If enacted, this bill allows municipalities such as South Kingstown to increase the number of alternate members on their zoning boards from two to three. This alteration is significant as it provides towns with greater flexibility in managing zoning hearings, ensuring that more members can participate actively in proceedings. By increasing the number of alternates, municipalities can enhance their capacity to address zoning issues, potentially leading to more timely and efficient decision-making processes. The changes reflect a move towards greater local control in urban planning and development decisions, while also standardizing some practices across different municipalities.
Summary
House Bill 7315, introduced in the Rhode Island General Assembly, pertains to zoning ordinances and the establishment of zoning boards of review. The bill aims to amend existing laws in Chapter 45-24 related to zoning administration, particularly focusing on the structure and operations of the zoning boards. The legislation was introduced by Representatives McEntee and Fogarty on February 2, 2022, and was referred to the House Municipal Government and Housing Committee. The bill specifically addresses the creation and organization of zoning boards and allows for potential remuneration for board members, ensuring that local governments can engage necessary legal and technical assistance.
Contention
While the bill is mainly procedural, it could face scrutiny regarding the potential for increased costs associated with the remuneration of board members and the administrative overhead of managing a larger group. Concerns may arise about whether the addition of alternate members truly enhances the board's effectiveness or unnecessarily complicates the governance structure within local zoning frameworks. The amendment offers a chance for municipalities to tailor their governance structures but could spark debates about cost versus benefit in local governance discussions.
Provides amendments to the membership provisions of planning boards or commissions and would enable municipalities to establish "combined review boards" to replace separate planning and zoning boards.
Provides amendments to the membership provisions of planning boards or commissions and would enable municipalities to establish "combined review boards" to replace separate planning and zoning boards.
Relating to court costs imposed on conviction and deposited to the courthouse security fund or the municipal court building security fund; increasing fees.