CT HB05505

Requires a municipal permit before any commercial warehouse (buildings exceeding 25,000 square feet designed for goods storage/distribution) can be used to house or shelter individuals for more than 24 hours

Municipalities must hold a public hearing and approve or deny permit applications within 180 business days; applicants must notify abutting property owners by certified mail within 3 business days of applying

Permit applicants must demonstrate continuous access to sanitary restrooms/showers, potable water, sleeping accommodations (bed/cot with clean bedding), adequate heating/cooling, and personal belongings storage for each sheltered individual

Warehouses must comply with State Building, Fire Prevention, Fire Safety, and Public Health Codes for public lodging and provide at least 200 square feet per person housed

Municipalities may opt out of authorizing warehouse shelter use by legislative body vote, and exemptions apply for Governor-declared emergencies and warehouses already converted to residential use under existing law