Show All Answers

1. Who can I call to report that my trash, recycling, yard waste or bulk was not collected?

Contact Public Works at (860) 584-6125 Monday through Friday between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm or City Yard Dispatch at (860) 584-7791 Monday through Friday between 7:00 am to 3:00 pm.

2. Who do I call to report a pot hole?

Contact Public Works at (860) 584-6125 Monday through Friday between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm or City Yard Dispatch at (860) 584-7791 Monday through Friday 7:00 am to 3:00 pm.

3. When is my next recycle day?

Now there's an app for that! Download the Recycle Coach app (on your smart phone or tablet) and you can sign up to check your schedule and even get reminders sent to you.
The Public Works Department can also let you know the date for your next recycle collection.
We also have recycle reminder calendars available. Please call us at (860) 584-6125.
You may also look up your collection schedule on line Collection Schedules

4. Does the city have any compost for residents?

The city has compost and sand available during the spring and fall at the Dog Pound on Vincent P. Kelly Road.

5. Is it legal to connect a basement sump pump into my home's sanitary sewer pipe?

No, basement sump pumps, roof drains and other sources of clean rain or groundwater are not to be discharged to the sanitary sewer. These discharges are illegal in Bristol, and all other Connecticut municipalities. The excess water can quickly overload the pipes and pumps in the city's collection system and contribute to sewer overflows and basement flooding during rain storms. Sump pumps and roof gutter drains should be discharged on the ground surface or in drywells. With the proper permitting they can also be discharge directly into the city's storm water drains.

6. What do I do in the event of a sanitary sewer blockage or backup?

Most sewer backups occur because the line is plugged with grease or roots or a combination. Backups are also caused by a sewer lateral that has collapsed. In the City of Bristol the lateral pipe from the mainline sewer to the house is the responsibility of the property owner. If you are not sure if the sewer is blocked, please call (860) 584-7796 or (860) 777-6011 (cell) any time day or night and an operator will check the mainline. If the blockage is in the lateral portion, it is the responsibility of the property owner to contact a plumber.

7. What should I do if I see water flowing onto the street from a round manhole cover in the road?

You should report it to the Water Pollution Control any time of day or night at (860) 584-7796 or (860) 777-6011.

8. If I notice a missing, damaged, or noisy manhole cover (loose fitting) what do I do?

Please report the occurrence to the Water Pollution Control any time of day or night at (860) 777-6011 (cell).

9. Will my home owners cover the costs involved in the event of a blockage or backup in my lateral pipe?

Please check with the agent who carries your homeowner insurance policy to see if these expenses are covered or if a separate rider is necessary.

10. What is the zoning of my property and what uses are allowed?

You can review the city's Official Zoning Map to determine the zone in which your property is located and the Zoning Regulations to identify the uses that are permitted in that zone.

Zoning Regulations and Maps

11. Can I split (subdivide) my property?

Whether or not a parcel of land can be split / subdivided to create one or more additional lots depends upon a number of factors, including lot size, road frontage and access, zoning, infrastructure (utilities), and the lot's natural features. For more information on the process of splitting / subdividing your property, please contact the Land Use Office at (860) 584-6225.

12. Can I operate a business from my home?

Some business activities conducted from a residence are considered home-based businesses and as such may be permitted as a use incidental to the residence. Section V.A.11. of the city's Zoning Regulations outlines the provisions for home-based businesses and home offices in the city's single-family residential zones.

13. What is a variance, and how do I apply for one?

A variance is the legal relief from one or more provisions of the city's Zoning Regulations, granted by the Zoning Board of Appeals in cases where a unique or unusual condition (known as a "hardship") has been demonstrated to exist on a parcel of land. For more information about variances and the application process, please contact the Land Use Office at (860) 584-6225.