Raised Bill No. 6831, effective October 1, 2025, seeks to foster 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 "transit-oriented district," and allows municipalities to gain priority funding for development and maintenance within these districts. It also enables non-qualifying municipalities to become eligible by adopting zoning regulations that support their transition into qualifying transit-oriented communities. Zoning commissions are required to collaborate with inland wetlands agencies to define district boundaries and ensure the inclusion of middle housing and mixed-use developments.

Additionally, the bill mandates that developments with ten or more units include deed restrictions for affordable housing, with specific percentages based on market designations. It allows municipalities to create funds for developers to contribute to in lieu of deed restrictions, aimed solely at affordable housing development. The bill also establishes a program for grants to regional councils for public transit and infrastructure projects, and it repeals existing language in section 8-169tt regarding housing growth zones. Key amendments include the repeal of subsection (f) of section 8-2o, which previously allowed municipalities to opt out of accessory apartment provisions, and the introduction of a new subsection (g) that guarantees property owners in transit-oriented districts the right to build accessory apartments. Overall, the bill emphasizes sustainable development and affordable housing while providing municipalities with the necessary tools and funding to achieve these goals.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 8-2o