2023 -- S 0597
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LC001830
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S TATE OF RHODE IS LAND
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2023
____________
A N A C T
RELATING TO TOWNS AN D CITIES -- ZONING ORDINANCES -- PROMOTION OF
NEIGHBORHOOD CHARACT ER AND SMART GROWTH
Introduced By: Senator Samuel W. Bell
Date Introduced: March 07, 2023
Referred To: Senate Housing & Municipal Government
It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:
SECTION 1. Sections 45-24-30, 45-24-31, 45-24-33, 45-24-34, 45-24-36, 45-24-37, 45-1
24-39, 45-24-40, 45-24-42, 45-24-43, 45-24-44, 45-24-46.1, 45-24-46.2, 45-24-46.3, 45-24-46.4, 2
45-24-47, 45-24-48, 45-24-57, 45-24-58 and 45-24-61 of the General Laws in Chapter 45-24 3
entitled "Zoning Ordinances" are hereby amended to read as follows: 4
45-24-30. General purposes of zoning ordinances. 5
(a) Zoning regulations shall be developed and maintained in accordance with a 6
comprehensive plan prepared, adopted, and as may be amended, in accordance with chapter 22.2 7
of this title and shall be designed to address the following purposes. The general assembly 8
recognizes these purposes, each with equal priority and numbered for reference purposes only. 9
(1) Respecting the right of housing for every Rhode Islander in any city or town, regardless 10
of their income. 11
(1)(2) Promoting the public health, safety, and general welfare. 12
(2)(3) Providing for a range of uses and intensities of use appropriate to the character of 13
the city or town and reflecting current and expected future needs. 14
(4) Promoting smart growth, redevelopment of previously developed land and preservation 15
of undeveloped land. 16
(3)(5) Providing for orderly growth and, development, and redevelopment that recognizes: 17
(i) The goals and patterns of land use contained in the comprehensive plan of the city or 18
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town adopted pursuant to chapter 22.2 of this title; 1
(ii) The natural characteristics of the land, including its suitability for use based on soil 2
characteristics, topography, and susceptibility to surface or groundwater pollution; 3
(iii) The values and dynamic nature of coastal and freshwater ponds, the shoreline, and 4
freshwater and coastal wetlands; 5
(iv) The values of unique or valuable natural resources and features; 6
(v) The availability and capacity of existing and planned public and/or private services and 7
facilities, specifically public and civic spaces, transportation, water, storm water management 8
systems, sewage treatment and disposal, solid waste treatment and disposal, schools, recreation, 9
public facilities, open space, and other public requirements; 10
(vi) The need to shape and balance urban and rural development; and 11
(vii) The use of innovative development and redevelopment regulations and techniques. 12
(4)(6) Providing for the control, protection, and/or abatement of air, water, groundwater, 13
and noise pollution, and soil erosion and sedimentation. 14
(5)(7) Providing for the protection of the natural, historic, cultural, and scenic character 15
characteristics of the city or town or areas in the municipality. 16
(6)(8) Providing for the preservation and promotion of agricultural production, forest, 17
silviculture, aquaculture, timber resources, public and civic spaces, and open space. 18
(7)(9) Providing for the protection of public investment in transportation, public and civic 19
spaces, water, stormwater management systems, sewage treatment and disposal, solid waste 20
treatment and disposal, schools, recreation, public facilities, open space, and other public 21
requirements. 22
(8)(10) Promoting a balance of housing choices, for all income levels and groups, to assure 23
the health, safety and welfare of all citizens and their rights to affordable, accessible, safe, and 24
sanitary housing. 25
(9)(11) Providing opportunities for the establishment of low- and moderate-income 26
housing. 27
(10)(12) Promoting safety from fire, flood, and other natural or unnatural disasters wildfire. 28
(11)(13) Promoting a high level of quality in design and construction in the development 29
and redevelopment of private and public facilities. 30
(12)(14) Promoting implementation of the comprehensive plan of the city or town adopted 31
pursuant to chapter 22.2 of this title. 32
(13)(15) Providing for coordination of land uses with contiguous municipalities, other 33
municipalities, the state, and other agencies, as appropriate, especially with regard to resources and 34
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facilities that extend beyond municipal boundaries or have a direct impact on that municipality. 1
(14)(16) Providing for efficient review of development and redevelopment proposals, to 2
clarify and expedite the zoning approval process. 3
(15)(17) Providing for procedures for the administration of the zoning ordinance, 4
including, but not limited to, variances, special-use special permits, and, where adopted, procedures 5
for modifications. 6
(16)(18) Providing opportunities for reasonable accommodations in order to comply with 7
the Rhode Island Fair Housing Practices Act, chapter 37 of title 34; the United States Fair Housing 8
Amendments Act of 1988 (FHAA); the Rhode Island Civil Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 9
chapter 87 of title 42; and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), 42 U.S.C. § 12101 10
et seq. 11
Provided, however, that any zoning ordinance in which a community sets forth standards 12
or requirements for the location, design, construction, or maintenance of on-site wastewater 13
treatment systems shall first be submitted to the director of the department of environmental 14
management for approval as to the technical merits of the ordinance. In addition, any zoning 15
ordinance in which a municipality sets forth standards regarding wetland requirements, shall first 16
be submitted to the director of the department of environmental management for approval as to the 17
technical merits of the ordinance. 18
(b) Upon the effective date of this section, a city or town shall no longer be authorized to 19
adopt as a provision of its zoning ordinance new requirements that specify buffers or setbacks in 20
relation to freshwater wetland, freshwater wetland in the vicinity of the coast, or coastal wetland or 21
that specify setback distances between an onsite wastewater treatment system and a freshwater 22
wetlands, freshwater wetland in the vicinity of the coast, or coastal wetland. 23
(c) Upon promulgation of state regulations to designate wetland buffers and setbacks 24
pursuant to §§ 2-1-18 through 2-1-28, cities and towns shall be prohibited from applying the 25
requirements in existing zoning ordinances pertaining to both wetland buffers and onsite 26
wastewater treatment system setbacks to development applications submitted to a municipality 27
after the effective date of said state regulations. All applications for development that were 28
submitted to a municipality prior to the effective date of state regulations designating wetland 29
buffers and setbacks, will remain subject to, as applicable, the zoning provisions pertaining to 30
wetland buffers or setbacks for onsite wastewater treatment systems that were in effect at the time 31
the application was originally filed or granted approval, subject to the discretion of the municipality 32
to waive such requirements. Nothing herein shall rescind the authority of a city or town to enforce 33
local zoning requirements. 34
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(d) Cities and towns shall act to amend their ordinances and regulations to conform to this 1
section within twelve (12) months of the effective date of state regulations referenced herein. 2
45-24-31. Definitions. 3
Where words or terms used in this chapter are defined in § 45-22.2-4 or 45-23-32, they 4
have the meanings stated in that section. In addition, the following words have the following 5
meanings. Additional words and phrases may be used in developing local ordinances under this 6
chapter; however, the words and phrases defined in this section are controlling in all local 7
ordinances created under this chapter: 8
(1) Abutter. One whose property abuts, that is, adjoins at a border, boundary, or point with 9
no intervening land. 10
(2) Accessory dwelling unit (ADU). A residential living unit on the same parcel where the 11
primary use is a legally established single-unit or multi-unit dwelling. An ADU provides complete 12
independent living facilities for one or more persons. It may take various forms including, but not 13
limited to: a detached unit; a unit that is part of an accessory structure, such as a detached garage; 14
or a unit that is part of an expanded or remodeled primary dwelling. 15
(3) Accessory use. A use of land or of a building, or portion thereof, customarily incidental 16
and subordinate to the principal use of the land or building. An accessory use may be restricted to 17
the same lot as the principal use. An accessory use shall not be permitted without the principal use 18
to which it is related. 19
(4) Aggrieved party. An aggrieved party, for purposes of this chapter, shall be: 20
(i) Any person, or persons, or entity, or entities, who or that can demonstrate that his, her, 21
or its property will be injured by a decision of any officer or agency responsible for administering 22
the zoning ordinance of a city or town; or 23
(ii) Anyone requiring notice pursuant to this chapter. 24
(5) Agricultural land. “Agricultural land,” as defined in § 45-22.2-4. 25
(6) Airport hazard area. “Airport hazard area,” as defined in § 1-3-2. 26
(7) Applicant. An owner, or authorized agent of the owner, submitting an application or 27
appealing an action of any official, board, or agency. 28
(8) Application. The completed form, or forms, and all accompanying documents, exhibits, 29
and fees required of an applicant by an approving authority for development review, approval, or 30
permitting purposes. 31
(9) Architectural form. The shape or configuration of a building. Form and its opposite, 32
space, constitute primary elements of architecture. The form of a group of buildings, such as part 33
of a street wall, may include several buildings on separate lots owned by separate owners. 34
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(10) Architectural wall. The vertical plane created by a series of architectural forms. See 1
also "street wall." 2
(9)(11) Buffer. Land that is maintained in either a natural or landscaped state, and is used 3
to screen or mitigate the impacts of development on surrounding areas, properties, or rights-of-4
way. 5
(10)(12) Building. Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or 6
occupancy. 7
(11)(13) Building envelope. The three-dimensional space within which a structure is 8
permitted to be built on a lot and that is defined by regulations governing building setbacks, 9
