No More Single-Family Homes in Greenwich: CT Mandates the Multi-Story Duplex

The American Dream is currently under legislative assault in Hartford. Senate Bill 151, titled An Act Prohibiting Certain Land Use and Zoning Limitations on Housing, is being marketed as a way to allow more starter homes and senior housing. In reality, it represents a state-mandated dismantling of the single-family neighborhoods that define our community.

The Hartford Narrative vs. Local Reality. In the state capital, activists such as Casey Moran argue that local zoning laws are the primary culprit behind the affordable housing shortage. They claim that local zoning rules were originally created to exclude certain people and must be reversed.

The American Dream. For residents who saved for years to buy a home on a quiet plot of land, the stakes couldn't be higher. SB 151 would effectively outlaw low-density zoning by:

Mandating Density: Forcing towns to allow townhouses and duplexes in zones currently reserved for single-family homes. Subdividing Your Neighborhood: Allowing single-family lots to be split into three separate parcels "as-of-right" (meaning no public hearing or neighbor notification is required). Capping Lot Sizes: Prohibiting towns from requiring lot sizes larger than 5,000 square feet (approx. 1/9 of an acre) in areas with public water and sewer. Shrinking Buffer Zones: Capping front/rear setbacks at 10 feet and side setbacks at just 5 feet, allowing new construction to loom directly over neighboring property lines.

The Front Line: Our Reps Speak Out. The pushback from Greenwich has been bipartisan and fierce. First Selectman Fred Camillo here and State Senator Ryan Fazio (R-36) led the testimony against this bill this past week, joined by State Rep. Tina Courpas (R-149) and Reps. Hector Arzeno (D-151) and Steve Meskers (D-150). Their primary warning? Hartford is mandating density while ignoring the infrastructure required to support it.

Infrastructure and the Environment. When opposing these bills, "I don't like it" isn't enough. Our representatives are highlighting the technical failures of SB 151 that threaten public safety and the environment: Stormwater and Flooding: Increased impervious surfaces (more pavement, less grass) lead to catastrophic runoff and local flooding. First Responder Access: Narrower setbacks and increased street congestion make it difficult for fire trucks and ambulances to navigate neighborhood streets. Infrastructure Strain: Most of our sewer and water systems were not designed for the exponential density this bill would allow.

Protect Your Street. Even though the public hearing took place on February 17, you can still submit written testimony for the record. Your voice matters in preventing this from reaching a full vote in the CT House and Senate. You can submit written testimony here. select meeting date not listed and type in the My Testimony section. When you write, don't just say "I hate this." Mention specific concerns like stormwater runoff, sewer capacity, fire department access, and traffic/parking congestion—these are the technical "pain points" that make legislators pay attention.

Between the Lines: The era of local single-family zoning is under threat. Don't let Hartford decide the future of your street.

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