Matthew Ranelli's practice includes environmental, energy and land use law. His land use representation includes representing public and private clients before local, state agencies and in state court. These matters have included wetlands permits, zone changes, subdivision, site plans, special permits, variances, workforce and affordable housing, and enforcing and appealing administrative orders. In addition, he assists state and local agencies in drafting environmental and land use regulations.
In environmental litigation matters, Matt handles state and federal Superfund actions, site remediation, enforcement defense, common law claims, and environmental permitting. He has represented the State of Connecticut, cities and towns, and private sector clients.
Matt also represents developers, schools, municipalities and other end-users regarding on-site distributed generation green building standards, energy conservation and efficiency projects and managing energy options.
Prior to joining Shipman & Goodwin, Matt was a legislative attorney at the Connecticut General Assembly's Office of Legislative Research where he served the environment and public health committees.
- BV Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
- Listed as a Connecticut Super Lawyer®: Land Use/Zoning; 2011-2012
- LEED Accredited Professional
- Connecticut Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority; Board of Directors
- Connecticut Bar Association:
- Environmental Law Section, Chairman (2006-2007), Executive Committee (2002-Present)
- Planning and Zoning Section, Vice Chairman (2009-Present), Executive Committee (2003-Present)
- New Haven County Bar Association: Environmental and Land Use Law Committee, Chairman (2008-2010)
- New Haven Commission on Disabilities; Member
- State Commission on the Deaf and Hearing Impaired; Member
- New Haven Green Fund; Board of Directors (2009-2010)
- Connecticut Clean Energy Fund; Board of Directors (2009-2011)
Applications Before Municipal Commissions
Coordinated teams of engineers, planners, architects, wetlands scientists, geologists, blasting experts and other professionals to prepare and present applications to municipal zoning, wetlands, and sewer commissions for commercial, multi-family, and single family development, including development of affordable housing under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 8-30g; Prepared and handled appeals of commission decisions.
Obtained and Successfully Defended Zoning Approvals for New Public School
Represented municipal clients in obtaining and defending zoning text amendment, zone change and site plan approvals for the new Worthington Hooker Elementary School in the East Rock neighborhood of New Haven, Connecticut. After the Superior Court sustained the neighbors' appeal, a reversal of that decision and reinstatement of the zoning permits in the Connecticut Supreme Court was successfully argued. The Supreme Court agreed that the City boards' decisions were based on a proper factual record and did not constitute spot zoning. Konigsberg v. Board of Aldermen, 283 Conn. 553 (August 14, 2007).