maximum height, and bulk; by other regulations; or by any combination thereof. 10
(12)(14) Building height. For a vacant parcel of land, building height shall be measured 11
from the average, existing-grade elevation where the foundation of the structure is proposed. For 12
an existing structure, building height shall be measured from average grade taken from the 13
outermost four (4) corners of the existing foundation. In all cases, building height shall be measured 14
to the top of the highest point of the existing or proposed roof or structure. This distance shall 15
exclude spires, chimneys, flag poles, and the like. For any property or structure located in a special 16
flood hazard area, as shown on the official FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), or depicted 17
on the Rhode Island coastal resources management council (CRMC) suggested design elevation 18
three foot (3′) sea level rise (CRMC SDE 3 SLR) map as being inundated during a one-hundred-19
year (100) storm, the greater of the following amounts, expressed in feet, shall be excluded from 20
the building height calculation: 21
(i) The base flood elevation on the FEMA FIRM plus up to five feet (5′) of any utilized or 22
proposed freeboard, less the average existing grade elevation; or 23
(ii) The suggested design elevation as depicted on the CRMC SDE 3 SLR map during a 24
one-hundred-year (100) storm, less the average existing grade elevation. CRMC shall reevaluate 25
the appropriate suggested design elevation map for the exclusion every ten (10) years, or as 26
otherwise necessary. 27
(15) Civic space. See "public and civic space". 28
(13)(16) Cluster. A site-planning technique that concentrates buildings in specific areas 29
on the site to allow the remaining land to be used for public and civic space, recreation, common 30
open space, and/or preservation of environmentally, historically, culturally, or other sensitive 31
features and/or structures. The techniques used to concentrate buildings shall be specified in the 32
ordinance and may include, but are not limited to, reduction in lot areas, setback requirements, 33
and/or bulk requirements, with the resultant open land being devoted by deed restrictions for one 34
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or more uses. Under cluster development, there is no increase in the number of lots that would be 1
permitted under conventional development except where ordinance provisions include incentive 2
bonuses for certain types or conditions of development. 3
(14)(17) Common ownership. Either: 4
(i) Ownership by one or more individuals or entities in any form of ownership of two (2) 5
or more contiguous lots; or 6
(ii) Ownership by any association (ownership may also include a municipality) of one or 7
more lots under specific development techniques. 8
(15)(18) Community residence. A home or residential facility where children and/or adults 9
reside in a family setting and may or may not receive supervised care. This does not include halfway 10
houses or substance-use-disorder-treatment facilities. This does include, but is not limited to, the 11
following: 12
(i) Whenever six (6) or fewer children or adults with intellectual and/or developmental 13
disability reside in any type of residence in the community, as licensed by the state pursuant to 14
chapter 24 of title 40.1. All requirements pertaining to local zoning are waived for these community 15
residences; 16
(ii) A group home providing care or supervision, or both, to not more than eight (8) persons 17
with disabilities, and licensed by the state pursuant to chapter 24 of title 40.1; 18
(iii) A residence for children providing care or supervision, or both, to not more than eight 19
(8) children, including those of the caregiver, and licensed by the state pursuant to chapter 72.1 of 20
title 42; 21
(iv) A community transitional residence providing care or assistance, or both, to no more 22
than six (6) unrelated persons or no more than three (3) families, not to exceed a total of eight (8) 23
persons, requiring temporary financial assistance, and/or to persons who are victims of crimes, 24
abuse, or neglect, and who are expected to reside in that residence not less than sixty (60) days nor 25
more than two (2) years. Residents will have access to, and use of, all common areas, including 26
eating areas and living rooms, and will receive appropriate social services for the purpose of 27
fostering independence, self-sufficiency, and eventual transition to a permanent living situation. 28
(16)(19) Comprehensive plan. The comprehensive plan adopted and approved pursuant to 29
chapter 22.2 of this title and to which any zoning adopted pursuant to this chapter shall be in 30
compliance. 31
(17)(20) Day care — Daycare center. Any other daycare center that is not a family daycare 32
home. 33
(18)(21) Day care — Family daycare home. Any home, other than the individual’s home, 34
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in which day care in lieu of parental care or supervision is offered at the same time to six (6) or less 1
individuals who are not relatives of the caregiver, but may not contain more than a total of eight 2
(8) individuals receiving day care. 3
(19)(22) Density, residential. The number of dwelling units per unit of land. 4
(20)(23) Development. The construction, reconstruction, conversion, facade redesign, 5
structural alteration, relocation, or enlargement of any structure; any mining, excavation, landfill, 6
or land disturbance; or any change in use, or alteration or extension of the use, of land. 7
(21)(24) Development plan review. The process whereby authorized, local officials review 8
the site plans, maps, and other documentation of a development to determine the compliance with 9
the stated purposes and standards of the ordinance. 10
(22)(25) District. See “zoning-use and form district.” 11
(23)(26) Drainage system. A system for the removal of water from land by drains, grading, 12
or other appropriate means. These techniques may include runoff controls to minimize erosion and 13
sedimentation during and after construction or development; the means for preserving surface and 14
groundwaters; and the prevention and/or alleviation of flooding. 15
(24)(27) Dwelling unit. A structure, or portion of a structure, providing complete, 16
independent living facilities for one or more persons, including permanent provisions for living, 17
sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation, and containing a separate means of ingress and egress. 18
(25)(28) Extractive industry. The extraction of minerals, including: solids, such as coal 19
and ores; liquids, such as crude petroleum; and gases, such as natural gases. The term also includes 20
quarrying; well operation; milling, such as crushing, screening, washing, and flotation; and other 21
preparation customarily done at the extraction site or as a part of the extractive activity. 22
(26)(29) Family member. A person, or persons, related by blood, marriage, or other legal 23
means, including, but not limited to, a child, parent, spouse, mother-in-law, father-in-law, 24
grandparents, grandchildren, domestic partner, sibling, care recipient, or member of the household. 25
(27)(30) Floating zone. An unmapped zoning district adopted within the ordinance that is 26
established on the zoning map only when an application for development, meeting the zone 27
requirements, is approved. 28
(28)(31) Floodplains, or Flood hazard area. As defined in § 45-22.2-4. 29
(32) Form. See "architectural form." 30
(29)(33) Freeboard. A factor of safety expressed in feet above the base flood elevation of 31
a flood hazard area for purposes of floodplain management. Freeboard compensates for the many 32
unknown factors that could contribute to flood heights, such as wave action, bridge openings, and 33
the hydrological effect of urbanization of the watershed. 34
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(30)(34) Groundwater. “Groundwater” and associated terms, as defined in § 46-13.1-3. 1
(31)(35) Halfway house. A residential facility for adults or children who have been 2
institutionalized for criminal conduct and who require a group setting to facilitate the transition to 3
a functional member of society. 4
(32)(36) Hardship. See § 45-24-41. 5
(33)(37) Historic district or historic site. As defined in § 45-22.2-4. 6
(34)(38) Home occupation. Any activity customarily carried out for gain by a resident, 7
conducted as an accessory use in the resident’s dwelling unit. 8
(35)(39) Household. One or more persons living together in a single-dwelling unit, with 9
common access to, and common use of, all living and eating areas and all areas and facilities for 10
the preparation and storage of food within the dwelling unit. The term “household unit” is 11
synonymous with the term “dwelling unit” for determining the number of units allowed within any 12
structure on any lot in a zoning district. An individual household shall consist of any one of the 13
following: 14
(i) A family, which may also include servants and employees living with the family; or 15
(ii) A person or group of unrelated persons living together. The maximum number may be 16
set by local ordinance, but this maximum shall not be less than three (3). 17
(36)(40) Incentive zoning. The process whereby the local authority may grant additional 18
development capacity in exchange for the developer’s provision of a public benefit or amenity as 19
specified in local ordinances. 20
(37)(41) Infrastructure. Facilities and services needed to sustain residential, commercial, 21
industrial, institutional, and other activities. 22
(38)(42) Land-development project. A project in which one or more lots, tracts, or parcels 23
of land are developed or redeveloped as a coordinated site for one or more uses, units, or structures, 24
including, but not limited to, planned development or cluster development for residential, 25
commercial, institutional, recreational, open space, or mixed uses as provided in the zoning 26
ordinance. 27
(39)(43) Lot. Either: 28
(i) The basic development unit for determination of lot area, depth, and other dimensional 29
regulations; or 30
(ii) A parcel of land whose boundaries have been established by some legal instrument, 31
such as a recorded deed or recorded map, and that is recognized as a separate legal entity for 32
purposes of transfer of title. 33
(40)(44) Lot area. The total area within the boundaries of a lot, excluding any street right-34
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of-way, usually reported in acres or square feet. 1
(41)(45) Lot area, minimum. The smallest land area established by the local zoning 2
ordinance upon which a use, building, or structure may be located in a particular zoning district. 3
(42)(46) Lot building coverage. That portion of the lot that is, or may be, covered by 4
buildings and accessory buildings. 5
