Danbury could opt out of a new state regulation that would allow so-called granny pods.  The Planning Commission has given a positive recommendation to a proposal for opting out of a new state law that requires municipalities to allow accessory apartments, garage apartments or in-law suites.  Under the law, they are be legal to build and rent to family or other tenants in residential and single-family areas. 

The Zoning Commission has scheduled a public hearing on the opt-out provision on March 8th. 

Planning Director Sharon Calitro says Danbury is best positioned to address housing issues in the City.  She notes that they are in the process of preparing the 10-year Plan of Conservation and Development update and an affordable housing plan.  Calitro says they recognize that Danbury is growing and have discussed the need to reinstate some form of accessory apartment regulation. 

Accessory apartments were allowed in Danbury until around 2015 when there were nuisance and land use issues.  The Zoning Commission then deleted that section of the City's zoning regulations.

For municipalities that don't opt-out, accessory apartments would be limited to 30 percent of the principal dwelling or 1,000 square feet, whichever is smaller. The law prevents local zoning regulations from establishing minimum floor area requirements that exceed proper safety code.