General Assembly Raised Bill No. 5288 proposes significant amendments to existing laws concerning utility connections and zoning regulations for accessory apartments, now termed "accessory dwelling units." The bill defines an accessory dwelling unit as a separate living space on the same lot as a principal dwelling, equipped with cooking facilities and compliant with building codes. It introduces the concept of "affordable accessory dwelling units," which must remain affordable for low-income families for at least ten years. The legislation mandates that municipalities allow at least one accessory dwelling unit as of right on single-family home lots, prohibits certain restrictions such as separate utility connections, and requires compliance with the new regulations by January 1, 2023, or face the invalidation of noncompliant regulations.

Additionally, the bill modifies municipal planning and zoning requirements, emphasizing the need for compact, transit-accessible development and the inclusion of climate change vulnerability assessments in municipal plans. It expands the definition of family in single-family zones to include accessory dwelling units for older adults and persons with disabilities, and revises the affordable housing appeals procedure. The bill also stipulates that at least forty percent of accessory dwelling units must be leased to individuals with incomes at or below sixty percent of the median income. The act will take effect on October 1, 2026, and will amend several sections of current law, including the replacement of "apartment" with "dwelling unit" and the repeal of Section 7-245 related to sewerage systems.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 7-245