(43)(47) Lot depth. The distance measured from the front lot line to the rear lot line. For 6
lots where the front and rear lot lines are not parallel, the lot depth is an average of the depth. 7
(44)(48) Lot frontage. That portion of a lot abutting a street. A zoning ordinance shall 8
specify how noncontiguous frontage will be considered with regard to minimum frontage 9
requirements. 10
(45)(49) Lot line. A line of record, bounding a lot, that divides one lot from another lot or 11
from a public or private street or any other public or private space and shall include: 12
(i) Front: the lot line separating a lot from a street right-of-way. A zoning ordinance shall 13
specify the method to be used to determine the front lot line on lots fronting on more than one 14
street, for example, corner and through lots; 15
(ii) Rear: the lot line opposite and most distant from the front lot line, or in the case of 16
triangular or otherwise irregularly shaped lots, an assumed line at least ten feet (10′) in length 17
entirely within the lot, parallel to and at a maximum distance from, the front lot line; and 18
(iii) Side: any lot line other than a front or rear lot line. On a corner lot, a side lot line may 19
be a street lot line, depending on requirements of the local zoning ordinance. 20
(46)(50) Lot size, minimum. Shall have the same meaning as “minimum lot area” defined 21
herein. 22
(47)(51) Lot, through. A lot that fronts upon two (2) parallel streets, or that fronts upon 23
two (2) streets that do not intersect at the boundaries of the lot. 24
(48)(52) Lot width. The horizontal distance between the side lines of a lot measured at 25
right angles to its depth along a straight line parallel to the front lot line at the minimum front 26
setback line. 27
(49)(53) Mere inconvenience. See § 45-24-41. 28
(50)(54) Mixed use. A mixture of land uses within a single development, building, or tract. 29
Also referred as traditional development. Typically ground floor commercial with residential 30
above. 31
(51)(55) Modification. Permission granted and administered by the zoning enforcement 32
officer of the city or town, and pursuant to the provisions of this chapter to grant a dimensional 33
variance other than lot area requirements from the zoning ordinance to a limited degree as 34
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determined by the zoning ordinance of the city or town, but not to exceed twenty-five percent (25%) 1
of each of the applicable dimensional requirements. 2
(52)(56) Nonconformance. A building, structure, or parcel of land, or use thereof, lawfully 3
existing at the time of the adoption or amendment of a zoning ordinance or in existence for at least 4
six (6) years and not in conformity with the provisions of that ordinance or amendment. 5
Nonconformance is of only two (2) types: 6
(i) Nonconforming by use: a lawfully established use of land, building, or structure that is 7
not a permitted use in that zoning district. A building or structure containing more dwelling units 8
than are permitted by the use regulations of a zoning ordinance is nonconformity by use; or 9
nonconforming by use. Nonconforming by use shall be established if a use was lawfully existing 10
prior to the enactment of the zoning ordinance or amendment that rendered the use out of 11
conformity; if a use has been in existence for fifty (50) years; or if a non-accessory use has been in 12
existence for twenty-five (25) years without the initiation of any enforcement actions to ensure 13
conformity with the zoning ordinance. In the case where the nonconformance by use exists because 14
the number of dwelling units exceeds the limits established by the use regulations of a zoning 15
ordinance, the nonconformance shall be established if the dwelling units were lawfully existing 16
prior to the enactment of a zoning ordinance or a zoning amendment that rendered the use out of 17
conformity; if the dwelling units were in existence prior to January 1, 2016; if the dwelling units 18
have been in existence for twenty-five (25) years; or if the dwelling units have been in existence 19
for six (6) years without the initiation of any enforcement actions to ensure conformity with the 20
zoning ordinance. In the case where the use is a zoning use that raises pollution risk, 21
nonconformance by use shall only be established if the zoning use that raises pollution risk was 22
lawfully existing for at least six (6) years prior to the enactment of the zoning ordinance or 23
amendment that rendered the zoning use that raises pollution risk out of conformity. 24
(ii) Nonconforming by dimension: a building, structure, or parcel of land not in compliance 25
with the dimensional regulations of the zoning ordinance. Dimensional regulations include all 26
regulations of the zoning ordinance, other than those pertaining to the permitted uses. A building 27
or structure containing more dwelling units than are permitted by the use regulations of a zoning 28
ordinance is nonconforming by use; a building or structure containing a permitted number of 29
dwelling units by the use regulations of the zoning ordinance, but not meeting the lot area per 30
dwelling unit regulations, is nonconforming by dimension. Nonconformance by dimension shall be 31
established if the dimensional conditions were lawfully existing prior to the enactment of the zoning 32
ordinance or amendment that rendered the building, structure, or parcel of land out of conformity; 33
if the dimensional conditions were in existence prior to January 1, 2015; if the dimensional 34
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conditions have been in existence for twenty-five (25) years; or if the dimensional conditions have 1
been in existence for six (6) years without the initiation of any enforcement actions to ensure 2
conformity with the zoning ordinance. 3
(53)(57) Overlay district. A district established in a zoning ordinance that is superimposed 4
on one or more districts or parts of districts. The standards and requirements associated with an 5
overlay district may be more or less restrictive than those in the underlying districts consistent with 6
other applicable state and federal laws. 7
(54)(58) Performance standards. A set of criteria or limits relating to elements that a 8
particular use or process must either meet or may not exceed. 9
(55)(59) Permitted use. A use by right that is specifically authorized in a particular zoning 10
district. 11
(56)(60) Planned development. A “land-development project,” as defined in subsection 12
(38), and developed according to plan as a single entity and containing one or more structures or 13
uses with appurtenant common areas. 14
(57)(61) Plant agriculture. The growing of plants for food or fiber, to sell or consume. 15
(58)(62) Preapplication conference. A review meeting of a proposed development held 16
between applicants and reviewing agencies as permitted by law and municipal ordinance, before 17
formal submission of an application for a permit or for development approval. 18
(63) Public and civic space. An extension of the community, serving as a stage for our 19
public lives. The space enriches the lives of its users and enhances its surrounding buildings and 20
neighborhood. Public and civic space includes atria, boardwalks, courtyards, forecourts, overlooks, 21
plazas, paths, and squares. 22
(64) Reconstruction. The act or process of depicting, by means of new construction, the 23
form features, and detailing of a non-surviving site, landscape, building, structure, or object for the 24
purpose of replicating its appearance at a specific period of time and in its historic location. 25
(65) Redevelopment. Alteration to previously developed land, structures, or buildings 26
which may include adaptive reuse, reconstruction, conversion, facade redesign, structural 27
alteration, relocation, or enlargement of any structure or building. 28
(66) Rural. Sparsely populated and lacking in public services. Primarily open space and 29
agriculture with interstitial development. 30
(59)(67) Setback line or lines. A line, or lines, parallel to a lot line at the minimum distance 31
of the required setback for the zoning district in which the lot is located that establishes the area 32
within which the principal structure must be erected or placed. 33
(60)(68) Site plan. The development plan for one or more lots on which is shown the 34
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existing and/or the proposed conditions of the lot. 1
(61)(69) Slope of land. The grade, pitch, rise, or incline of the topographic landform or 2
surface of the ground. 3
(62)(70) Special use permit. A regulated use or dimension that is permitted pursuant to the 4
special-use special permit issued by the authorized governmental entity, pursuant to § 45-24-42. 5
Formerly referred to as a special use permit or modification, or special exception. There are only 6
two (2) categories of special permit: a special use permit or a special dimensional permit. 7
(i) Special use permit. A regulated use that is permitted pursuant to the special use permit 8
issued by the authorized governmental entity, pursuant to § 45-24-42. Special use permits are 9
typically utilized for uses that may have an outsize impact on the surrounding area, such as schools 10
or drive-through windows. 11
(ii) Special dimensional permit. A regulated dimension that is permitted pursuant to the 12
special dimensional permit issued by the authorized governmental entity, pursuant to § 45-24-42. 13
Special dimensional permits allow the involvement of the public and the discretion of the 14
authorized governmental entity in allowing small deviations from a zoning ordinance. 15
(71) Street wall. The architectural wall on either side of a street. A street wall requires 16
relatively consistent setbacks, building heights, building envelopes, and landscaping to function. 17
(63)(72) Structure. A combination of materials to form a construction for use, occupancy, 18
or ornamentation, whether installed on, above, or below the surface of land or water. 19
(64)(73) Substandard lot of record. Any lot lawfully existing at the time of adoption or 20
amendment of a zoning ordinance and not in conformance with the dimensional or area provisions 21
of that ordinance. 22
(74) Urban. Densely populated with defined and balanced public and private realms, 23
primarily with public and civic spaces, people-centric design, continuous, coherent, and 24
harmonious architectural wall, extensive public services, including transportation, water, 25
stormwater management systems, sewage treatment and disposal, solid waste treatment and 26
disposal, schools, recreation, public facilities, interstitial open space and agriculture, and other 27
public requirements. Generally defined by the division of planning as village centers and areas 28
within the urban services boundary, on a map maintained by the division of planning. 29
(65)(75) Use. The purpose or activity for which land or buildings are designed, arranged, 30
