This bill promotes the development of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) by updating state zoning regulations to allow these secondary housing units on single-family lots as a right, meaning local governments cannot ban them. The legislation defines ADUs as separate living spaces with cooking facilities on the same lot as a principal home and sets minimum size requirements while limiting what municipalities can require, such as prohibiting restrictions on occupants, utility billing, or rental use. Local zoning rules must allow ADUs to be attached or detached from the main home, with setbacks and lot coverage standards matching those of the primary residence, and municipalities cannot require more than one parking space or mandate owner occupancy. The bill also establishes a 65-day timeline for zoning commissions to review ADU applications and prevents conditions like mandatory fire sprinklers or corrections of nonconforming uses from blocking approval.
This bill requires Connecticut municipalities to allow the construction of middle housing developments near transit stations or highways on lots currently zoned for industrial use or previously zoned for residential use. It also permits such developments on lots zoned for general residential use, provided the municipality uses a streamlined review process. To encourage adoption, the bill awards municipalities additional points toward state housing goals for each approved middle housing unit, and it prevents towns from repealing these zoning rules during certain affordable housing moratorium periods.
This bill allows homeowners to rent up to three bedrooms in their single-family home for six months or longer without needing special municipal approval. It directly affects single-family homeowners (who can rent bedrooms without permits) and municipalities (which can no longer ban such rentals through zoning rules). The key mechanism amends zoning laws to prohibit local bans on this rental type, making it "as of right" (meaning no special permit is required). This applies only to owner-occupants living in the home, not absentee landlords.
HB 5362 revises Connecticut's affordable housing laws to implement recommendations from the Majority Leader's Roundtable. It defines key terms like "affordable housing development" (including "set-aside developments" requiring 30% of units to be priced at ≤30% of income for 40 years, with 15% reserved for lower-income households) and clarifies the role of housing commissions. The bill creates a streamlined appeal process for developers whose affordable housing applications are denied or restricted, directing such cases to specialized judges in the relevant judicial district for expedited review. This law directly affects housing developers, municipalities, and housing commissions by setting new affordability standards and changing how disputes over housing applications are resolved.
SB 151 prohibits local municipalities from imposing specific zoning restrictions that limit housing options, effective October 1, 2026. It directly affects local governments (by restricting their zoning authority), homeowners (especially those seeking to add accessory units or operate home-based businesses), and housing developers. Key provisions ban requirements like minimum lot sizes over 5,000 square feet for single-family homes, caps on multifamily units, excessive parking mandates, and restrictions on cottage food operations or home child care in residential zones. The bill exempts historic properties, agricultural land, and conservation areas, and does not override essential safety codes. This aims to increase housing density and affordability by removing common barriers to diverse housing types.
HB 5288 modifies zoning and utility rules for accessory dwelling units (ADUs), commonly called "granny flats" or secondary units on the same property as a main home. The bill requires municipalities to allow ADUs on single-family lots "as of right" (without special approval) and prohibits local governments from charging separate utility connection fees for ADUs connected to the main house's existing utilities. It also bans requirements like separate utility billing, extra parking, or restrictions on tenant relationships. This directly affects homeowners seeking to create ADUs and local governments managing zoning and utility regulations.
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.
HB 5395 requires municipalities to allow modular or prefabricated homes (fully assembled structures made off-site) as of right on any lot zoned for single-family homes, meaning they can be built without special approval. It directly affects local governments, which must revise zoning rules to permit this development, and developers building such homes. The bill awards municipalities one-quarter housing unit-equivalent point for each qualifying home issued a certificate of occupancy, to incentivize construction. This policy change aims to increase housing options by streamlining approval for these specific home types, excluding mobile manufactured homes.
