Researcher: JS Page 1 4/7/21
OLR Bill Analysis
SB 963
AN ACT CONCERNING CERTIFICATES OF APPROVAL FOR
MOTOR VEHICLE DEALERSHIPS AND REPAIR SHOPS.
SUMMARY
With limited exceptions, the law requires a business applying for a
motor vehicle dealer’s or repairer’s license to show the Department of
Motor Vehicles that the municipality where it intends to be has
approved its proposed location (i.e., granted a certificate of approval).
This bill transfers authority to issue certificates of approval from the
municipality’s zoning board of appeals (or if none, the entity
designated by local law) to its zoning enforcement official (ZEO).
Under the bill, the ZEO must determine whether the proposed
location and property use complies with the municipality’s zoning
regulations. As under existing law, the local building official and fire
marshal must also approve these certificates.
By law unchanged by the bill, individuals who are aggrieved by
decisions regarding certificates of approval may appeal to the Superior
Court after exhausting all administrative remedies (CGS §§ 14-57 & 4-
183).
EFFECTIVE DATE: July 1, 2021
COMMITTEE ACTION
Planning and Development Committee
Joint Favorable
Yea 17 Nay 9 (03/21/2021)