As of October 1, 2025, all new single-family homes within the Connecticut Coastal Area Management (CAM) boundary are subject to site plan approval by the local zoning commission. Under prior versions of the law, municipalities were permitted to exempt the construction of single-family homes from coastal site plan review, unless the proposed structure was proximate to sensitive coastal resources. This exemption allowed homeowners to avoid the expensive, time-consuming and often frustrating review process. Now, following the adoption of Public Act No. 25-33, all single-family homes within the CAM boundary will be subject to site plan approval.
In addition, coastal site plans within special flood hazard areas must also now be referred to the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) for comment. The prior law only required a referral to DEEP for proposed shoreline flood and erosion control structures. DEEP’s comments must be considered by the zoning commission or zoning board of appeals before final action is taken on the coastal site plan.
These amendments will impact development in communities such as Stamford, Greenwich, Norwalk, Darien, and Bridgeport, among many others.
Carmody’s Land Use team is happy to answer any questions you may have regarding the impacts of this legislation. For further information, please contact:
Lisa L. Feinberg
Partner
203.252.2677
[email protected]
William J. Hennessey Jr.
Partner
203.425.4200
[email protected]
Jason A. Klein
Partner
203.252.2669
[email protected]
Madison L. Smith
Associate
203.252.2676
[email protected]
This information is for educational purposes only to provide general information and a general understanding of the law. It does not constitute legal advice and does not establish any attorney-client relationship.