Connecticut House Bill HB06364

Connecticut 2021 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/3/21
• Refer: 2/3/21

Caption

An Act Extending The Time Of Expiration Of Permits Obtained Prior To Or During The Covid-19 Pandemic.

Impact

The bill will significantly affect state laws related to land use and planning, particularly those concerning the timeframe in which developers must commence their projects following approval. By extending the expiration period for permits to a minimum of nine years, and allowing for additional extensions up to a maximum of fourteen years, HB 6364 offers an opportunity for larger projects that may have faced delays due to the pandemic to proceed without the pressure of immediate deadlines. This change is expected to facilitate smoother planning and development processes in a post-pandemic context.

Summary

House Bill 6364 proposes to amend current statutes regarding the expiration of site plans, special permits, and subdivision approvals that were obtained prior to or during the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, the bill seeks to ensure that any such approval that has not yet expired will remain valid for a minimum of nine years from the date of approval. This extension aims to provide relief to property developers and municipalities grappling with the challenges posed by the pandemic, which had significant impacts on development timelines and municipal processing capabilities.

Contention

While the bill addresses critical issues faced by developers due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it may also raise concerns among community advocates who fear that extended timelines could lead to unchecked development without adequate updates to community needs or changes in local planning priorities. The extension could potentially delay the adaptive reuse of spaces if projects are left inactive for protracted periods. Thus, the passage of HB 6364 might ignite discussions about the balance between supporting development and ensuring community input into long-term planning.