Joan M. Hyde 1888-1897 William J. Finch 1998- Patricia H. Strauss

Town Clerks 1835-2017

wesTporT’s mosT imporTanT doCumenTs are enTrusTed To The Town Clerk – serving The CommuniTy Through four major areas of responsibiliTies:

• 1. Recorder of land transactions **creating

and preserving the history of the town everyday

• Warranty Deeds
• Quit Claims
• Mortgages
• Assignments
• Liens and Releases
• Easements
• Restrictions

• 2. Registrar of Vital Statistics-

 births  marriages  deaths  burial and creamation permits  adoptions

• 3. Election Officiator

 certify petitions  ballot preparation  absentee ballots  certify election results

• 4. Clerk of the Legislative Body

(RTM)

• 9 disTriCTs, 36 members

 Keep members communication information current  Prepare meeting agendas for 17 study committees & monthly meeting  Prepare backup material for each agenda item  Scribe and post the meeting minutes  Record results of the meetings

• Provide Public Information - walk-in, phone, mail, eMail**, web-site**
• Also process FOI requests, Justice of the Peace appointments, Military Discharges,

Ordinance Codification, dog licenses, trade names, liquor permits…

• Provide genealogical support, issue oaths, assist the public on how to search the records.
• Post town meeting notices and agendas, take minutes, publish paper and electronic copy
• f minutes & ordinances.
• Revenue Collector for Local, $2.1M,and State Government, $9.0M
• Keeper of the town seal.
• Liaison between public and other branches of government. Over 440 state

statutes involve the Town Clerk.

• Ther responsibiliTies

• To provide online access to all land records dating

back to 1835.

• CurrenTly
• Digital online access of land recordings index date

back to 1900.

• Digitial online access of land recordings images date

back to 1984.

goal

Preserving Our Past For OUR

Future

• www.westportct.gov
• Town Clerk web page:

 online access to land records  calendar of meetings and minutes  maps and surveys  town codebook  election results

where To find informaTion

Up-to-date indexing system COTT SYSTEM since 2000 24/7 on-line access to digitized land records - 24/7 revenue since 2011

• Apply for a marriage license online since 2013
• eRecording Land Records since 2014 - 12% of all documents filed this way
• State-wide birth registry since 2016 - Currently working with DPH on electronic death registry.
• Electronic campaign finance reporting 2017 - Pilot program with SEEC

auTomaTing The Town Clerk offiCe

• r visiT The vaulT – room 105

• for your buyer:
• Lookup existing homeowners deed by the owners name.
• The deed should give you map numbers, the metes and

bounds property description, easements, restrictions, variances, private roads, part of a homeowners association or special taxing district….

realTor homework

analyzing your ClienT; performing a quiCk TiTle searCh

• for your seller:
• Look up sellers deed, as buyer.
• Search for mortgages and liens to get a ‘financial’ perspective
• f your seller.

realTor homework

analyzing your ClienT, performing a quiCk TiTle searCh

• meeT The Town Clerk sTaff

Planning & Zoning, Mary Young

• Introduction to Westport Planning & Zoning
• Administrate the zoning and subdivision regulations
• Issue and advise in preparation of zoning permits
• Special permit applications, variances, subdivision applications
• New Guidelines: Village District Overlay Zone & TOD Master Plan for Saugatuck
• Violations
• Building a pool, garage, tennis court
• Variance Process
• Pre-existing and/or non-conforming structures
• Schedule of setbacks
• Additional Questions

Building Department, Steve Smith

• Introduction to the Building Department
• Public Act No. 17-176
• Concerning the Close of Certain Building

Permits

• Nov 28th State Building Inspector coming

to Norwalk

Building Department, Steve Smith

• When is a permit required?
• Smoke detectors & carbon monoxide detectors
• Work without permit
• Municipal searches
• Additional questions

Public Health and Real Estate Transactions

Westport Weston Health District

Mid-Fairfield County Association Realtors Meeting October 18, 2017

What is public health?

“The science and art of preventing disease, prolonging life and prom oting physical and m ental health and well being through

• rganized

com m unity effort for the sanitation of the environment, organization of medical and nursing services for the early diagnosis and prevention

• f disease, the education of the individual in personal

health and the development

• f the social machinery

to assure everyone a standard

• f

living adequate for the maintenance of improvement of health”

C.E.A. Winslow – founder of the Yale School of Public Health

Westport Weston Health District

The Westport Weston Health District is a full service health district

• ffering

comprehensive public health services to the communities we serve, is fully compliant with state mandates and staffs a full service travel clinic.

