Connecticut House Bill HB05368

Connecticut 2015 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/14/15
• Refer: 1/14/15

Caption

An Act Establishing Fees For Applications To Municipal Historic District Commissions.

Impact

The enactment of HB 05368 would have a direct effect on the financial operations of municipalities managing historic districts. By allowing towns to establish these fees, the bill aims to provide a new revenue stream that could offset the administrative costs of reviewing applications for development or modifications within historic districts. This could potentially lead to more robust management of historic sites, as municipalities may have the resources they need to ensure compliance with preservation standards.

Summary

House Bill 05368 proposes amendments to chapter 97a of the general statutes to allow municipalities within the state to charge fees for processing applications submitted to historic district commissions. This measure is intended to enable towns to recoup the costs associated with handling these applications, thereby improving financial sustainability in historic preservation efforts. The bill underscores the importance of historic district commissions in managing and preserving local heritage sites while recognizing the financial implications these responsibilities entail.

Contention

While the bill may facilitate towns' operational capabilities, it also raises certain concerns among stakeholders in the community. Some advocates for historic preservation may view the introduction of fees as a potential barrier to applications, possibly deterring property owners from undertaking necessary renovations or improvements. Critics worry that the fees could disproportionately affect lower-income individuals or organizations looking to maintain or enhance properties within historic districts, threatening the overall objectives of preserving local heritage and encouraging development in a historically sensitive manner.