The bill, Substitute House Bill No. 6646, proposes changes to the process of obtaining certificates of approval for motor vehicle dealerships and repair shops. The bill seeks to amend Section 14-54 of the general statutes, with an effective date of October 1, 2023. The current requirement for obtaining a certificate of approval from the board or authority designated by local charter, regulation, or ordinance of the town, city, or borough where the business is located is to be repealed. Instead, the bill inserts a new requirement for obtaining a certificate of approval from the planning commission of the municipality, affirming that the proposed location and use of the property conform to the municipality's zoning regulations. Additionally, the certificate must be approved by the local building official and local fire marshal. The bill also specifies that these provisions do not apply to certain transfers of ownership within families or partnerships.

The bill's fiscal impact statement indicates that there is no expected state or municipal impact, as it is not anticipated to change the number of approvals or denials made by municipalities. The bill analysis explains that the authority to issue certificates of approval is being transferred from the municipality's zoning board of appeals (or other designated entity) to its planning commission. The planning commission must determine whether the proposed location and use comply with the municipality's zoning regulations. The bill does not change the existing law that allows individuals aggrieved by decisions about certificates of approval to appeal to the Superior Court after exhausting all administrative remedies. The bill was reported favorably by the Planning and Development Committee.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 14-54
PD Joint Favorable Substitute: 14-54
File No. 214: 14-54