Connecticut Lawmakers Reject Building Code Update

0:00It's April 29th. Welcome in. This is Hartford News Today, where local news meets AI. Connecticut lawmakers shot down a new state building and fire co-proposal this week. The plan from the Department of Administrative Services aimed to update rules every four years, but critics said key changes would jack up costs and block new multifamily housing at a time when the state desperately needs more affordable units. Earlier this session, they already nixed a single stairway exit option for some buildings, pulling it after pushback. The latest version pushed for wider fire truck access roads, 26 feet instead of 20 near hydrants, and let local firechees pick which side, of a building gets road access, all to boost safety and match global standards. Housing advocates fired back hard, warning these tweaks give too much power to locals, making it unpredictable and tough to build on smaller lots in. Suburbs or rural spots, lawmakers echoed that stressing the housing crisis

1:01mean safety rules can't choke development, even if they're well meant. DAS officials defended the long public input process and noted waivers exist for tough sites, insisting their pro-housing and team up with. Developers, committee leaders thanked them for prioritizing public safety, but admitted that tough balance between fire risks and home shortages. The rejection was without prejudice, so DAS heads back to their expert panel for revisions, likely delaying rollout past July 1st, maybe not till January. Expect more tweaks soon to thread that needle on safety and speeding up homes.