Planning and Development Committee
AN ACT CONCERNING THE AUTHORITY OF PLANNING COMMISSIONS TO APPROVE MUNICIPAL ROAD IMPROVEMENTS
SUMMARY: This act specifies the type of infrastructure project a municipality may implement without first requesting the planning commission's (or combined planning and zoning commission's) recommendations. By law, a municipal agency or legislative body cannot start a proposed infrastructure or public works project without seeking the commission's recommendations. But the law also exempts them from having to do so when maintaining or repairing existing property or public ways. The act extends this exemption to road resurfacing projects.
EFFECTIVE DATE: July 1, 2009
BACKGROUND
Planning Commission Review of Municipal Projects
The law requires municipal agencies and legislative bodies to submit proposed infrastructure and public works projects to the planning commission for recommendations. This requirement also applies to real estate transactions for specific purposes, such as abandoning roads, public buildings, or other municipal property. It also applies to improvements made to existing property, including bridges, terminals, and public buildings.
The municipality may implement these actions if the commission approves them or submits no recommendations within 35 days after receiving the project proposal. The municipality may still implement the project if the commission disapproves the proposal, but a two-thirds vote of the municipality's legislative body must approve it.
OLR Tracking: JR: JH: PF: DF