Rocky Hill staff update commission on modular builds, several multi-family projects and tiny-home options

Town planner Kim Ricci provided project-level updates and asked the commission to consider next steps on permitting and public outreach.

Ricci said the town recently received revised plans for a modular project called Lasso at 15 Henchel Way; the application raised building-code questions because the construction uses new modular technology and the state building official’s office reviewed revised plans. "They went through the state building official's office," Ricci said, and noted the project has been at a standstill while changes are made.

Ricci also listed several larger developments: a 153-unit project at 200 Capital Boulevard that staff reported is clearing land and that the presentation cited roughly 20% of those units as designated affordable; a project at 1093 New Britain Avenue that she said had received building permits for 27 units and was described as an 8-30G application with 25% affordable; and Stepney Place (1800 Silas Deane Highway), where a developer agreed to a spread of affordable units across properties (Ricci said Stepney Place built 78 units and had committed to about 15% affordable across combined portfolios).

On accessory dwelling units and tiny homes, commission members requested an educational session. Ricci said Connecticut building code treats tiny homes specially and noted a 400-square-foot reference for some tiny-home classifications; she also said utility connections (water, sewer) are a significant cost for backyard ADUs or tiny-home installations.

Procedural matters: the commission approved the April 2, 2026 minutes earlier in the meeting and adjourned at the end of the session.

Next steps: staff will circulate updates and can arrange developer presentations on tiny homes or ADUs; Ricci said she will follow up with other staff (including the housing authority and regional partners) to clarify timelines and implementation details.