Administrative Services

Emergency Management Community Health Environmental Health

First Health District in Connecticut Serving the public since 1 9 6 5

Com m unity Health:

Provide health prom otion and disease prevention through education, screenings, im m unizations, and surveillance.

W ellness Clinics

Regularly offered blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar screenings; individualized risk reduction counseling is provided.

Travelers and Routine I m m unizations Clinics

Providing required immunizations and preventive medications to reduce the risk of infectious diseases that can be acquired when traveling.

Specialty Screenings

WWHD partners with local health professionals and agencies to provide screenings.

Hom ebound Health Check

In-home (non-skilled) visits by a registered nurse are provided to homebound residents so as to ensure that they maintain or improve their health status through assessment and early intervention.

Health Education

Forums and presentations, on-going classes, publications and press releases in regard to a variety of public health issues and concerns, are provided by the community health staff and invited public health experts when appropriate.

Environmental Health

Food Service I nspections Septic System I nspections

New installations and repairs to existing septic systems are overseen, reviewed and approved by the District.

W ater Supply W ells

Private wells are regulated by the District to ensure proper location and installation, and a safe water supply.. Food service establishments including restaurants, convenience stores, grocery stores, bars, schools, are inspected to prevent food borne illness.

Lead The District reviews lead sampling reports, remediation, abatement and management plans. Com plaint I nvestigations

The District investigates complaints concerning regulated facilities, environmental hazards (mosquito breeding, rodent infestations, accumulations of trash, substandard rental housing, foodborne illnesses, water/ air pollution, etc).

W est Nile Virus ( W NV) and Zika Surveillance

West Nile and Zika are spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. The CT Agricultural Experiment Station coordinates the statewide mosquito surveillance program of mosquito trap sites distributed around the state.

Shellfish

The WWHD routinely reviews water quality data and sampling results with regards to the US FDA shellfish program requirements for the operation of the conditional shellfishing areas.

Beach W ater Testing

Each summer, the Westport Weston Health District tests the waters at the Westport beaches and other public swimming areas to ensure safe water quality.

Most Common Concern Brought To WWHD

Open Permit Emergency!

No water softeners or garbage disposal systems can discharge into septic system - not grandfathered

If potential buyer wants to do work to the property (addition, pool, etc.) set up an appointment to meet with a sanitarian to go over the requirements - It is difficult to figure it out over a phone call. WELL BEFORE the closing, Check with every department make sure there are no open permits for pools, additions, accessory structures, etc.

Sellers:

Backwashing of a softener to a septic system is specifically prohibited in the CT Public Health Code section 19-13-B103 and in the Technical Standards for Subsurface Sewage Disposal Systems. There is no grandfathering of water softeners, the requirement has be around since the 1960’s The DEEP‘s General Permit (pursuant to Section 22a-430 of the CT General Statutes) allows the discharge of water softener backwash into a dedicated subsurface disposal system, but not into a septic system.

Well Water - Softeners

Sellers: Water Softener Requirements

Proper Water Treatment Equipment Discharge

Indicators of Indoor Environmental Problems

Tenants: I ndoor Environm ental Quality

Noticeable odors Damaged flue pipes or chimney Visible water damage Dirty/faulty heating or air conditioning equipment Excessive humidity Stale or stuffy air Visible mold & mildew Feel better when outside or away from home

2nd Most Common Concern Brought To WWHD

General complaints of headaches, runny nose, coughing, not feeling well

Mold

• WWHD does NOT recommend air testing for mold spores.
• Mold spores are regularly found in indoor air and on surfaces and materials

– no indoor (or outdoor) space is free of them

• The availability of moisture is the primary factor that controls mold growth

indoors.

Tenants: I ndoor Environm ental Quality Problem s:

No Standard

A person who is exposed to low levels of lead over longer period

• f time may feel:

Abdominal pain Constipated Depressed Distracted Forgetful Irritable Nauseous/Sick

Health Effects From Exposure To Lead

Lead

Lead is particularly dangerous to children because their growing bodies absorb more lead than adults do and their brains and nervous systems are more sensitive to the damaging effects of lead.

Households with children under the age Of 6 must meet DPH regulations

Exposure to very high levels of lead

• ver a short period of time.

Abdominal pain Constipated Tired Headachy Irritable Loss of appetite Memory loss Pain or tingling in the hands and/or feet

Tenants: I ndoor Environm ental Quality Problem s:

If a capillary blood test is elevated (equal to or greater than 5μg/dL) – confirm with a diagnostic (venous) blood lead test.

