Allows the operation of a home-based business, which meets criteria for home office IRS income tax deduction, without securing approval from the municipality with no storage of chemicals/park heavy equipment/not more than 10% of premises used for parking.
Impact
The bill's implementation will significantly affect the regulatory landscape for home-based businesses within Rhode Island. By easing the restrictions normally imposed by local zoning laws, H5692 enables residents to more freely engage in commercial activities without the lengthy and often costly approval processes typically required by municipalities. However, there are limitations in place, such as prohibitions against storing hazardous materials or parking heavy equipment on residential properties and a cap on parking space usage associated with the business.
Summary
House Bill H5692 seeks to amend the existing zoning ordinances in Rhode Island to allow individuals to operate home-based businesses without the need for municipal approvals, provided that certain criteria are met. Specifically, this legislation targets those whose businesses qualify for the home office tax deduction under the Internal Revenue Code. The intention behind H5692 is to reduce bureaucratic barriers for individuals looking to start or maintain a business from their residences, thereby supporting local entrepreneurship and economic activity.
Contention
While proponents of H5692 champion the bill as a means to stimulate small business growth and foster local economic development, there may be concerns among some local government advocates about the potential implications for zoning integrity and community planning. Critics fear that this lack of oversight could lead to neighborhood disturbances or alterations in the character of residential areas due to unregulated business operations. The tension between facilitating business growth and maintaining community standards could spark debates among constituents and local officials.
Establishes procedures to ensure agency regulations don't restrict individuals from businesses and professions, including home-based businesses, barbers, hairdressers and manicurists.
Creates a new motor vehicle registration for "forestry vehicles" also provides that forest product operations are permitted uses within all zoning districts of a municipality except where prohibited.
Exempts battery energy storage system equipment, solar thermal collectors for commercial applications and solar storage tanks that are part of a commercial solar hot water system from the state sales tax.
Allows retired public safety officers to seek secondary employment with the state or any municipality without any reduction or forfeiture of retirement benefits.
Allows retired public safety officers to seek secondary employment with the state or any municipality without any reduction or forfeiture of retirement benefits.
Allows municipalities without public transportation extending to urban service boundaries to reduce the low- or moderate-income housing requirements from 10% to 6%.
Exempts from taxation the real and tangible personal property of St. Elizabeth's Home, a Rhode Island domestic nonprofit corporation, located in East Greenwich, Warwick, and Providence, Rhode Island.
Exempts from taxation the real and tangible personal property of the Johnnycake Center Realty Corporation, a domestic nonprofit corporation, located in South Kingstown.