Substitute House Bill No. 5288 seeks to amend Connecticut's laws regarding accessory dwelling units (ADUs) by redefining terminology and establishing new regulations. The bill replaces "accessory apartment" with "accessory dwelling unit" and "affordable accessory apartment" with "affordable accessory dwelling unit." It mandates that zoning regulations allow at least one ADU as of right on each lot with a single-family dwelling, while removing the requirement for these units to be affordable. Additionally, it limits the conditions under which municipalities can impose further regulations on ADUs and ensures that utility providers cannot classify ADUs as new residential uses for connection fees unless they are built alongside new single-family dwellings. Municipalities must comply with these provisions by January 1, 2023, or automatically adhere to the new regulations.

The bill also introduces significant updates to municipal planning, particularly regarding climate change vulnerability assessments and housing development. It requires municipalities to create comprehensive plans that include assessments of climate-related threats and strategies for mitigation. The bill promotes compact, transit-accessible development patterns and modifies housing regulations to enhance opportunities for older adults and individuals with disabilities, allowing for home sharing and expanding the definition of "family" in single-family zones to include ADUs. Furthermore, it repeals a subsection of the affordable housing appeals procedure in municipalities with at least ten percent of dwelling units classified as assisted housing. Overall, the bill aims to streamline the development of ADUs, improve housing opportunities for vulnerable populations, and enhance municipal planning for climate resilience.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 7-245
PD Joint Favorable Substitute: 7-245
File No. 162: 7-245