Housing (Building Codes)

HB 5395 requires municipalities to allow modular or prefabricated homes (fully assembled structures made off-site) as of right on any lot zoned for single-family homes, meaning they can be built without special approval. It directly affects local governments, which must revise zoning rules to permit this development, and developers building such homes. The bill awards municipalities one-quarter housing unit-equivalent point for each qualifying home issued a certificate of occupancy, to incentivize construction. This policy change aims to increase housing options by streamlining approval for these specific home types, excluding mobile manufactured homes.

HB 5394 updates Connecticut's relocation assistance rules for people displaced from homes due to government actions like redevelopment or code enforcement. It sets a $4,000 limit for payments to help displaced homeowners cover rent for up to four years or a down payment on a new safe, decent home (with a $2,000 matching requirement for larger down payments). Landlords become financially responsible for relocation costs if tenants are displaced due to local code enforcement, and towns/cities can place liens on landlords' property to recover these payments. This bill directly affects displaced homeowners, tenants, landlords, and municipalities managing relocation programs, replacing outdated provisions with clearer payment standards effective October 2026.