One of the burdens of owning or leasing real property is the need to comply with state and local land use restrictions.  In the State of Connecticut, towns and municipalities are authorized to enact planning and zoning laws that restrict the use of property for reasons having to do with the public health and safety, population density, size of buildings, commercial activity, property values, public transportation, wetlands, sewage, parks, schools, and other public requirements.  Typically, these local boards require property owners, and in some cases tenants of real property, to obtain special use permits or variances before approving things such as the building of new structures or the opening of a commercial establishment.  In some cases, local zoning boards may issue citations or fines against property owners for violations of land use ordinances.