or intended, or for which land or buildings are occupied or maintained. 31
(66)(76) Variance. Permission to depart from the literal requirements of a zoning 32
ordinance. An authorization for the construction or maintenance of a building or structure, or for 33
the establishment or maintenance of a use of land, that is prohibited by a zoning ordinance. There 34
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are only two (2) categories of variance, a use variance or a dimensional variance. 1
(i) Use variance. Permission to depart from the use requirements of a zoning ordinance 2
where the applicant for the requested variance has shown by evidence upon the record that the 3
subject land or structure cannot yield any beneficial use if it is to conform to the provisions of the 4
zoning ordinance. 5
(ii) Dimensional variance. Permission to depart from the dimensional requirements of a 6
zoning ordinance, where the applicant for the requested relief has shown, by evidence upon the 7
record, that there is no other reasonable alternative way to enjoy a legally permitted beneficial use 8
of the subject property unless granted the requested relief from the dimensional regulations. 9
However, the fact that a use may be more profitable or that a structure may be more valuable after 10
the relief is granted are not grounds for relief. 11
(67)(77) Waters. As defined in § 46-12-1(23). 12
(68)(78) Wetland, coastal. As defined in § 45-22.2-4. 13
(69)(79) Wetland, freshwater. As defined in § 2-1-20. 14
(70)(80) Zoning certificate. A document signed by the zoning-enforcement officer, as 15
required in the zoning ordinance, that acknowledges that a use, structure, building, or lot either 16
complies with, or is legally nonconforming to, the provisions of the municipal zoning ordinance or 17
is an authorized variance or modification therefrom. 18
(71)(81) Zoning map. The map, or maps, that are a part of the zoning ordinance and that 19
delineate the boundaries of all mapped zoning districts within the physical boundary of the city or 20
town. 21
(72)(82) Zoning ordinance. An ordinance enacted by the legislative body of the city or 22
town pursuant to this chapter and in the manner providing for the adoption of ordinances in the city 23
or town’s legislative or home rule charter, if any, that establish regulations and standards relating 24
to the nature and extent of uses of land and structures; that is consistent with the comprehensive 25
plan of the city or town as defined in chapter 22.2 of this title; that includes a zoning map; and that 26
complies with the provisions of this chapter. 27
(73)(83) Zoning-use and form district. The basic unit in zoning, either mapped or 28
unmapped, to which a uniform set of regulations applies, or a uniform set of regulations for a 29
specified use. Zoning-use and form districts include, but are not limited to: agricultural, 30
commercial, industrial, institutional, mixed-use, open space, and residential, as well as urban core, 31
urban center, general urban, inner suburban, outer suburban, exurban, and rural. Each district may 32
include sub-districts. Districts may be combined. 33
(84) Zoning use that raises pollution risk. A use that raises potential for residents and 34
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visitors of the surrounding area to experience the negative effects of air, groundwater, stormwater, 1
smell, auditory, or vibrational activities associated with the primary or accessory use of the subject 2
property. The following uses shall be included: animal care facility, nightclub, broadcasting 3
facility, car wash, drive-through facility, parking facility, asphalt surfaces, freight terminal, funeral 4
home, gas station, golf course, plant nursery, commercial agriculture, marina, boat construction 5
and repair, brewery, distillery, winery, power plant, strip mall, motorized vehicle repair, and all 6
industrial uses. The division of planning shall have the power to establish rules and regulations that 7
identify additional uses that meet these criteria. 8
45-24-33. Standard provisions. 9
(a) A zoning ordinance addresses each of the purposes stated in § 45-24-30 and addresses, 10
through reasonable objective standards and criteria, the following general provisions which are 11
numbered for reference purposes only except as prohibited by §§ 45-24-30(b), 45-24-30(c), or 45-12
24-30(d): 13
(1) Permitting, prohibiting, limiting, and restricting the development and redevelopment of 14
land and structures in zoning districts, and regulating those land and structures according to their 15
type and the nature and extent of their use; 16
(2) Regulating the nature and extent of the use of land for residential, commercial, 17
industrial, institutional, recreational, agricultural, open space, or other use or combination of uses, 18
as the need for land for those purposes is determined by the city or town’s comprehensive plan; 19
(3) Permitting, prohibiting, limiting, and restricting buildings, structures, land uses, and 20
other development and redevelopment by performance standards, or other requirements, related to 21
air and water and groundwater quality, noise and glare, energy consumption, soil erosion and 22
sedimentation, and/or the availability and capacity of existing and planned public or private 23
services, specifically transportation, water, stormwater management systems, sewage treatment and 24
disposal, solid waste treatment and disposal, schools, recreation, public facilities, open space, and 25
other public requirements; 26
(4) Regulating within each district and designating requirements for: 27
(i) The height, number of stories, and size, fenestration, and proportions of buildings; 28
(ii) The dimensions, size, lot coverage, floor area ratios, and layout of lots or development 29
areas; 30
(iii) The density and intensity of use; 31
(iv) Access to air and light, views, and solar access; 32
(v) Open space, yards, courts, and buffers; 33
(vi) Parking areas, road design, and, where appropriate, pedestrian, bicycle, and other 34
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circulator systems; 1
(vii) Landscaping, fencing, and lighting; 2
(viii) Appropriate drainage requirements and methods to manage stormwater runoff; 3
(ix) Public access to waterbodies, rivers, and streams; and 4
(x) Other requirements in connection with any use of land or structure; 5
(5) Permitting, prohibiting, limiting, and restricting development and redevelopment in 6
flood plains or flood hazard areas and designated significant natural areas; 7
(6) Promoting the conservation of energy and promoting energy-efficient patterns of 8
development and redevelopment; 9
(7) Providing for the protection of existing and planned public drinking water supplies, 10
their tributaries and watersheds, and the protection of Narragansett Bay, its tributaries and 11
watershed; 12
(8) Providing for adequate, safe, and efficient transportation systems; and avoiding 13
congestion by relating types and levels of development and redevelopment to the capacity of the 14
circulation system, and maintaining a safe level of service of the system; 15
(9) Providing for the preservation and enhancement of the recreational resources of the city 16
or town; 17
(10) Promoting an economic climate that increases quality job opportunities and the overall 18
economic well-being of the city or town and the state; 19
(11) Providing for pedestrian transportation access to and between public and private 20
facilities, including, but not limited to, schools, employment centers, shopping areas, recreation 21
areas, and residences; 22
(12) Providing standards for, and requiring the provision of, adequate and properly 23
designed physical improvements, including plantings, and the proper maintenance of property; 24
(13) Permitting, prohibiting, limiting, and restricting land use in areas where development 25
and redevelopment is deemed to create a hazard to the public health or safety; 26
(14) Permitting, prohibiting, limiting, and restricting extractive industries and earth 27
removal and requiring restoration of land after these activities; 28
(15) Regulating sanitary landfill, except as otherwise provided by state statute; 29
(16) Permitting, prohibiting, limiting, and restricting signs and billboards and other outdoor 30
advertising devices; 31
(17) Designating airport hazard areas under the provisions of chapter 3 of title 1, and 32
enforcement of airport hazard area zoning regulations under the provisions established in that 33
chapter; 34
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(18) Designating areas of historic, cultural, and/or archaeological value and regulating 1
development and redevelopment in those areas under the provisions of chapter 24.1 of this title; 2
(19) Providing standards and requirements for the regulation, review, and approval of any 3
proposed development and redevelopment in connection with those uses of land, buildings, or 4
structures specifically designated as subject to development plan review in a zoning ordinance; 5
(20) Designating special protection areas for water supply and limiting or prohibiting 6
development and redevelopment in these areas, except as otherwise provided by state statute; 7
(21) Specifying requirements for safe road access to developments and redevelopments 8
from existing streets, including limiting the number, design, and location of curb cuts, and 9
provisions for internal circulation systems, including pedestrian and bicycle ways, for new 10
developments, and redevelopments and provisions for pedestrian and bicycle ways; and; 11
(22) Reducing unnecessary delay in approving or disapproving development applications 12
through provisions for preapplication conferences and other means.; 13
(23) Providing for the application of the Rhode Island Fair Housing Practices Act, chapter 14
37 of title 34, the United States Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988 (FHAA); the Rhode Island 15
Civil Rights People with Disabilities Act, chapter 37 of title 42; and the Americans with Disabilities 16
Act of 1990 (ADA), 42 U.S.C. § 12101 et seq.; and 17
(24) Regulating drive-through windows of varied intensity of use when associated with 18
land-use activities and providing standards and requirements for the regulation, review, and 19
approval of the drive-through windows, including, but not limited to: 20
(i) Identifying within which zoning districts drive-through windows may be permitted, 21
prohibited, or permitted by special-use special permit; 22
(ii) Specifying requirements for adequate traffic circulation; and 23
(iii) Providing for adequate pedestrian safety and access, including issues concerning safety 24
and access for those with disabilities. 25
(b) A zoning ordinance may include special provisions for any or all of the following: 26
(1) Authorizing development incentives, including, but not limited to, additional permitted 27
uses, increased development and density, or additional design or dimensional flexibility in 28
