An Act Concerning Open Space Preservation In Cluster Developments.
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.
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.
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.