Homebuyers

Federal law requires that before being obligated under a contract to buy housing built prior to 1978, buyers must receive the following from the home seller: An EPA-approved information pamphlet on identifying and controlling lead-based paint hazards titled Protect Your Family From Lead In Your Home (PDF). An attachment to the contract, or language inserted in the contract, that includes a "Lead Warning Statement" and confirms that the seller has complied with all notification requirements. A 10-day period to conduct a paint inspection or risk assessment for lead-based paint or lead-based paint hazards. Parties may mutually agree, in writing, to lengthen or shorten the time period for

• inspection. Homebuyers may waive this inspection opportunity.

Lead

Tenants: I ndoor Environm ental Quality Problem s:

Renters

Federal law requires that before signing a lease for housing built before 1978, renters must receive the following from your landlord: An EPA-approved information pamphlet on identifying and controlling lead-based paint hazards, Protect Your Family From Lead In Your Home (PDF). An attachment to the contract, or language inserted in the contract, that includes a "Lead Warning Statement" and confirms that the landlord has complied with all notification requirements. If there is a concern about lead, the landlord should get a lead hazard inspection from a certified inspector before signing any lease.

Lead

Tenants: I ndoor Environm ental Quality Problem s:

Real Estate Agents and Home Sellers

Federal law requires you to provide certain important information about lead paint before a prospective buyer is obligated under a contract to purchase a home. Real estate agents must: Inform the seller of his or her obligations under the Real Estate Notification and Disclosure

• Rule. In addition, the agent is responsible if the seller or lessor fails to comply, unless the failure

involves specific lead-based paint or lead-based paint hazard information that the seller or lessor did not disclose to the agent. Provide, as part of the contract process, an EPA-approved information pamphlet on identifying and controlling lead-based paint hazards titled Protect Your Family From Lead In Your Home (PDF). Provide a 10-day period to conduct a paint inspection or risk assessment for lead-based paint or lead-based paint hazards. Parties may mutually agree, in writing, to lengthen or shorten the time period for inspection. Homebuyers may waive this inspection opportunity.

Lead

Tenants: I ndoor Environm ental Quality Problem s:

Breathing radon in indoor air can cause lung cancer. People who smoke have an even greater risk. Radon in indoor air is the second leading cause of lung cancer. About 22,000 deaths a year in the U.S. The risk of developing radon-related lung cancer increases with higher levels of radon exposure.

Radon In Air

4 pCi/ L The WWHD encourages testing for radon in the months when windows and doors are closed.

Tenants: I ndoor Environm ental Quality Problem s:

The radon gas in your water can enter the air in your home when you use water for household activities such as showering, washing clothes and cooking. For every 10,000 picocuries per liter (pCi/L)

• f radon in your water, it is estimated that

1 pCi/L is added to your radon in the air. If water comes from a lake, river, or reservoir (surface water), radon is not a concern. The radon is released into the air before it reaches your home. Some radon stays in the water. Radon in the water you drink can also contribute to a very small increase in your risk of stomach

• cancer. However this risk is almost insignificant

compared to your risk of lung cancer from radon in air.

Radon in Water

Limit 5000 pCi/ L

Tenants: I ndoor Environm ental Quality Problem s:

Highest level found in Westport/ Weston

5 3 ,1 3 6 pCi/ L

Radon in Water

Tenants: I ndoor Environm ental Quality Problem s:

Realtor Questions:

Occupancy: w hat are the rules for rental properties such as num ber of people allow ed per square footage? How is sq. ft. calculated? There are no Public Health regulations in Westport or Weston that limit number of people per square foot. W hen does a rental property need to be inspected by the departm ent? W hat is the tow n looking to evaluate in an inspection? W hat is the cost and tim ing? There are no Public Health regulations in Westport or Weston that require rental property inspections.

Realtor Questions:

W hat are the next steps if septic and w ell m aps/ records are not on-file? For additions and other applications, a system inspection for functionality and having the existing septic system components located will need to be done (need to know where they are before you start digging for the new pool!). Although the system may not need upgrading, it is most likely a B-100A evaluation will need to be done to ensure there is at least one spot on the property a code compliant septic system can be installed.

Realtor Questions:

W hat are the steps and process for resolving septic failures? Homeowner contracts with a licensed septic contractor to evaluate w hy there is a failure and likely conduct soil testing before proposing a repair. A plan is submitted based on household water usage and soil test results. Plan is reviewed for compliance to State Code requirements, is approved, installed and inspected. Contractor must provide an as-build diagram.

