Rhode Island 2025 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H5689

Introduced
2/26/25  

Caption

Defines multi-family housing project as over 60 units in municipality with less than 35k residents, also provides for pre-approval conference with local board for review of plan.

Impact

The implications of HB 5689 are far-reaching, especially concerning local government authority over zoning laws and development applications. By stipulating the need for majority approval from the local review board for these substantial projects, the bill preserves local interests while still promoting the development of affordable housing. This balance of power is crucial to ensuring that community concerns are adequately addressed while moving forward with necessary housing developments. The adjustments also mean that municipalities may have to revise existing ordinances to align with the provisions set forth by the bill, which could result in increased responsibilities for local governance in housing regulation.

Summary

House Bill 5689 aims to redefine and streamline the approval process for substantial multi-family housing projects in municipalities with populations under 35,000 residents. Specifically, the bill identifies a 'substantial multi-family housing project' as any proposal for low- or moderate-income housing that encompasses over 60 units. This legislative effort underscores a significant attempt to address the growing demand for affordable housing amidst rising rental prices in smaller communities. By necessitating a pre-approval conference with the local review board, the bill aims to facilitate collaborative discussions early on in the planning process, potentially alleviating later conflicts.

Contention

Notably, HB 5689 introduces potential points of contention among stakeholders, particularly regarding the balance between local zoning authority and state mandates for affordable housing. While proponents of the bill argue that it addresses a pressing need for more affordable housing options, critics might view it as an encroachment on local government autonomy, potentially leading to conflicts regarding land use decisions and community character. Concerns over how these developments might impact local infrastructure and public services are also anticipated as central discussions in the legislative process.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H6179

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

RI H6180

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

RI H6184

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

RI H5692

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

RI H5022

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

RI H6182

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

RI H6215

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

RI H5371

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

Similar Bills

RI S0503

Create a process to establish a low- or moderate-income housing that exceeds sixty (60) units.

RI H5801

Amends several definitions relating to low- or moderate-income housing as well as the procedure for the approval of low- or moderate-income housing.

RI H6178

Prohibits applications filed in the town of Tiverton, for comprehensive permit projects, for low and moderate income housing, to include accessory dwelling units.

RI H6177

Provides that comprehensive permit projects in Tiverton, involving property not connected to either public water or sewer or both, and for which the property is considered hydric said land be excluded from the building land calculation.

RI H5690

This act would repeal the chapter entitled "Low and Moderate Income Housing".

RI H5794

Provides technical amendments to the chapters on subdivision of land and zoning ordinances for towns and cities.

NM SB14

Health Care Consolidation & Transparency Act

VA HB2499

Comprehensive plan; subdivision ordinance, local approvals, report.