Connecticut lawmakers have rejected a proposed update to the state’s fire and building codes, citing concerns that the changes could make it more difficult to develop much-needed housing.
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The proposal, put forward by the Connecticut Department of Administrative Services, was voted down by the Regulation Review Committee along party lines after drawing criticism from housing advocates and developers.
“Housing is supposed to be one of our most important things, but we don’t want to make the rules so heavy-handed that we can’t do that housing,” said Sen. Cathy Osten, D-Sprague.
The decision highlights the ongoing tension between ensuring public safety and addressing a growing housing shortage across the state.
Connecticut updates its building and fire codes every four years, and the proposed revisions included several changes aimed at improving safety standards. However, critics argued that some provisions could unintentionally slow or prevent new development.
Among the most controversial changes was a requirement to widen certain access roads for fire trucks from 20 feet to 26 feet, particularly near fire hydrants. Supporters said the change would improve emergency response and align the state with international standards.
Opponents, however, questioned whether the requirement was necessary and warned it could make development unfeasible in constrained areas.
“In the midst of an ongoing state housing crisis, where affordable housing units are in ever-higher demand, we must scrutinize potential regulations that appear well-intentioned but would in fact have a harmful effect on the state and its residents,” the Open Communities Alliance said in a letter to lawmakers.
Another provision would have allowed local fire officials to determine which side of a building must have road access. Critics argued that this could introduce uncertainty and give local authorities too much discretion, potentially blocking projects.
Nick Kantor of Pro-Homes Connecticut said the rule would create “unwieldy local discretion that makes development in smaller unconventional in-fill lots too unpredictable for no clear safety advancement.”
A third concern involved limiting new developments to sites located closer to access roads, which advocates said would make it harder to build housing in suburban and rural areas.
State officials defended the proposal, emphasizing that safety standards remain a priority. Connecticut State Fire Marshal Lauri Volkert noted that building design considerations, such as window placement and balcony access, could influence emergency response needs.
Department of Administrative Services Commissioner Michelle Halloran Gilman said the agency had worked extensively on the proposal and incorporated public feedback throughout the process.
“I do want to acknowledge that our agency recognizes the governor’s commitment, the legislature’s commitment to affordable housing, and so we do everything we can within our code process… to work with developers, to get to a place of yes, and to work with our local officials,” Halloran Gilman said. “So I would not categorize ourselves as anti-homes.”
“What we’re talking about today here is lowering the safety standard that’s in that approved code from where it started to where the proponents would like it to be,” she added.
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The committee’s rejection, issued without prejudice, allows the proposal to be revised and resubmitted. However, officials indicated that the process could delay implementation until at least January, instead of the originally planned July 1 rollout.
Lawmakers acknowledged the difficulty of balancing competing priorities.
“Some of those may, in fact, hinder our other goal, which is a crisis area of housing. How do we balance the two?” said Sen. Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox, D-Trumbull.
The debate underscores broader national discussions about how building codes can both ensure safety and influence housing supply. As Connecticut continues to face a shortage of affordable housing, policymakers are expected to revisit the issue in the coming months.
Originally reported by Ginny Monk in CT Mirror.
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