Sen. Ryan Fazio Testifies Against S.B. 151, Defends Local Zoning Control
February 18, 2026
HARTFORD, CT – State Senator Ryan Fazio (R-Greenwich) testified today before the Housing Committee in strong opposition to S.B. 151, warning the proposal would further erode local control and dramatically reshape Connecticut’s communities without addressing the root causes of unaffordability.
Sen. Fazio has consistently opposed legislation limiting municipal zoning authority, including H.B. 5001 and H.B. 8002, two sweeping “one-size-fits-all” housing bills that expanded state mandates on towns.
“The ink is barely dry on a sweeping housing law passed in November that fundamentally altered the relationship between the state and our municipalities,” said Fazio. “That law imposed more than 50 new mandates on towns and was released just an hour before debate, without a public hearing. Towns are still trying to understand their obligations — and now we are being asked to go even further.”
Sen. Fazio argued S.B. 151 would “add insult to injury,” effectively outlawing light-density neighborhoods and centralizing zoning authority in Hartford. The bill would cap lot sizes at 5,000 square feet, roughly one-tenth of an acre, restrict setbacks to as little as five feet, and prohibit local size and height limits.
“Why even pretend to negotiate with towns through prior legislation if we are simply going to override them again?” Fazio asked. “Communities deserve transparency and respect, not a moving target.”
While opposing the bill, Fazio reiterated his support for responsible housing growth.
“We need more housing and greater affordability. Zoning is not sacrosanct,” he said. “I support accessory dwelling units, mixed-use residential development, and sensible workforce housing. But centralizing power in Hartford is not the solution.”
Sen. Fazio added that affordability will not improve without addressing broader state policies that drive up costs, including unfunded mandates, barriers to entry in the trades, and high energy prices.
“If we are serious about affordability, we must eliminate costly mandates, reduce artificial barriers for workers and apprentices, and bring down energy costs,” he said.
Fazio concluded by urging lawmakers to reject S.B. 151 and protect Connecticut’s long tradition of home rule.
“The government that governs closest to the people governs best,” he said. “We can create a more affordable Connecticut while defending local democracy, but this bill is not the way forward.”