West Haven Council Approves $1.96 Million Lien Sale, New Yard Waste Rules, and Zoning Updates
West Haven’s recent government actions centered on a $1.96 million lien sale, a new ban on leaves and yard waste in streets, and zoning buffer changes for certain businesses. The City Council also scheduled public hearings on $12.5 million in bonds, while Charter Revision Commission discussions continued without a formal decision.
City Council: lien sale, yard waste ordinance, and public hearings
On June 22, the City Council voted unanimously to assign the city’s delinquent 2024 tax and sewer liens to RAM Financial Group for $1,956,434.79. The sale lets the city collect a lump sum now rather than pursue individual overdue accounts.
In the same session, the council adopted a new ordinance (Chapter 206, Article VIII) that prohibits leaves and yard waste from being placed or left in streets, sidewalks, or waterways. The measure passed unanimously.
The council also approved $1,121.40 in animal shelter donations and a memorandum of agreement for a FY2025 Homeland Security Grant, both by unanimous vote. Two re-appointments—to the Ethics Commission and the Energy Commission—were referred to committees for vetting.
Looking ahead, the council set July 27 as the date for public hearings on two financial measures: a proposed amendment to the FY 2024/2025 Capital Budget, and a bond ordinance authorizing up to $12,477,252 in borrowing for capital projects. Both are at the first-reading stage.
Planning and Zoning: Phase 2 buffer and signage changes
The Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved Phase 2 amendments to zoning regulations on June 23. Key adjustments include:
- A uniform 800-foot buffer radius for nail salons, cannabis establishments, and liquor stores.
- A 1,000-foot buffer radius for adult establishments.
- EV charging station language (Section 49.4.2.(1)) reverted to its original wording, along with a restoration of the 24-inch diagonal maximum display size for certain signs (Section 8).
- The summary table (Section 49.4.5.6) reverted to “R” and “SP” designations for Level 1, 2, and 3 uses.
Commissioner Biancur made the motion; the vote was unanimous. Biancur abstained from approving the June 9 meeting minutes.
Charter Revision: joint meetings but no final decisions
Several joint special meetings of the City Council and Charter Revision Commission took place between June 23 and July 1. Agendas focused on City Council recommendations for changes to the draft revised city charter. No minutes have been published, and no final votes or proposed amendments were reported. The Charter Revision Commission’s July 1 meeting also included discussion of scheduling future commission meetings.
High School Building Committee meetings canceled
The West Haven High School Building Committee canceled its regular June 9 and June 23 meetings due to a lack of new business.
Coming up
The Board of Police Commissioners meets on July 7. On the agenda: review of two disputed traffic tickets (#10279 from May 20, 2026, and #15382 from May 26, 2026); planning for the Closer to Free Ride event on September 19, 2026; the chief’s budget report; and an executive session on personnel matters.
Generated from official meeting agendas and minutes — every underlying document is linked from the city page. Read the primary source before you rely on a detail.