Planning and Development Committee
JOINT FAVORABLE REPORT
Bill No.: SB-970
AN ACT CONCERNING EXTENDING THE TIME OF EXPIRATION OF CERTAIN
Title: LAND USE PERMITS.
Vote Date: 3/21/2021
Vote Action: JOINT FAVORABLE
PH Date: 3/5/2021
File No.:
Disclaimer: The following JOINT FAVORABLE Report is prepared for the benefit of the
members of the General Assembly, solely for purposes of information, summarization and
explanation and does not represent the intent of the General Assembly or either chamber
thereof for any purpose.
SPONSORS OF BILL:
Sen. Saud Anwar, 3rd Dist.
REASONS FOR BILL:
The Covid pandemic has delayed development of some properties, potentially causing land
use permits to expire. Expiration may financially harm developers and municipalities. The bill
aims to extend the expiration date to minimize negative economic impacts.
RESPONSE FROM ADMINISTRATION/AGENCY:
David Lehman, Commissioner and Governors Senior Economic Advisor
Department of Economic and Community Development: Voiced support. The bill would
extend time before the expiration of land use permits, allowing flexibility for owners and
municipalities. Effects of expiration of permits would further delay normalcy following the
pandemic.
NATURE AND SOURCES OF SUPPORT:
Betsy Gara, Executive Director of Connecticut Council of Small Towns (COST): Voiced
support, stating, "SB-970 is a simple measure that will ensure that local development projects
can move forward more quickly."
Donna Hamzy, Advocacy Manager of Connecticut Conference of Municipalities (CCM):
Voiced support. Though executives orders are expiring, businesses and developers may
need further extensions of related policies.
Jim Perras, CEO of Home Builders & Remodelers Association
of Connecticut, Inc: In support. Allowing permits to lapse can have a domino effect
throughout the economy, as the building industry is a key element. Further, prices and
availability of raw materials have been volatile since the pandemic, impacting the success
and confidence of the industry.
Evan J. Seeman, CT Bar Association Planning and Zoning Section: In support: "The
pandemic has made it difficult, if not impossible, for some permit holders to begin or complete
work as required under permits. These permit-holders should not be penalized for their
inability to exercise work under the permits due to the pandemic. Likewise, municipalities
should not be at risk for having permit holders decide to walk away from previously approved
projects due to an inability to complete work in a timely manner."
NATURE AND SOURCES OF OPPOSITION:
N/A
Reported by: Colin Savino Date: 03/24/2021
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