AN ACT CONCERNING COASTAL SITE PLAN REVIEWS FOR CERTAIN SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL STRUCTURES.

HB 5290 exempts certain minor single-family residential structures from coastal site plan reviews, directly affecting homeowners building small additions or modifications near coastal areas. It allows local planning boards to skip pre-approval reviews for items like garages, decks, pools, fences, and utility lines, provided they don’t alter coastal resources or restrict beach access. However, new single-family homes within 100 feet of wetlands, bluffs, beaches, or dunes - except on disconnected islands - still require reviews. Local boards must instead submit quarterly reports to the Environmental Protection Commissioner detailing approved exempt structures. The changes take effect October 1, 2026.