exchange for: 29
(i) Increased open space; 30
(ii) Increased housing choices; 31
(iii) Traffic and pedestrian improvements; 32
(iv) Public and/or private facilities; and/or 33
(v) Other amenities as desired by the city or town and consistent with its comprehensive 34
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plan. The provisions in the ordinance shall include maximum allowable densities of population 1
and/or intensities of use and shall indicate the type of improvements, amenities, and/or conditions. 2
Conditions may be made for donation in lieu of direct provisions for improvements or amenities; 3
(2) Establishing a system for transfer of development rights within or between zoning 4
districts designated in the zoning ordinance; and 5
(3) Regulating the development and redevelopment adjacent to designated scenic 6
highways, scenic waterways, major thoroughfares, public greenspaces, or other areas of special 7
public investment or valuable natural resources. 8
(c) Slope of land shall not be excluded from the calculation of the buildable lot area or the 9
minimum lot size, or in the calculation of the number of buildable lots or units. 10
(d) Nothing in this section shall be construed to restrict a municipality’s right, within state 11
and local regulations, to establish its own minimum lot size per zoning district in its town or city. 12
45-24-34. General provisions — Purpose and consistency with comprehensive plan. 13
(a) A zoning ordinance adopted pursuant to this chapter shall provide a statement of its 14
purposes. Those purposes shall be consistent with § 45-24-30. A zoning ordinance adopted or 15
amended pursuant to this chapter shall include a statement that the zoning ordinance is consistent 16
with the comprehensive plan of the city or town adopted pursuant to chapter 22.2 of this title, or as 17
otherwise provided below and shall provide that in the instance of uncertainty in the construction 18
or application of any section of the ordinance, the ordinance shall be construed in a manner that 19
will further the implementation of, and not be contrary to, the goals and policies and applicable 20
elements of the comprehensive plan. 21
(b) The city or town shall bring the zoning ordinance or amendment into conformance with 22
its comprehensive plan as approved by the chief of the division of planning of the department of 23
administration or the superior court in accordance with its implementation schedule as set forth in 24
said plan, a period no longer than three (3) years. A zoning ordinance shall address and specify 25
requirements for the coordination between contiguous communities, the state, and other agencies, 26
as required by chapter 22.2 of this title. 27
45-24-36. General provisions — Division into districts. 28
A zoning ordinance divides a city or town into zoning use and form districts, which may 29
include overlay districts and floating zone districts, of the number, kind, type, shape, and area 30
suitable to carry out the purposes of this chapter. Regulations and standards shall be consistent for 31
each land use, type of development and redevelopment, or type of building or structure within a 32
district, but may differ from those in other districts. Zoning use and form districts shall be depicted 33
by type and location on the zoning map. 34
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45-24-37. General provisions — Permitted uses. 1
(a) The zoning ordinance shall provide a listing of all land uses and/or performance 2
standards for uses that are permitted within the zoning use and form districts of the municipality. 3
The ordinance may provide for a procedure under which a proposed land use that is not specifically 4
listed may be presented by the property owner to the zoning board of review or to a local official 5
or agency charged with administration and enforcement of the ordinance for an evaluation and 6
determination of whether the proposed use is of a similar type, character, and intensity as a listed 7
permitted use. Upon such determination, the proposed use may be considered to be a permitted use. 8
(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, the following uses are permitted 9
uses within all residential zoning use and form districts of a municipality and all industrial and 10
commercial zoning use and form districts except where residential use is prohibited for public 11
health or safety reasons: 12
(1) Households; 13
(2) Community residences; and 14
(3) Family daycare homes. 15
(c) Any time a building or other structure used for residential purposes, or a portion of a 16
building containing residential units, is rendered uninhabitable by virtue of a casualty such as fire 17
or flood, the owner of the property is allowed to park, temporarily, mobile and manufactured home, 18
or homes, as the need may be, elsewhere upon the land, for use and occupancy of the former 19
occupants for a period of up to twelve (12) months, or until the building or structure is rehabilitated 20
and otherwise made fit for occupancy. The property owner, or a properly designated agent of the 21
owner, is only allowed to cause the mobile and manufactured home, or homes, to remain 22
temporarily upon the land by making timely application to the local building official for the 23
purposes of obtaining the necessary permits to repair or rebuild redevelop the structure. 24
(d) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, appropriate access for people with 25
disabilities to residential structures is allowed as a reasonable accommodation for any person(s) 26
residing, or intending to reside, in the residential structure. 27
(e) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, an accessory dwelling unit in an 28
owner-occupied residence that complies with §§ 45-24-31 and 45-24-73 shall be permitted as a 29
reasonable accommodation for family members with disabilities or who are sixty-two (62) years of 30
age or older, or to accommodate other family members. 31
(f) When used in this section the terms “people with disabilities” or “member, or members, 32
with disabilities” means a person(s) who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially 33
limits one or more major life activities, as defined in § 42-87-1(7). 34
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(g) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this chapter, plant agriculture is a permitted 1
use within all zoning districts of a municipality, including all industrial and commercial zoning 2
districts, except where prohibited for public health or safety reasons or the protection of wildlife 3
habitat. 4
45-24-39. General provisions — Nonconforming development. 5
(a) Any city or town adopting or amending a zoning ordinance under this chapter shall 6
make provision for any use, activity, structure, building, or sign or other improvement, lawfully 7
existing at the time of the adoption or amendment of the zoning ordinance, but which is lawfully 8
established as nonconforming by use or nonconforming by dimension. The zoning ordinance may 9
regulate development which is nonconforming by dimension differently than that which is 10
nonconforming by use. 11
(b) The zoning ordinance shall permit the continuation of nonconforming development; 12
however, this does not prohibit the regulation of nuisances. The continuation of nonconforming 13
development shall only relate to zoning. It shall not be construed to provide any right to 14
continuation of non-compliance with building codes, any right to continuation of non-compliance 15
with the provisions of chapters 24.2 and 24.3 of title 45, any right to continuation of non-16
compliance with the provisions of chapter 23 of title 46, or any right to continuation of non-17
compliance with any regulations promulgated by the coastal resources management council. 18
(c) A zoning ordinance may shall provide that, if a nonconforming use is abandoned, it 19
may not be reestablished. Abandonment of a nonconforming use zoning use that raises pollution 20
risk consists of some overt act, or failure to act, which leads one to believe that the owner of the 21
nonconforming zoning use that raises pollution risk neither claims nor retains any interest in 22
continuing the nonconforming zoning use that raises pollution risk unless the owner can 23
demonstrate an intent not to abandon the zoning use that raises pollution risk. If any nonconforming 24
zoning use that raises pollution risk is halted for a period of three (3) years, the owner of the 25
nonconforming zoning use that raises pollution risk is presumed to have abandoned the 26
nonconforming zoning use that raises pollution risk, even if there is no intent to abandon the zoning 27
use that raises pollution risk. An involuntary interruption of nonconforming use, as by fire and 28
natural catastrophe, does not establish the intent to abandon the nonconforming use; however, if If 29
any nonconforming use is halted for a period of one year twenty (20) years, the owner of the 30
nonconforming use is presumed to have abandoned the nonconforming use, unless that presumption 31
is rebutted by the presentation of sufficient evidence of intent not to abandon the use. An 32
involuntary interruption of nonconforming use, as by fire and natural catastrophe, does not establish 33
the intent to abandon the nonconforming use. A use that is nonconforming by use because the 34
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building or structure contains more dwelling units than are permitted by the use regulations of a 1
zoning ordinance shall never be considered abandoned, unless the zoning use and form district does 2
not permit any residential use. 3
(d) Abandonment of a nonconforming accessory use shall not be construed to imply 4
abandonment of other nonconforming uses of the site. 5
(e) Although nonconformance by dimension shall never be deemed abandoned, the non-6
abandonment of nonconformance by dimension shall not be construed to imply non-abandonment 7
of nonconforming uses of the site. 8
45-24-40. General provisions — Alteration of nonconforming development. 9
(a) A zoning ordinance may shall permit a nonconforming development to be altered under 10
either of the following conditions: 11
(1) The ordinance may establish a special-use permit, authorizing the alteration, which 12
must be approved by the zoning board of review following the procedure established in this chapter 13
and in the zoning ordinance; or 14
(2) The ordinance may shall allow the reconstruction, addition and enlargement, expansion, 15
intensification, or change in use, of nonconforming development either by special permit or by 16
right and may distinguish between the foregoing actions by zoning districts. 17
(b) The ordinance may require that the alteration more closely adheres to the intent and 18
purposes of the zoning ordinance. 19
(c) A use established by variance or special use permit shall not acquire the rights of this 20
