CT SB00832

Adds definitions of "natural vegetation," "river," and clarifies related terms in Connecticut's wetlands and watercourse regulations, effective October 1, 2011.

Permits municipal inland wetlands agencies to prohibit destruction of natural vegetation within 100 feet of rivers, with limited exceptions for activities with no significant river impact and no feasible alternatives.

Restricts removal of natural vegetation within 20 feet of rivers to creation of a single footpath no wider than 6 feet for property access, except for as-of-right uses already permitted under state law.

Prohibits municipal zoning regulations from allowing any disturbance of buffer areas (natural vegetation within 100 feet of rivers) and requires special permit procedures to provide site-specific relief such as clustering or reduced setbacks when buffers limit development potential.