Rhode Island 2025 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H5800

Introduced
2/27/25  
Refer
2/27/25  
Report Pass
3/20/25  

Caption

Adds "providing for residential development in all or some of the areas encompassing commercial districts" as a purpose a zoning ordinance must address.

Impact

If passed, H5800 will significantly influence local zoning practices, requiring municipalities to reevaluate their existing zoning ordinances. To comply with the new regulations, local governments will need to incorporate criteria that facilitate residential construction in areas traditionally designated for commercial use. This change is intended to foster communities that combine living and working spaces, ideally enhancing walkability and reducing the need for long commutes, leading to more sustainable urban environments.

Summary

House Bill H5800 seeks to amend Rhode Island's zoning ordinances by necessitating that all zoning regulations include provisions for residential development specifically within commercial districts. This bill, introduced by Representative Robert E. Craven, is poised to enhance the integration of residential and commercial spaces, promoting a more mixed-use development approach across municipalities. By mandating the inclusion of residential development as a zoning requirement, the bill seeks to respond to contemporary urban challenges and housing shortages, especially amidst growing population demands in urban areas.

Contention

Opponents of the bill may argue that mandating residential development in commercial zones could lead to conflicts regarding land use, potentially disrupting established commercial operations. There is concern that such changes could overburden infrastructure and local services that were not originally designed to accommodate increased residential populations. Proponents, on the other hand, may claim that the benefits of increased housing options in urban centers outweigh these concerns, fostering economic growth and revitalizing stagnant commercial areas.

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 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 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 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

No similar bills found.