Rhode Island 2025 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H5958

Introduced
2/28/25  

Caption

Municipalities required to amend zoning ordinances, to include special listed provisions, to authorize development incentives to increase development density or dimensional flexibility, identify provisions to promote and regulate commercial developments.

Impact

The potential impact of H5958 on state laws includes redefining the relationship between state and local planning authorities. By encouraging municipalities to adopt mixed-use overlay districts, the bill promotes a regulatory environment that allows for greater integration of residential and commercial spaces. This could lead to more diverse housing options and stimulate economic development in urban areas, aligning land use with modern urban planning goals.

Summary

House Bill H5958 seeks to amend existing zoning ordinances within municipalities of Rhode Island to incorporate specific provisions that encourage increased development density and dimensional flexibility. This legislation is aimed at facilitating commercial development while maintaining compliance with robust zoning standards. The bill mandates that local zoning ordinances must include special provisions that authorize development incentives, such as allowing for additional uses, increased density, or design flexibility in exchange for improvements in open space, traffic, or amenities as per local comprehensive plans.

Contention

Despite its intended benefits, the bill may also spark contention among various stakeholders. Proponents argue that it will streamline the development process and facilitate economic growth, especially in urban areas where traditional zoning has created silos of land use. Critics, however, may voice concerns over the potential diminishing of local control and autonomy in zoning decisions, fearing that state mandates could override localized needs and priorities. It remains to be seen how municipalities will navigate these new requirements and whether they will adopt the incentives outlined in the bill.

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.

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