PZC working to align regs with new State laws
The past couple of years in Hartford has been dominated largely by discussion about expanding housing options to address affordability. HB 8002 finally passed in late 2025, and Towns now have adapt. That often means rewriting zoning regulations to conform to new state laws. At the Stafford Planning and Zoning Commission meeting on November 5, 2026, the commissioners began trying to prioritize the work ahead—and that begins with Additional Dwelling Units (ADUs). Yes, a decision that municipalities across the country have been grappling with has come to Stafford.
ADUs are a popular way to build new housing options on existing lots, especially in overcrowded cities. As Stafford Free Press previously reported, the laws around ADUs in Connecticut changed in 2021, which called for municipalities to allow them “as-of-right.” However, some Towns were able to opt out at that time—Stafford was one of them. The State later revoked the opt-out options, and Stafford thought its decision would be null and void. But PZC Commission Rich Shuck, who is a Zoning Enforcement Officer for his day job, says he thinks Stafford is still be able to opt out of the State’s law.
Still, other commission members, such as Ron Houle, asked, “Now that we allow duplexes in AA Zones, why wouldn’t we allow ADUs?”
The question in Stafford seems to be not whether ADUs are allowed, but whether the Town continues to chart its own path with its own regulations to avoid being forced into the State statute. And one of the questions at hand is whether there is a way to encourage generational housing—designed to let families build new units for other family members—versus general rental units.
While ADUs may be at the top of the agenda, there are a lot of other regulations that will need reworking, and Shuck presented the commission with the results of his analysis (above). He, with the help of his AI assistant, has identified many conflicts and changes that will need to be made to come into compliance with state laws. Everything from language about vacant nursing home conversions to residential parking requirements need revision.
Expect more conversation at upcoming PZC meetings as the commission works toward text amendments.
