Connecticut 2021 Regular Session

Connecticut House Bill HB05965

Introduced
1/28/21  
Introduced
1/28/21  
Refer
1/28/21  

Caption

An Act Concerning Open Space Preservation In Cluster Developments.

Impact

The bill's implications are significant for how cluster developments are designed and built in Connecticut. By prohibiting the inclusion of wetlands and watercourses in open space calculations, HB 5965 seeks to promote the preservation of genuine open space. This could lead to larger areas of preserved land in new developments, benefiting ecosystems and communities alike. Developers will need to reassess their plans to ensure that they meet the open space requirements without relying on these sensitive environmental areas.

Summary

House Bill 5965 aims to amend the existing zoning regulations concerning open space preservation within cluster developments. The primary goal of the bill is to prevent developers from counting existing wetland and watercourse areas in their open space calculations. This change is intended to ensure that areas that are already protected for environmental reasons are not used to fulfill requirements for open space allocations, thereby safeguarding actual usable open space within these developments.

Contention

There may be points of contention surrounding this bill, particularly from developers who may perceive this as an added constraint on their ability to maximize land use in cluster developments. On one side, proponents argue that it prioritizes environmental protection and ensures that developers do not exploit sensitive areas to meet regulatory requirements. Conversely, opponents may argue that this could complicate development processes and potentially increase costs, thus hampering economic growth in the housing sector.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

CT HB05223

An Act Concerning Minor Revisions To Agriculture Related Statutes And To Open Space Acquisition Related Statutes.

CT HB05390

An Act Concerning Transit-oriented Communities.

CT HB05335

An Act Concerning The Development Of Middle Housing.

CT SB00011

An Act Concerning Connecticut Resiliency Planning And Providing Municipal Options For Climate Resilience.

CT HB05337

An Act Concerning Affordable Housing Development Practices.

CT SB00435

An Act Concerning The Designation Of Farm Land And Open Space Land And Revisions To The Connecticut Entity Transactions Act.

CT SB00006

An Act Concerning Housing.

CT HB05475

An Act Concerning The Development Of Housing, Challenges To Certain Decisions Of Municipal Agencies, And The Conversion Of Vacant Nursing Homes Into Multifamily Housing.

CT HB05153

An Act Concerning Eligibility For Workforce Housing Development Projects.

CT HB05293

An Act Concerning The Department Of Developmental Services' Recommendations Regarding Various Revisions To Developmental Services Statutes.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.