Connecticut House Bill HB05132

Connecticut 2020 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/13/20
• Refer: 2/13/20
• Report Pass: 2/28/20

Caption

An Act Concerning The Reorganization Of The Zoning Enabling Act And The Promotion Of Municipal Compliance.

Impact

The amendment of pertinent statutes is expected to enhance municipal compliance with housing regulations, directly impacting how cities, towns, and boroughs manage land use and development. By imposing requirements on municipalities to demonstrate compliance with affordable housing plans, the bill seeks to address housing shortages and issues related to affordability. It represents an effort to align local regulations with broader state and federal goals for fair housing.

Summary

House Bill 05132 aims to reorganize the Zoning Enabling Act to clarify municipal responsibilities regarding zoning regulations while promoting compliance with affordable housing requirements. A notable aspect of the bill is the scheduled establishment of guidelines and incentives to assist municipalities in developing and adhering to effective affordable housing plans, which would need to be prepared or amended every five years. The Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management is tasked with facilitating this process and ensuring compliance across municipalities.

Contention

The bill has sparked debate regarding the balance of authority between state and local government. Supporters argue that it provides a necessary framework to ensure that local governments meet their affordable housing obligations effectively. Conversely, critics express concerns that such measures may infringe upon local decision-making autonomy, particularly in areas where local needs and priorities may differ from state mandates.