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Residents warn new rules could hinder appeals of Building Department orders
Summary
Commenters at the March 9 hearing said shifting Building Department records to a written-request model could delay access needed to prepare appeals of orders to remedy; the attorney cited recent counts of orders and complaints to underscore urgency.
Several speakers warned the proposed procedure could impede residents responding to Building Department orders. The draft would route inspection of Building Department files through the general written-request process, which Broza said could require an initial five‑business‑day acknowledgment under FOIL timing and longer response windows thereafter, potentially delaying appellants who face 30‑day compliance deadlines for orders to remedy.
Broza noted the Town’s own reports that included multiple orders and complaints in recent months and argued that prompt access to underlying records (complaints, inspection notes, permits and investigation files) is a prerequisite for a meaningful appeal. Board members did not dispute the practical concern but emphasized the town’s intent to provide access within legal constraints and to accept email requests.
