Connecticut House Bill HB05625

Connecticut 2013 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/23/13
• Refer: 1/23/13

Caption

An Act Exempting Certain Municipalities From The Affordable Housing Land Use Appeals Act.

Impact

If enacted, this bill is expected to facilitate the development of affordable housing in municipalities that have met specific criteria outlined in their housing plans. These criteria include the establishment of incentive housing zones, inclusionary zoning regulations, and developing an affordable housing trust fund. By exempting qualifying municipalities from certain provisions of the appeals act, it reduces potential legal hurdles that might deter local governments from advancing housing projects.

Summary

House Bill 05625 proposes to amend section 8-30g of the general statutes to exempt certain municipalities from the Affordable Housing Land Use Appeals Act. The bill is designed to aid municipalities in complying with state mandates for affordable housing by granting more flexibility in housing development procedures. It allows municipalities that have approved housing affordability plans to deviate from the standards set by the Act as long as they can demonstrate a commitment to increasing their affordable housing stock through various strategies.

Contention

The main point of contention surrounding HB 05625 lies in its potential impact on local governance and housing strategies. Proponents argue that this flexibility is crucial for municipalities struggling to meet the state’s affordable housing targets. However, opponents may express concerns that such exemptions could lead to less oversight and possibly permit developments that might not align with broader state housing goals. A balanced approach may be necessary to ensure local authorities retain enough oversight while still encouraging the growth of affordable housing.