Substitute House Bill No. 6831 seeks to enhance the development of transit-oriented communities (TOCs) in Connecticut by establishing criteria for municipalities to qualify for prioritized discretionary infrastructure funding. The bill defines key terms such as "discretionary infrastructure funding," "downtown area," and "transit-oriented district," and mandates that municipalities must adopt zoning regulations to create transit-oriented districts around rapid transit or bus stations to qualify for funding. It also allows municipalities that do not have rapid transit stations to become "qualifying transit-adjacent communities" by adopting compliant zoning regulations. The bill emphasizes the importance of mixed-use development and affordable housing, requiring developments with ten or more units to include a percentage of affordable housing based on local market conditions.

Additionally, the bill introduces new provisions regarding zoning regulations, including the deletion of certain land types from being included in transit-oriented districts, such as flood hazard areas and public parks. It allows property owners in transit-oriented districts to construct accessory apartments as of right, provided they comply with existing zoning regulations. The bill establishes an interagency council on housing development to advise on housing growth strategies and creates a public water and sewer rehabilitation or expansion account to support infrastructure improvements in transit-oriented districts. Overall, the legislation aims to promote sustainable urban development, improve access to public transportation, and ensure effective allocation of funding to support these initiatives, with an effective date set for October 1, 2025.

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