Connecticut House Bill HB06595

Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/24/17
• Refer: 1/24/17

Caption

An Act Concerning The Timing Of Affordable Housing Applications.

Impact

The proposed changes in HB 6595 are expected to have considerable implications on state affordable housing laws. By instituting a waiting period for developers, the bill aims to reduce the frequency of applications that municipalities have to process, thereby easing administrative burdens. Supporters of the bill argue that it helps municipalities focus their efforts on new applications and afford better oversight of housing development projects, ultimately facilitating more organized growth in community housing.

Summary

House Bill 6595, introduced by Representative Devlin, aims to modify the process of submitting affordable housing applications by developers. Specifically, the bill seeks to enforce a one-year waiting period for developers after filing a related application for the same property with a municipality. This legislation is targeted at streamlining the application process and addressing concerns over multiple submissions for the same project, which can hinder municipal planning and regulation efforts.

Contention

However, the bill is not without its points of contention. Opponents may view the one-year restriction as a potential barrier to timely development, particularly in areas experiencing high demand for affordable housing. Critics argue that this waiting period could delay necessary housing projects and exacerbate existing housing shortages in municipalities. The balance between managing local housing needs and providing timely development opportunities will be a critical point of debate as the bill moves through the legislative process.