Proponents say HB 5288 will reduce cost barriers to accessory dwelling units by limiting extra utility connection fees

Housing advocates and municipal officials told the Planning and Development Committee that utility connection fees and outside agency rules can make accessory dwelling units (ADUs) prohibitively expensive.

John Guskowski of the American Planning Association said clarifying that accessory apartments need not require separate utility connections would remove an administrative barrier and help homeowners add units. "This helps to remove some ambiguity and remove some administrative barriers that would prevent some people from adding accessory apartments," he said.

Liam Brennan, executive director of New Haven’s Liberal City Initiative, described a local example where converting a garage to an ADU could trigger a requirement for a separate sewer connection and tens of thousands of dollars in fees. "Every dollar we force a homeowner to spend on an unnecessary sewer connection is an unnecessary barrier to the creation of additional housing," Brennan said, arguing the bill prevents utilities from using connection fees as a veto on locally approved housing.

Committee members asked clarifying questions about building and health codes and noted that public‑health and building standards would still apply where capacity is insufficient; supporters said the bill does not eliminate health or building requirements but removes a presumption that a new unit always needs a separate connection.

What happens next: The committee will consider technical amendments to ensure public‑health protections remain while reducing arbitrary utility barriers to small‑scale housing creation.