Connecticut committee raises concept to ease commercial-to-residential conversions, members warn against broad "as-of-right" approach

The Planning & Development Committee on Monday raised a concept to allow conversion of commercial real estate into residential units, framing it as part of a broader effort to expand housing supply.

Representative Zullo said the measure reflects a push to address the state’s housing shortage but flagged the difficulty of balancing statewide policy and local discretion: “I recognize where this is coming from… I was gonna oppose this, but I’m gonna support it today because it’s important to have this conversation.”

Several members pressed for limits. Senator Gordon said she supports solutions to increase housing but opposes mandates that undercut municipal authority, urging incentive-based approaches rather than broad requirements. Representative Dubitsky warned that an unfettered “as-of-right” conversion standard could yield problematic results, asking rhetorically whether a closed nuclear plant could be converted “as of right” into housing and saying “every property is unique.”

Supporters urged the committee to continue the conversation rather than locking into a particular drafting approach. Representative Rahman noted safety and code requirements still apply to conversions and said the concept is a starting point to solicit public feedback.

The committee ultimately advanced the concept to a roll-call vote. Members who spoke repeatedly requested clearer drafting to define what qualifies as “commercial” and what safeguards would protect small towns and unique sites.

Next steps: The committee raised the concept for further development and public input; members asked staff to return detailed draft language that addresses size thresholds, safety-code compliance and pathways for local discretion.