Realtor Questions:

I f a pre-existing septic tank fails and a new tank is required, w ill it have to m eet current code? I f so, w ill the leaching fields need to be evaluated and confirm ed to accom m odate the new size tank? The new tank would need to meet current codes. Nothing needs to be done with the fields so long as they are functioning properly. W hat if the existing system failure is from a cesspool

• r dryw ell? W hat w ill the tow n require?

A new septic system meeting current code requirements that includes a septic tank followed by a leaching structures.

Realtor Questions:

How often should w ell w ater be tested and for w hat? The official public health recom m endation is once a

• year. Water quality can change and the only way to know

what is in it is to test. Homeowner should check whenever they notice a change in color, odor and/ or taste.

Water tests from new wells that do not meet these minimum requirements cannot be approved: NO Certificate

• f Occupancy.

Treatment to bring the water quality within acceptable parameters is required.

Well Water - Testing

Realtor Questions:

Does the tow n assist a hom eow ner in issues of w ell contam ination? Or is this solely the responsibility of the hom eow ner to resolve? Ultimately, the homeowner is fiscally responsible for resolving all issues with their private well water supply – unless there is gross chemical (man-made) contamination and a responsible party has been identified. The health district can assist a homeowner with information and technical needs. The State DEEP used to provide bottled water to homes with contamination problems but this program has ended.

Realtor Questions:

Are neighborhoods alerted of contam ination in the area? Yes – on a need to know basis. Immediate neighbors are likely to be contacted as part of an investigation to determine how widespread a problem might be. Notifications and testing is usually conducted in expanding circles. Properties outside a presumed plume of contamination may not be contacted directly.

Arsenic Study

Realtor Questions:

Arsenic & Uranium

Arsenic is not noticeable in water because it has no taste or odor. These naturally occurring metals are found in groundwater in sporadic locations across the state. Wells should be tested at the time of sale of the home and also when a new well is drilled. Arsenic and uranium are not part of the standard test.

The Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for arsenic in private well water is 0.01 mg/L (10 ug/L). The Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for uranium in private well water is 0.03 mg/L (30 ug/L).

Tenants: I ndoor Environm ental Quality Problem s:

New Public Health Guidelines/Codes

Subsurface Sewage Disposal

July 1 2017 – The Public Health Code is now applicable to systems up to 7,500 GPD, rather than the previous 5,000 GPD. Water Treatment Equipment January 1, 2018 – DEEP delegates all water treatment equipment discharges to Public Health. Adoption of FDA Model Food Code July1, 2018 - FDA Food Code Enforcement begins

Questions – Answ ers - Discussion

Questions and Discussion

Conservation, Alicia Mozian

• Wetland Regulations
• Waterway Protection Line Ordinance (WPLO)
• Flood Zones
• Recreational Shellfishing Program
• Camping on Cockenoe Island
• Plastic Bag Ordinance
• Additional Questions

Assessor’s Office, Joyce Gentilozzi

• New updates in the Assessor’s Office
• Property Valuation
• Calculation of taxes
• Revaluation
• Field Card Review
• Corrections
• Calculation of square footage
• Board of Assessment & Appeals
• On-site property inspection
• implementing value changes related to BAA appeals
• Administer Senior tax abatement and deferral programs
• Additional Questions

www.westportct.gov

Field Card Lookup

Departments A – Z: Select Assessor’s Office Click on: “Go Directly to Assessment Data at Vision Appraisal” Click on: “Enter Online Database” Enter: Address **Field Card will then be available via “Field Card” Tab located in top right of webpage

www.westportct.gov

Use of GIS (Geographic Information Systems)

Departments A – Z: Select Assessor’s Office Click on: “Use the GIS tool” Click on: “I Agree – Go to GIS” Open: “Interactive Maps” Open: “Public CityMap Viewer” Click on: “Search for Tax Parcels” by Name or Address **GIS map will be displayed

Westport First Selectman, Jim Marpe

• Why Westport
• Top schools in the State of CT
• Empty nesters are moving to Westport
• Quality of life: Beaches, parks, shopping, dining, entertainment
• 16.86% Mill rate
• Transportation: Two Metro North Rail stations, I95 and Merritt Parkway Access

Skilled and Knowledgeable Department Heads

Proposed Improvements to our Permitting Process

Economic Development Initiatives Underway in Westport