Housing (Affordable Housing)

HB 5365 modifies Connecticut's affordable housing moratorium rules by increasing the required "housing unit-equivalent points" municipalities must achieve to qualify for a moratorium on new affordable housing applications. It sets new thresholds: municipalities must create points equal to 2% of their total housing units (or 75 points) for most areas, or 1.75% (or 65 points) for larger municipalities with housing growth plans. The bill directly affects local governments developing affordable housing, exempting projects with 95% low-income units, under 40 dwelling units, or pre-existing applications from the moratorium. It establishes a certification process where municipalities must document completed housing developments meeting these point requirements to extend moratorium periods.

HB 5284 authorizes Connecticut municipalities to reduce property taxes by up to $500 annually for up to five years for qualified first-time homebuyers. It directly affects buyers who obtain loans from the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA) for a single-family home serving as their primary residence. The bill requires municipal approval (via legislative body or board of selectmen) to implement the tax abatement, which applies only to properties encumbered by a CHFA mortgage. This policy creates a concrete tax relief mechanism for eligible homebuyers without mandating participation from all municipalities.

HB 5364 creates a tiered system for deed restrictions requiring affordable housing units to remain affordable for specific periods. It defines three tiers: 40-year, 30-year, and 20-year set-asides, mandating that units in these developments be sold or rented at income levels not exceeding 30% (for 15% of units), 60%, or 80% of area median income. The bill directly affects municipalities, developers, and housing commissions by modifying how affordable housing applications are processed and extending moratorium periods for certain projects. Key provisions include standardizing income thresholds based on HUD data and clarifying eligibility for moratorium extensions after project completion.

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.

HB 5361 requires municipalities to establish or designate an agency to implement affordable housing programs based on income criteria for units built under certain regulations. Municipalities must act within 120 days of a zoning commission's request to create such a program, or the housing authority must take over. The law mandates non-discriminatory selection processes for affordable housing applicants, prohibiting bias based on factors like race, gender, disability, or veteran status. This bill directly affects local governments and housing authorities, effective October 1, 2026. It revises housing statutes to standardize how affordable housing is managed and allocated.