May WCC – “Land Use & Zoning” – News, Updates & Events

The Wallingford Community Council has been reporting monthly via newsletters and meetings on the progress of major land use changes impacting our neighborhood. We continue to actively monitor the state’s HB1110 “Middle Housing” legislation, which increases allowable density to 4-6 units on formerly single-family lots.

This is a special post to focus on this one “Land Use” topic. 

Why This Matters: The HB1110 legislation will significantly increase allowable building heights, lot coverage, and housing density citywide, including Wallingford’s traditional single-family areas. MHA fees, changes to Lowrise 1, 2, 3 and affordable housing provisions, and environmental impacts remain critical areas of concern.

Update on the city’s “Select Committee” review of HB1110 Interim Legislation (Council Bill 120969)

Initial opposition to the Mayor’s rezone proposals led to six appeals being filed against the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) in February 2025, which paused the review of the neighborhood map rezones and use March through  May meetings to finalize HB1110 by June. The City’s Hearing Examiner dismissed the six appeals this April on technicalities.

Upcoming “Select Committee” Meetings & Public Hearing on May 19th:

  • May 7, 2:00 PM: Discussion of Council member proposed amendments on HB1110
  • Monday, May 19, 9:30 AM Session I, 4:00 PM – City Hall, 600 4th Avenue
  • Wednesday, May 21, 2:00 PM: Select Committee Votes to finalize details of HB1110 development standards
  • Tuesday, May 27, 2:00 PM: Full Council Vote on HB1110 interim legislation 120969

Recent “Select Committee” Meetings:

  • March 19: Introduction to HB1110 requirements
  • March 28: Debate on Mandatory Housing Affordability (MHA) fees — the Mayor’s office proposed no MHA fees for developers in Neighborhood Residential zones.
  • April 16: Presentation on proposed development standards for setbacks, heights, and Floor Area Ratio (FAR).
  • April 30: Urban Forestry Commission presentation ( Mayor’s Office) 

Looking Ahead: What’s Next 

After the passage of Interim Legislation 120969, the Council will begin summer 2025:

  • Replace Interim Legislation with Permanent HB1110 Final Legislation (Phase 1)
  • Review and update Comprehensive Plan policies, growth strategies, and Future Land Use Maps
  • Address zoning map  changes in Neighborhood Centers, Urban Centers, and transit corridors (Phase 2)

Want to Share Your Voice with the City Council? 

We encourage you to continue to write, call, or sign up to make comments remotely at any Select Committee meeting in the next few months.

Or contact them directly:

Stay engaged! The next several months will be critical for shaping Wallingford’s future. We encourage residents to get involved! Please visit wallingfordcc.org/contact to send us your information. We will follow up with ways to get involved.

The next several months will be critical for shaping Wallingford’s future. We encourage residents to get involved! Please visit wallingfordcc.org/contact to send us your information. We will follow up with ways to get involved.

Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to making Wallingford a thriving community.