The proposed legislation, General Assembly Raised Bill No. 5290, seeks to amend the coastal site plan review requirements for certain single-family residential structures. Specifically, it allows zoning commissions to exempt these structures from the review process, with the exception of those located on islands without road access or within 100 feet of critical coastal resource areas such as tidal wetlands, coastal bluffs, and beaches. The bill also includes provisions for the zoning commissions to submit quarterly reports to the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection detailing any approved single-family residential structures under this exemption.

In terms of legal language changes, the bill repeals subsection (b) of section 22a-109 and replaces it with new provisions that outline the exemptions. Notably, it adds a new exemption for single-family residential structures while deleting the previous provision regarding minor changes in use of a building, structure, or property adjacent to coastal waters. The bill emphasizes that shoreline flood and erosion control structures remain subject to the existing requirements, ensuring that environmental protections are maintained even with the new exemptions. The effective date for these changes is set for October 1, 2026.