HB 5396 Connecticut House · 2026 Regular Session

AN ACT CONCERNING AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT ON CERTAIN LAND OWNED BY A RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATION.

HB 5396 allows religious organizations to develop affordable housing on their owned land with streamlined approval. It requires that at least 30% of units be rent- or mortgage-qualified for 40 years at or below 30% of 60% of state or area median income. The bill mandates "summary review" for such projects, bypassing standard zoning restrictions on density and height, while requiring a decision within 90 days. Exemptions include properties owned less than three years, flood zones, oil/gas sites, or historic areas needing demolition approval.

Issues: ✓ Housing

Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Feb 2026

Committee Review

Floor Vote

Governor

Introduced Feb 26, 2026 Last action Mar 31, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Raised Bill → PD Joint Favorable Substitute · 5 edits

MODERATE

The bill was revised to simplify the language and clarify the requirements for religious organization affordable housing developments. The most significant change is the reduction of the minimum affordable housing requirement from 30% to 20% of dwelling units. Additionally, the rules for density and height were adjusted to reflect this lower threshold, and new provisions were added to clarify parking requirements and tax exemptions.

Scope change

The bill's scope remains focused on religious organization affordable housing developments, but the eligibility criteria for receiving expedited 'summary review' status have been modified to apply to a smaller percentage of affordable units.

ELIGIBILITY

The minimum percentage of affordable dwelling units required to qualify for summary review was reduced from 30% to 20%.

REQUIREMENT

Density and height restrictions were updated to allow higher density (up to 50 units per acre) for developments meeting the new 20% affordable housing threshold, whereas the original bill capped density at 30 units per acre for 30% affordable housing.

New language was added to clarify that off-street parking requirements are limited to one space per unit if the development is more than half a mile from public transit.

DEFINITION

A specific definition for 'affordable housing deed restriction' was added to clarify the legal instrument required for the affordable units.

ENFORCEMENT

A new subsection was added to clarify that these developments are not automatically exempt from property taxes unless they meet specific statutory requirements.

Floor votes

How they voted

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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Mar 13, 2026

Lower · Passed

Joint Favorable Substitute

lower

Feb 26, 2026

Committee

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Planning and Development

lower

17 primary · 0 co-sponsors