CT HB05363

Establishes an appeals procedure for denied or restricted affordable housing applications, allowing applicants to appeal to superior court with burden of proof on the municipality to demonstrate decision is supported by evidence and protects substantial public interests in health and safety that outweigh affordable housing needs.

Requires applicants to submit an affordability plan including designation of oversight entity, fair housing marketing plan, maximum price calculations, unit location descriptions, and draft regulatory documents; Commissioner of Housing must adopt regulations specifying additional affordability plan criteria.

Creates a moratorium on affordable housing appeals in municipalities that reach specified thresholds: either 2 percent of all dwelling units or 50-75 housing unit-equivalent points (threshold changes from 75 to 50 in 2016, then back to 75 in 2021).

Allows applicants to submit proposed modifications to address municipal objections within appeal period, which stays the original appeal timeline; commission must decide on modifications within 65 days or modifications are deemed rejected.

Exempts municipalities with at least 10 percent affordable housing from the appeals procedure; exempts certain assisted housing applications and developments under 40 units from moratoriums; provides bonus points for family units with three or more bedrooms and units in incentive housing developments (effective 2016 only).