Sec. 8-2r. Zoning regulations re vacant nursing home conversions into multifamily housing. Summary review process.

(b) Any zoning regulations adopted by a municipality pursuant to section 8-2 shall allow for the conversion of any nursing home into multifamily housing subject only to summary review, provided (1) such nursing home is a freestanding structure, (2) such nursing home is not a nonconforming use, (3) such conversion does not result in the substantial alteration of the footprint of such structure, (4) such conversion does not result in the total demolition of such structure, and (5) the owner of such nursing home has declared, in writing to the municipality, that such nursing home has been vacant for a period of not less than ninety days immediately preceding the submission of the summary review application to the planning commission, zoning commission or combined planning and zoning commission of the municipality. (c) Notwithstanding the provisions of subdivisions (3) and (4) of subsection (b) of this section, a municipality may require that a public hearing be held, a variance, special permit or special exemption be granted or some other discretionary zoning action be taken if the conversion of the nursing home structure into multifamily housing will result in the substantial alteration of the footprint of such structure or the total demolition of such structure. (d) The summary review process for the approval of the conversion of a nursing home into multifamily housing shall require that a decision on any such application be rendered not later than sixty-five days after receipt of such application by the planning commission, zoning commission or combined planning and zoning commission, except an applicant may consent to one or more extensions of not more than an additional sixty-five days or may withdraw such application.