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 "transit-oriented district," and prioritizes funding for municipalities designated as qualifying transit-oriented communities. It allows municipalities that do not initially qualify to become eligible by adopting resolutions to enact zoning regulations that support their transition. The bill mandates that zoning regulations must be enacted within eighteen months of adopting the resolution, or municipalities risk losing their priority funding status. It emphasizes the importance of public infrastructure and mixed-use development to foster socioeconomic interaction and improve transit accessibility.

Additionally, the bill outlines new provisions for housing growth, including the establishment of an interagency council on housing development to support responsible growth in transit-oriented districts. It introduces a new category of "qualifying transit-adjacent communities" eligible for discretionary funding and allows 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 modifies existing statutes regarding housing growth zones and accessory apartments, allowing zoning commissions to opt out of certain provisions by a two-thirds vote after a public hearing. Overall, the bill aims to facilitate infrastructure development and housing growth in transit-oriented areas while ensuring compliance with state regulations.

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