Substitute Bill No. 6831 seeks to enhance the development of transit-oriented communities in Connecticut by establishing criteria for municipalities to qualify for discretionary infrastructure funding. The bill introduces definitions for key terms such as "discretionary infrastructure funding," "downtown area," and "middle housing development," and outlines the process for municipalities to become qualifying transit-oriented communities. Municipalities must adopt a resolution to facilitate their transition to qualifying status within 18 months to be eligible for priority funding, and they are required to consult with local inland wetlands agencies when establishing transit-oriented district boundaries. The bill also emphasizes the need for increased housing density and affordability, mandating that certain lands, such as flood hazard areas and wetlands, cannot be included in these districts.

Additionally, the bill allows municipalities to opt out of certain provisions regarding accessory apartments through a two-thirds vote of their zoning commission, while deleting the previous requirement to state reasons for opting out. It introduces a new provision allowing property owners within transit-oriented districts to construct accessory apartments as of right, provided they have owned the property for at least three years. The bill also establishes an interagency council on housing development to assist in reviewing regulations and developing guidelines for transit-oriented districts, and creates a public water and sewer rehabilitation or expansion account to fund infrastructure projects. The effective date for these changes is set for October 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 8-2o
PD Joint Favorable Substitute: 8-2o
File No. 346: 8-2o
APP Joint Favorable: 8-2o