section. 21
45-24-42. General provisions — Special-use permits. General provisions — Special 22
permits. 23
(a) A zoning ordinance shall provide for the issuance of special-use special permits 24
approved by the zoning board of review, or, where unified development review is enabled pursuant 25
to § 45-24-46.4, the planning board or commission. 26
(b) The ordinance shall: 27
(1) Specify the uses requiring special-use special permits in each district and the 28
dimensions requiring a special dimensional permit in each district. Dimensional requirements in 29
special dimensional permits shall not exceed fifty percent (50%) of the dimensional requirements 30
specified in the zoning ordinance or the average of existing conditions on lots within the notice area 31
as defined in § 45-24-53(d)(2), whichever is greater. A special dimensional permit does not permit 32
moving of lot lines. The ordinance may provide for a procedure under which a proposed land use 33
that is not specifically listed may be presented by the property owner to the zoning board of review 34
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or to a local official or agency charged with administration and enforcement of the ordinance for 1
an evaluation and determination of whether the proposed use is of a similar type, character, and 2
intensity as a listed use requiring a special-use permit. Upon such determination, the proposed use 3
may be considered to be a use requiring a special-use permit; 4
(2) Describe the conditions and procedures under which special-use special permits, of 5
each of the various categories of special-use special permits established in the zoning ordinance, 6
may be issued; 7
(3) Establish criteria for the issuance of each category of special-use special permit that 8
shall be in conformance with the purposes and intent of the comprehensive plan and the zoning 9
ordinance of the city or town. If a special dimensional permit is granted, neighboring property shall 10
neither be substantially injured nor its appropriate use substantially impaired, specifically the 11
appearance of the subject property from the street in comparison to properties on its left and right, 12
and it does not alter a flood hazard requirement; 13
(4) Provide for public hearings and notification of the date, time, place, and purpose of 14
those hearings to interested parties. Special-use Special permit requests submitted under a zoning 15
ordinance’s unified development review provisions shall be heard and noticed in conjunction with 16
the subdivision or land-development application, according to the requirements of § 45-23-50.1. 17
Public notice for special-use special permits that are not submitted under a zoning ordinance’s 18
unified development review provisions shall be given at least fourteen (14) days prior to the date 19
of the hearing in a newspaper of general circulation in the city or town. Notice of hearing shall be 20
sent by first-class mail to the applicant, and to all those who would require notice under § 45-24-21
53. The notice shall also include the street address of the subject property. A zoning ordinance may 22
require that a supplemental notice, that an application for a special-use special permit is under 23
consideration, be posted at the location in question. The posting is for information purposes only 24
and does not constitute required notice of a public hearing. The cost of notification shall be borne 25
by the applicant; 26
(5) Provide for the recording of findings of fact and written decisions; and 27
(6) Provide that appeals may be taken pursuant to § 45-24-70 or § 45-23-66, dependent on 28
the board to which application was made. 29
(c) The ordinance additionally may shall provide that an applicant may apply for, and be 30
issued, a dimensional variance in conjunction with a special-use special permit. If the special use 31
special permit could not exist without the dimensional variance, the zoning board of review, or, 32
where unified development review is enabled pursuant to § 45-24-46.4(b), the planning board or 33
commission shall consider the special-use special permit and the dimensional variance together to 34
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determine if granting the special use permit is appropriate based on both the special use permit 1
criteria and the dimensional variance evidentiary standards. 2
45-24-43. General provisions — Special conditions. 3
In granting a variance or in making any determination upon which it is required to pass 4
after a public hearing under a zoning ordinance, the zoning board of review or other zoning 5
enforcement agency may apply the special conditions that may, in the opinion of the board or 6
agency, be required to promote the intent and purposes of the comprehensive plan and the zoning 7
ordinance of the city or town. Failure to abide by any special conditions attached to a grant 8
constitutes a zoning violation. Those special conditions shall be based on competent credible 9
evidence on the record, be incorporated into the decision, and may include, but are not limited to, 10
provisions for: 11
(1) Minimizing the adverse impact of the development or redevelopment upon other land, 12
including the type, intensity, design, and performance of activities; 13
(2) Controlling the sequence of development or redevelopment, including when it must be 14
commenced and completed; 15
(3) Controlling the duration of use or development and the time within which any 16
temporary structure must be removed; 17
(4) Assuring satisfactory installation and maintenance of required public improvements; 18
(5) Designating the exact location and nature of development or redevelopment; and 19
(6) Establishing detailed records by submission of drawings, maps, plats, or specifications. 20
45-24-44. General provisions — Creation of vested rights. 21
(a) A zoning ordinance provides protection for the consideration of applications for 22
development or redevelopment that are substantially complete and have been submitted for 23
approval to the appropriate review agency in the city or town prior to enactment of the new zoning 24
ordinance or amendment. 25
(b) Zoning ordinances or other land development ordinances or regulations specify the 26
minimum requirements for a development application to be substantially complete for the purposes 27
of this section. 28
(c) Any application considered by a city or town under the protection of this section shall 29
be reviewed according to the regulations applicable in the zoning ordinance in force at the time the 30
application was submitted. 31
(d) If an application for development or redevelopment under the provisions of this section 32
is approved, reasonable time limits shall be set within which development or redevelopment of the 33
property must begin and within which development or redevelopment must be substantially 34
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completed. 1
45-24-46.1. Inclusionary zoning. 2
(a) A zoning ordinance requiring the inclusion of affordable housing as part of a 3
development or redevelopment shall provide that the housing will be affordable housing, as defined 4
in § 42-128-8.1(d)(1); that the affordable housing will constitute not less than ten percent (10%) of 5
the total units in the development or redevelopment; and that the units will remain affordable for a 6
period of not less than thirty-years (30) from initial occupancy enforced through a land lease and/or 7
deed restriction enforceable by the municipality and the state of Rhode Island. 8
(b) A zoning ordinance that includes inclusionary zoning may provide that the affordable 9
housing must be built on-site or utilize one or more alternative methods of production, including, 10
but not limited to, off-site construction or rehabilitation, donation of land suitable for development 11
of the required affordable units, and/or the payment of a fee in lieu of the construction or provision 12
of affordable housing units. For all projects subject to inclusionary zoning, density bonuses and 13
other incentives shall be established by the community and shall apply to offset differential costs 14
of below-market units. 15
(c) This fee in lieu of the construction or provision of affordable housing shall be the choice 16
of the developer or builder applied on a per-unit basis and may be used for new developments, 17
purchasing property and/or homes, rehabilitating properties, or any other manner that creates 18
additional low-or-moderate income housing as defined in § 45-53-3(9). 19
(1) For affordable single-family homes and condominium units, the per-unit fee shall be 20
the difference between the maximum affordable sales price for a family of four (4) earning eighty 21
percent (80%) of the area median income as determined annually by the U.S. Department of 22
Housing and Urban Development and the average cost of developing a single unit of affordable 23
housing. The average cost of developing a single unit of affordable housing shall be determined 24
annually based on the average, per-unit development cost of affordable homes financed by Rhode 25
Island housing over the previous three (3) years, excluding existing units that received preservation 26
financing. 27
(2) Notwithstanding subsection (c)(1) of this section, in no case shall the per-unit fee for 28
affordable single family homes and condominium units be less than forty thousand dollars 29
($40,000). 30
(d) The municipality shall deposit all in-lieu payments into restricted accounts that shall be 31
allocated and spent only for the creation and development of affordable housing within the 32
municipality serving individuals or families at or below eighty percent (80%) of the area median 33
income. The municipality shall maintain a local affordable housing board to oversee the funds in 34
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the restricted accounts and shall allocate the funds within two (2) years. The municipality shall 1
include in the housing element of their local comprehensive plan, if applicable, the process it will 2
use to allocate the funds. 3
(e) As an alternative to the provisions of subsection (d), the municipality may elect to 4
transfer in-lieu payments promptly upon receipt or within the two-year (2) period after receipt to 5
the housing resources commission or Rhode Island housing for the purpose of developing 6
affordable housing within that community. 7
(f) Rhode Island housing shall report to the general assembly and the housing resources 8
commission the amount of fees in lieu collected by community; the projects that were provided 9
funding with the fees, the dollar amounts allocated to the projects and the number of units created. 10
45-24-46.2. Special provisions — Transfer of development rights — North Kingstown. 11
(a) In addition to other powers granted to towns and cities by this chapter to establish and 12
administer transfer of development rights programs, the town council of the town of North 13
