Rhode Island 2025 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H6178

Introduced

4/4/25

Refer

4/4/25

Caption

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

Impact

The legislation's impact is significant, as it seeks to streamline the permitting process for affordable housing construction. By mandating that applications in Tiverton not include accessory dwelling units and offering density bonuses based on the percentage of low- or moderate-income housing, the bill aims to encourage more developers to engage in the construction of affordable housing. This change in the permitting process is intended to make it easier for local governments and developers to work together on housing projects, potentially increasing the availability of affordable options for residents in Tiverton.

Summary

House Bill H6178 amends Rhode Island's laws relating to low and moderate income housing by specifically addressing the city of Tiverton. This bill allows applicants proposing low- or moderate-income housing development to submit a single comprehensive permit application rather than requiring separate applications for different local boards. The eligibility condition is that at least 25% of the housing constructed must qualify as low- or moderate-income housing. Within this framework, the legislation introduces various zoning incentives and subsidies aimed at reducing costs for developers who adhere to these regulations.

Contention

However, the bill has generated notable contention among community stakeholders. Proponents argue that it simplifies a convoluted application process and addresses the critical need for affordable housing in Tiverton. In contrast, critics have raised concerns that restricting the inclusion of accessory dwelling units could limit housing options and the flexibility needed to address local housing demands effectively. This debate underscores the tension between the need for increased housing development and the desire to maintain local control over land use and community aesthetics.

Latest H6178 Activity

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 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.

RI H6181

Permits the town of Tiverton to require additional testing, to be performed by the developer, to ensure that there is no dewatering or loss of effective recharge to surrounding wells within close proximity of the new well.

RI H6183

Allows the town of Tiverton, with an aggregate of five hundred (500) or more units proposed in a comprehensive permit project, to enact a short-term emergency moratorium until the permit laws are amended.

Similar Bills

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 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 S0503

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

RI H5689

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.

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

US HB152

Federal Disaster Assistance Coordination ActThis bill requires the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to streamline disaster information collection, convene a working group on preliminary damage assessments, and provide a report to Congress.FEMA must (1) conduct a study and develop a plan under which the collection of information from disaster assistance applicants and grantees will be made less burdensome, duplicative, and time consuming for applicants and grantees; and (2) develop a plan for the regular collection and reporting of information on federal disaster assistance awarded.Additionally, not later than two years after enactment of the bill, FEMA must convene a working group on a regular basis to (1) identify potential areas of duplication or fragmentation in preliminary damage assessments after disaster declarations; (2) determine the applicability of having one federal agency make the assessments for all agencies; and (3) identify potential emerging technologies, such as unmanned aircraft systems (i.e., drones), to expedite the administration of preliminary damage assessments.FEMA must submit a comprehensive report on the plans for streamlining and consolidating information collection and the findings and recommendations of the working group to Congress with a briefing. The report must be made available to the public and posted on FEMA's website.