Rhode Island 2024 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H7951

Introduced

3/5/24

Refer

3/5/24

Report Pass

4/30/24

Engrossed

5/7/24

Refer

5/13/24

Report Pass

6/11/24

Engrossed

6/14/24

Passed

6/25/24

Caption

Provides amendments relative to the compliance and implementation of the comprehensive planning and use act including the conditions upon which limitations may be placed on land use applications by municipalities.

Impact

A significant aspect of this bill is its provision allowing municipalities to impose limitations on the number of building permits or land use approvals issued based on sustainable growth assessments. This is intended to enable local governments to manage development in accordance with their specific needs and capacities. The bill also introduces the possibility of temporary moratoriums on certain land use applications, aimed at providing protection for future land use decisions while municipalities work to align their zoning ordinances with their comprehensive plans.

Summary

House Bill 7951, introduced in the Rhode Island General Assembly, seeks to amend the Rhode Island Comprehensive Planning and Land Use Act. The bill outlines the responsibilities of municipalities regarding the administration and enforcement of land use plans. Specifically, it mandates that municipal decisions about land use must align with locally adopted comprehensive plans. This alignment is crucial for maintaining consistency in how land use applications are handled across different jurisdictions within the state. The act emphasizes the need for municipalities to regularly update their comprehensive plans, establishing a twelve-year maximum for plan updates.

Contention

However, the bill has faced contention regarding the restrictions it places on land use applications. Critics may view the limitations as potentially hampering growth and development by enforcing stringent requirements before building permits can be issued. Additionally, there are concerns about the subjective nature of what constitutes 'reasonable' limitations or assessments of sustainable capacity, which could lead to inconsistent applications across different municipalities and could be contentious during local debates.