Bill Summary: HB 5516

• Repeals and replaces Section 8-35a of Connecticut general statutes effective July 1, 2020, making technical changes to regional council of governments planning requirements.

• Requires each regional council of governments to adopt (rather than "make") a conservation and development plan at least once every ten years that addresses land use, housing, transportation, infrastructure, environmental protection, and other regional development matters.

• Regional plans must identify areas suitable for compact, transit-accessible, mixed-use development and address six growth management principles including redevelopment of regional centers, housing diversity, transportation-oriented development, environmental conservation, and inter-governmental coordination.

• Plans in regions contiguous to Long Island Sound must be designed to reduce hypoxia, pathogens, toxic contaminants, and floatable debris in the Sound.

• Requires the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management to adopt regulations by October 1, 2011, establishing uniform review criteria for regional plans to determine consistency with state conservation and development plans.