Connecticut House Bill HB05326

Connecticut 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/13/23
• Refer: 1/13/23
• Refer: 2/23/23

Caption

An Act Concerning The Affordable Housing Appeals Process And Removing The Municipal Opt-out Deadline For Accessory Apartments.

Impact

The legislative intent behind HB 05326 is to simplify and promote the development of affordable housing across the state. By allowing municipalities to be more inclusive with their counts toward the affordable housing threshold, the bill could potentially lead to increased availability of affordable living options. Additionally, removing the municipal opt-out deadline could result in more communities being required to adapt to affordable housing regulations, which advocates argue will ultimately benefit low- to moderate-income residents by ensuring they have greater access to affordable options.

Summary

House Bill 05326 seeks to address the affordable housing crisis by modifying the appeals process related to affordable housing development in Connecticut. The bill proposes to include additional dwelling units that meet specific income requirements in the calculation for the 10% threshold necessary for municipalities to be exempt from the affordable housing appeals process. By expanding the definition of affordable housing applications, the bill aims to encourage more developments aimed at low-income residents while also removing a previously established opt-out deadline for municipalities concerning accessory apartments.

Sentiment

Sentiment around HB 05326 is mixed, as supporters argue that it is a necessary step toward reducing housing inequality and addressing the growing demand for affordable housing. They emphasize the importance of making adjustments to existing policies that previously hindered progress. Conversely, there is concern from some municipal leaders that the bill could impose greater obligations on local governments without sufficient resources or infrastructure to support an influx of affordable housing projects. This has ignited a debate around local control versus broader state mandates regarding housing policy.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 05326 revolve around the balance of power between state and local governments, with critics fearing that the bill will diminish local municipalities' authority and flexibility. Some argue that mandating certain housing developments without accommodating local needs could result in inappropriate or ineffective housing solutions. Additionally, there are questions about how these changes will be financed and supported at the local level, raising concerns about the potential strain on municipal resources if housing developments increase significantly.