WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 5502

AN ACT CONCERNING HOUSING DEVELOPMENT ON CERTAIN LOTS ZONED FOR INDUSTRIAL USE OR PREVIOUSLY ZONED FOR RESIDENTIAL USE.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tone Felipe and 1 co-sponsor

HB 5502 permits residential housing development on industrial-zoned and formerly residential-zoned parcels in Connecticut to expand housing supply and repurpose underutilized land.

FILE NO. 274
#housingdevelopment #municipalregulations #transit-orienteddevelopment #zoning
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 5502

Legislative bill overview

HB 5502 allows housing development on lots currently zoned for industrial use or previously zoned for residential use in Connecticut. The bill appears designed to facilitate residential construction on underutilized or repurposed industrial parcels and formerly residential properties, potentially addressing housing supply constraints through zoning flexibility.

Why is this important

Connecticut faces housing affordability and availability challenges, and converting industrial or vacant residential-zoned land could increase housing stock without requiring entirely new land acquisitions. This approach allows developers to respond to market demand while potentially revitalizing underused properties in existing communities rather than expanding into undeveloped areas.

Potential points of contention

  • Industrial land loss: Removing industrial zoning may reduce available land for manufacturing, warehousing, and logistics businesses, potentially affecting local employment and tax revenue from industrial operations
  • Environmental concerns: Former industrial sites may have soil or groundwater contamination requiring expensive remediation before residential development, raising questions about cleanup responsibility and public health
  • Community character: Neighborhoods accustomed to industrial operations or lacking residential infrastructure (schools, parks, utilities) may experience strain or unwanted density increases without adequate transition planning
  • Implementation clarity: The bill's specific criteria for which properties qualify and approval processes remain undefined based on the title alone, potentially creating regulatory uncertainty

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.