Kingstown may provide by ordinance for the transfer of development rights, as a voluntary program 14
available to developers and property owners, in the manner set forth in this section. 15
(b) The establishment, as provided for by this section, of a system for transfer of 16
development rights within or between zoning districts, or a portion thereof, designated in the zoning 17
ordinance shall be: 18
(1) For the purpose of providing developers and property owners the ability to establish, 19
certify, purchase, sell, convey, and/or hold land development rights; and 20
(2) For one or more of the following purposes: 21
(i) Preserving sensitive resource areas in the community such as groundwater reserves, 22
wildlife habitat, agricultural lands, and public access to surface waters; 23
(ii) Directing development away from sensitive resource areas to places better suited to 24
increased levels of development and redevelopment such as established or proposed mixed use, 25
commercial, village, or residential centers; 26
(iii) Directing development to areas served by existing infrastructure such as established 27
roadways, public water supply systems, centralized sewer collection systems, public transit and 28
other utilities; or 29
(iv) Shaping and balancing urban and rural development; and/or promoting a high level of 30
quality in design in the development and redevelopment of private and public facilities and spaces. 31
(c) For purposes of this section the following terms shall have the following meaning: 32
(1) “Receiving area district” means a zoning district, which is established and mapped 33
pursuant to a transfer of development rights ordinance and superimposed on one or more zoning 34
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use and form districts or portions thereof that is eligible to receive development rights through a 1
major land development project review. As may be necessary or desirable to achieve the intended 2
uses, density and intensity of use, a receiving area district may allow for additional development 3
and redevelopment capacity and for increased lot building coverage and building envelope that are 4
greater than those of the underlying zoning. 5
(2) “Sending area district” means a zoning district, which is established and mapped 6
pursuant to a transfer of development rights ordinance and superimposed on one or more zoning 7
use and form districts or a portion thereof, that is eligible to establish development rights that may 8
eventually be transferred to a receiving area. 9
45-24-46.3. Special provisions — Transfer of development rights — Exeter. 10
(a) In addition to other powers granted to towns and cities by this chapter to establish and 11
administer transfer of development rights programs, the town council of the town of Exeter may 12
provide by ordinance for the transfer of development rights, as a voluntary program available to 13
developers and property owners, in the manner set forth in this section. 14
(b) For purposes of this section the following terms shall have the following meaning: 15
(1) “Receiving area district” means a zoning district, which is established and mapped 16
pursuant to a transfer of development rights ordinance and superimposed on one or more zoning 17
use and form districts or portions thereof, that is eligible to receive development rights through a 18
major land development project review. As may be necessary or desirable to achieve the intended 19
uses, density and intensity of use, a receiving area district may allow for additional development 20
capacity and for increased lot building coverage and building envelope that are greater than those 21
of the underlying zoning. 22
(2) “Sending area district” means a zoning district, which is established and mapped 23
pursuant to a transfer of development rights ordinance and superimposed on one or more zoning 24
use and form districts or a portion thereof, that is eligible to establish development rights that may 25
eventually be transferred to a receiving area. 26
(c) The establishment, as provided for by this section, of a system for transfer of 27
development rights within or between zoning districts, or a portion thereof, designated in the zoning 28
ordinance shall be: 29
(1) For the purpose of providing developers and property owners the ability to establish, 30
certify, purchase, sell, convey, and/or hold land development rights; and 31
(2) For one or more of the following purposes: 32
(i) Preserving sensitive resource areas in the community such as groundwater reserves, 33
wildlife habitat, agricultural lands, and public access to surface waters; 34
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(ii) Directing development away from sensitive resource areas to places better suited to 1
increased levels of development and redevelopment such as established or proposed mixed use, 2
commercial, village, or residential centers; 3
(iii) Directing development to areas served by existing infrastructure such as established 4
roadways, public water supply systems, centralized sewer collection systems, public transit and 5
other utilities; or 6
(iv) Shaping and balancing urban and rural development, and/or promoting a high level of 7
quality in design in the development and redevelopment of private and public facilities and spaces. 8
45-24-46.4. Special provisions — Unified development review. 9
(a) A zoning ordinance may provide that review and approval of dimensional variances, 10
use variances, special dimensional permits, and/or special-use special permits for properties 11
undergoing review by the planning board or commission as land development or subdivision 12
projects pursuant to § 45-23-36, be conducted and decided by the planning board or commission. 13
This process is to be known as unified development review. 14
(b) If unified development review is desired, such review must be enabled within the 15
zoning ordinance, in accordance with this section, and the local subdivision and land-development 16
regulations must be brought into conformance, pursuant to § 45-23-50.1. 17
(c) A zoning ordinance that provides for unified development review shall: 18
(1) Specify which types of zoning approval the planning board or commission shall be 19
empowered to grant for which types of projects; and 20
(2) Provide that any person, group, agency, or corporation that files an application for an 21
included land development or subdivision project may also file requests for relief from the literal 22
requirements of a zoning ordinance on the subject property, pursuant to § 45-24-41, and/or for the 23
issuance of special-use special permits for the subject property, pursuant to § 45-24-42, by 24
including such within the application to the administrative officer of the planning board or 25
commission with the other required application materials, pursuant to § 45-23-50.1(b). 26
(d) A zoning ordinance that provides for unified development review may specify design, 27
use, public benefit, or other relevant criteria that must be met in order for an application to qualify 28
for review under the unified development review provisions of the zoning ordinance. Certification 29
as to whether an application meets the established criteria shall be conducted in conjunction with, 30
and following the time lines outlined for, certification of completeness of the application, pursuant 31
to §§ 45-23-38(c), 45-23-40(b), or 45-23-41(b). 32
(e) All land development and subdivision applications that include requests for variances 33
and/or special-use permits submitted pursuant to this section shall require a public hearing that 34
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meets the requirements of §§ 45-23-50.1(b) and 45-23-50.1(c). 1
(f) In granting requests for dimensional and use variances, the planning board or 2
commission shall be bound to the requirements of §§ 45-24-41(d) and 45-24-41(e) relative to 3
entering evidence into the record in satisfaction of the applicable standards. 4
(g) In reviewing requests for special-use special permits, the planning board or commission 5
shall be bound to the conditions and procedures under which a special-use special permit may be 6
issued and the criteria for the issuance of such permits, as found within the zoning ordinance 7
pursuant to §§ 45-24-42(b)(1), 45-24-42(b)(2) and 45-24-42(b)(3), and shall be required to provide 8
for the recording of findings of fact and written decisions as described in the zoning ordinance 9
pursuant to § 45-24-42(b)(5). 10
(h) An appeal from any decision made pursuant to this section may be taken pursuant to § 11
45-23-66. 12
45-24-47. Special provisions — Land development projects. 13
(a) A zoning ordinance may provide for land development projects which are projects in 14
which one or more lots, tracts, or parcels of land are to be developed or redeveloped as a coordinated 15
site for a complex of uses, units, or structures, including, but not limited to, planned development 16
and/or cluster development for residential, commercial, institutional, industrial, recreational, open 17
space, and/or mixed uses as may be provided for in the zoning ordinance. 18
(b) A zoning ordinance adopted pursuant to this chapter which permits or requires the 19
creation of land development projects in one or more zoning districts shall require that any land 20
development project is referred to the city or town planning board or commission for approval, in 21
accordance with the procedures established by chapter 23 of this title, including those for appeal 22
and judicial review, and with any ordinances or regulations adopted pursuant to the procedures, 23
whether or not the land development project constitutes a “subdivision”, as defined in chapter 23 24
of this title. No land development project shall be initiated until a plan of the project has been 25
submitted to the planning board or commission and approval has been granted by the planning 26
board or commission. In reviewing, hearing, and deciding upon a land development project, the 27
city or town planning board or commission may be empowered to allow zoning incentives within 28
the project; provided, that standards for the adjustments are described in the zoning ordinance, and 29
may be empowered to apply any special conditions and stipulations to the approval that may, in the 30
opinion of the planning board or commission, be required to maintain harmony with neighboring 31
uses and promote the objectives and purposes of the comprehensive plan and zoning ordinance. 32
(c) In regulating land development projects, an ordinance adopted pursuant to this chapter 33
may include, but is not limited to, regulations governing the following: 34
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(1) A minimum area or site size for a land development project; 1
(2) Uses to be permitted within the development; 2
(3) Ratios of residential to nonresidential uses where applicable; 3
(4) Maximum density per lot and maximum density for the entire development, with 4
