Rhode Island 2025 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H5692

Introduced
2/26/25  

Caption

Allows the operation of a home-based business, which meets criteria for home office IRS income tax deduction, without securing approval from the municipality with no storage of chemicals/park heavy equipment/not more than 10% of premises used for parking.

Impact

The bill's implementation will significantly affect the regulatory landscape for home-based businesses within Rhode Island. By easing the restrictions normally imposed by local zoning laws, H5692 enables residents to more freely engage in commercial activities without the lengthy and often costly approval processes typically required by municipalities. However, there are limitations in place, such as prohibitions against storing hazardous materials or parking heavy equipment on residential properties and a cap on parking space usage associated with the business.

Summary

House Bill H5692 seeks to amend the existing zoning ordinances in Rhode Island to allow individuals to operate home-based businesses without the need for municipal approvals, provided that certain criteria are met. Specifically, this legislation targets those whose businesses qualify for the home office tax deduction under the Internal Revenue Code. The intention behind H5692 is to reduce bureaucratic barriers for individuals looking to start or maintain a business from their residences, thereby supporting local entrepreneurship and economic activity.

Contention

While proponents of H5692 champion the bill as a means to stimulate small business growth and foster local economic development, there may be concerns among some local government advocates about the potential implications for zoning integrity and community planning. Critics fear that this lack of oversight could lead to neighborhood disturbances or alterations in the character of residential areas due to unregulated business operations. The tension between facilitating business growth and maintaining community standards could spark debates among constituents and local officials.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H6179

Requires the Rhode Island housing authority to update the count of affordable housing stock in the town of Tiverton two (2) times per year.

RI H6180

Ensures that minimum egress requirements for conventional subdivisions in Tiverton apply equally to comprehensive permit applications and cannot be waived, modified, or reduced for such applications.

RI H6184

Permits Tiverton to require two parking space for each studio, one-bedroom, or two-bedroom low- or moderate-income housing units upon the determination that limited or no local public transportation or off-street parking availability near these units.

RI H5022

Increases the maximum state and municipal small purchase limits from $10,000 to $25,000 for construction projects and from $5,000 to $10,000 for all other state and municipal purchases.

RI H6182

Requires any person who applies to rent or purchase a residence located in Town of Tiverton which qualifies as low and moderate income housing, shall require proof of Rhode Island residency or employment by a local, state or federal entity.

RI H6215

Requires the town of Tiverton to require a minimum number of affordable housing units if there is less than ten percent (10%) of affordable housing in the town.

RI H5371

Allows the towns of Burrillville and Glocester to publish notices in any newspaper located within their municipalities and would also allow publication in other designated digital or print platforms selected by their city or town councils.

RI H5963

Allows the applicant for a land development project to utilize the administrative subdivision process established under 45-23-37 to request approval of a proposed subdivision of an oversized lot.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.