Connecticut House Bill HB05055

Connecticut 2015 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/7/15
• Refer: 1/7/15

Caption

An Act Concerning The Calculation Of The Number Of Affordable Housing Units In Municipalities.

Impact

The implementation of HB 5055 is expected to have a notable impact on state laws surrounding housing development and local governance. By including low-cost housing units in the affordable housing calculation, this bill seeks to equalize the treatment of various types of housing within the regulatory framework. Municipalities that may have previously been classified as lacking in affordable housing could potentially qualify for exemptions under the updated criteria, thereby influencing local planning decisions and development strategies.

Summary

House Bill 5055 aims to modify the existing criteria for calculating the number of affordable housing units in municipalities by including low-cost housing units in the calculations for determining the threshold number of units required. This threshold is significant as it would potentially exempt municipalities from the affordable housing land use appeals procedure. The change is intended to broaden the definition of what qualifies as affordable housing, thereby encouraging municipalities to consider additional housing options and improve accessibility for residents with lower incomes.

Contention

While the bill attempts to address the pressing issue of housing affordability, it may create contention among local governments, developers, and advocacy groups. Some opponents could argue that expanding the definition of affordable housing may impact the standard for quality and accessibility of housing. Additionally, there could be concerns about how municipalities will respond to the changes, particularly in terms of the pressure on local planning resources and whether this will lead to unintended consequences in housing development practices.