provisions for adjustment of applicable lot density and dimensional standards where open space is 5
to be permanently set aside for public or common use, and/or where the physical characteristics, 6
location, or size of the site require an adjustment, and/or where the location, size, and type of 7
housing, commercial, industrial, or other use require an adjustment, and/or where housing for low 8
and moderate income families is to be provided, or where other amenities not ordinarily required 9
are provided, as stipulated in the zoning ordinance. Provision may be made for adjustment of 10
applicable lot density and dimensional standards for payment or donation of other land or facilities 11
in lieu of an on-site provision of an amenity that would, if provided on-site, enable an adjustment; 12
(5) Roads, driveways, utilities, parking, and other facilities; regulations may distinguish 13
between those facilities intended to remain in private ownership or to be dedicated to the public; 14
and 15
(6) Buffer areas, landscaping, screening, and shading. 16
(d)(1) A zoning ordinance requiring open land in a cluster development or other land 17
development project for public or common use, shall provide that such open land either: (i) be 18
conveyed to the city or town and accepted by it for park, open space, agricultural, or other specified 19
use or uses, or (ii) be conveyed to a nonprofit organization, the principal purpose of which is the 20
conservation of open space or resource protection, or (iii) be conveyed to a corporation or trust 21
owned or to be owned by the owners of lots or units within the development or redevelopment, or 22
owners of shares within a cooperative development or redevelopment. If such a corporation or trust 23
is used, ownership shall pass with conveyances of the lots or units, or (iv) remain in private 24
ownership if the use is limited to agriculture, habitat or forestry, and the city or town has set forth 25
in its community comprehensive plan and zoning ordinance that private ownership is necessary for 26
the preservation and management of the agricultural, habitat or forest resources. 27
(2) In any case where the land is not conveyed to the city or town: 28
(i) A restriction, in perpetuity, enforceable by the city or town or by any owner of property 29
in the cluster or other land development project in which the land is located shall be recorded 30
providing that the land is kept in the authorized condition(s) and not built upon or developed for 31
accessory uses such as parking or roadway; and 32
(ii) The developmental rights and other conservation easements on the land may be held, 33
in perpetuity, by a nonprofit organization, the principal purpose of which is the conservation of 34
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open space or resource protection. 1
(3) All open space land provided by a cluster development or other land development 2
project shall be subject to a community approved management plan that will specify the permitted 3
uses for the open space. 4
45-24-48. Special provisions — Preapplication conference. 5
A zoning ordinance may provide for a preapplication conference for specific types of 6
development and redevelopment proposals. A preapplication conference is intended to allow the 7
designated agency to: 8
(1) Acquaint the applicant with the comprehensive plan and any specific plans that apply 9
to the parcel, as well as the zoning and other ordinances that affect the proposed development or 10
redevelopment; 11
(2) Suggest improvements to the proposed design on the basis of a review of the sketch 12
plan; 13
(3) Advise the applicant to consult appropriate authorities on the character and placement 14
of public utility services; and 15
(4) Help the applicant to understand the steps to be taken to receive approval. 16
45-24-57. Administration — Powers and duties of zoning board of review. [Effective 17
January 1, 2023.] 18
A zoning ordinance adopted pursuant to this chapter shall provide that the zoning board of 19
review shall: 20
(1) Have the following powers and duties: 21
(i) To hear and decide appeals within sixty-five (65) days of the date of the filing of the 22
appeal where it is alleged there is an error in any order, requirement, decision, or determination 23
made by an administrative officer or agency in the enforcement or interpretation of this chapter, or 24
of any ordinance adopted pursuant hereto; 25
(ii) To hear and decide appeals from a party aggrieved by a decision of an historic district 26
commission, pursuant to §§ 45-24.1-7.1 and 45-24.1-7.2; 27
(iii) To hear and decide appeals where the zoning board of review is appointed as the board 28
of appeals for airport zoning regulations, pursuant to § 1-3-19; 29
(iv) To authorize, upon application, in specific cases of hardship, variances in the 30
application of the terms of the zoning ordinance, pursuant to § 45-24-41; 31
(v) To authorize, upon application, in specific cases, special-use special permits, pursuant 32
to § 45-24-42, where the zoning board of review is designated as a permit authority for special-use 33
special permits; 34
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(vi) To refer matters to the planning board or commission, or to other boards or agencies 1
of the city or town as the zoning board of review may deem appropriate, for findings and 2
recommendations; 3
(vii) To provide for the issuance of conditional zoning approvals where a proposed 4
application would otherwise be approved except that one or more state or federal agency approvals 5
that are necessary are pending. A conditional zoning approval shall be revoked in the instance 6
where any necessary state or federal agency approvals are not received within a specified time 7
period; and 8
(viii) To hear and decide other matters, according to the terms of the ordinance or other 9
statutes, and upon which the board may be authorized to pass under the ordinance or other statutes; 10
and 11
(2) Be required to vote as follows: 12
(i) Four (4) active members, which may include alternates, are necessary to conduct a 13
hearing. As soon as a conflict occurs for a member, that member shall recuse himself or herself, 14
shall not sit as an active member, and shall take no part in the conduct of the hearing. A maximum 15
of five (5) active members, which may include alternates, are entitled to vote on any issue; 16
(ii) The concurring vote of a majority of members of the zoning board of review sitting at 17
a hearing is necessary to reverse any order, requirement, decision, or determination of any zoning 18
administrative officer from whom an appeal was taken; and 19
(iii) The concurring vote of a majority of members of the zoning board of review sitting at 20
a hearing is required to decide in favor of an applicant on any matter within the discretion of the 21
board upon which it is required to pass under the ordinance, including variances and special special-22
use permits. 23
(3) All members, including alternate members, of any zoning board shall be required to 24
participate in continuing education courses promulgated pursuant to chapter 70 of this title entitled 25
“Continuing education for local planning and zoning boards and historic district commissions.” 26
45-24-58. Administration — Application procedure. 27
The zoning ordinance establishes the various application procedures necessary for the 28
filing of appeals, requests for variances, special-use special permits, development plan reviews, site 29
plan reviews, and other applications that may be specified in the zoning ordinance, with the zoning 30
board of review, consistent with the provisions of this chapter. The zoning ordinance provides for 31
the creation of appropriate forms, and for the submission and resubmission requirements, for each 32
type of application required. A zoning ordinance may establish that a time period of a certain 33
number of months is required to pass before a successive similar application may be filed. 34
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45-24-61. Administration — Decisions and records of zoning board of review. 1
(a) Following a public hearing, the zoning board of review shall render a decision within 2
fifteen (15) days. The zoning board of review shall include in its decision all findings of fact and 3
conditions, showing the vote of each participating member, and the absence of a member or his or 4
her failure to vote. Decisions shall be recorded and filed in the office of the city or town clerk within 5
thirty (30) days from the date when the decision was rendered, and is a public record. The zoning 6
board of review shall keep written minutes of its proceedings, showing the vote of each member 7
upon each question, or, if absent or failing to vote, indicating that fact, and shall keep records of its 8
examinations, findings of fact, and other official actions, all of which shall be recorded and filed in 9
the office of the zoning board of review in an expeditious manner upon completion of the 10
proceeding. For any proceeding in which the right of appeal lies to the superior or supreme court, 11
the zoning board of review shall have the minutes taken either by a competent stenographer or 12
recorded by a sound-recording device. 13
(b) Any decision by the zoning board of review, including any special conditions attached 14
to the decision, shall be mailed within one business day of recording, by any method that provides 15
confirmation of receipt to the applicant, to any objector who has filed a written request for notice 16
with the zoning enforcement officer, and to the zoning enforcement officer of the city or town. Any 17
decision evidencing the granting of a variance, modification, or special use special permit shall also 18
be recorded in the land evidence records of the city or town and mailed within one business day of 19
recording, by any method that provides confirmation of receipt, to the applicant, to any objector 20
who has filed a written request for notice with the zoning enforcement officer, and to the zoning 21
officer. A copy of the recorded decision shall be mailed within one business day of recording, by 22
any method that provides confirmation of receipt, to the applicant, and to any objector who has 23
filed a written request for notice with the zoning enforcement officer, as well as a copy to the zoning 24
enforcement officer. 25
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage. 26
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EXPLANATION
BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
OF
A N A C T
RELATING TO TOWNS AN D CITIES -- ZONING ORDINANCES -- PROMOTION OF
NEIGHBORHOOD CHARACT ER AND SMART GROWTH
***
This act would amend several sections of the Rhode Island Zoning Enabling Act of 1991 1
with the intent of preserving neighborhood character and promoting smart growth. 2
This act would take effect upon passage. 3
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