Requires single-family residential zoning in municipalities with populations of over 20,000 to allow middle housing and mandates that those municipalities adopt zoning regulations for middle housing.
The enactment of H7958 would have significant implications for urban planning and housing in Rhode Island. Specifically, it would direct municipalities to adapt their zoning regulations in a way that encourages the construction of middle housing types, which could diversify housing options for residents. This shift aims to reduce reliance on automobiles by creating denser living arrangements within urban areas. Notably, municipalities would retain the power to impose site and design regulations; however, such regulations cannot impede the overall goal of promoting middle housing development due to excessive costs or delays.
House Bill H7958, known as the Multifamily Housing Act, seeks to amend the zoning laws for municipalities in Rhode Island with populations exceeding 40,000 residents. The primary goal of this bill is to mandate that these municipalities permit the development of 'middle housing', which includes duplexes, triplexes, quadplexes, and cottage clusters, in areas traditionally zoned for single-family residences. This legislative move aims to promote higher-density living environments, facilitate mixed-use developments, and encourage walkable urban communities. By establishing a baseline requirement for middle housing, the bill seeks to alleviate housing shortages and enhance urban livability.
While supporters of the bill argue that it addresses critical housing shortages and promotes sustainable urban growth, there are concerns among some community members and local governments regarding the implications for local control and property values. Critics fear that the shift in zoning could lead to overdevelopment and alter the character of single-family neighborhoods. Additionally, there are stipulations concerning the exemption of certain zones from the new regulations, which could result in inequities in housing availability across different parts of municipalities. The proposal includes a one percent exclusionary zoning transactional fee, which would generate funds to support affordable housing grants, adding another layer to the legislation's complexity.