Rhode Island 2025 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H6185

Introduced
4/4/25  

Caption

Sets timelines for Tiverton's new construction, including one year for final approval, two (2) years for building permits, and temporary inclusion of units in the town's count until completion or three (3) years, whichever comes first.

Impact

This legislation aims to streamline the development process in Tiverton by setting clear and enforceable timelines for construction approvals. By defining the intervals for preliminary and final approvals, along with permitting, the bill is designed to facilitate quicker housing developments in response to local needs. The interim addition of approved units to the town's housing inventory aims to bolster community planning and compliance with housing goals. This aspect is particularly critical as Tiverton seeks to address ongoing housing shortages.

Summary

House Bill H6185, known as the Tiverton's New Construction Projects Act, establishes new timelines for the approval and permitting process related to construction projects within the town of Tiverton. The bill mandates that once preliminary approval is granted for a development project, the time until final approval cannot exceed one year. Additionally, the time from final approval to the issuance of a building permit is limited to two years. If a building permit is not requested within this timeframe, the application will be voided, requiring a new submission to commence the process again.

Contention

Some points of contention may arise around the implications of the bill for local governance and autonomy in development decisions. While proponents argue that these standardized timelines will enhance efficiency and growth within Tiverton, critics may raise concerns about the potential drawbacks of unchecked development and the challenges of local oversight. Additionally, there may be debates regarding the adequacy and implications of including temporary units into the town's housing count, which could affect future planning and zoning regulations within Tiverton.

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 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 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 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 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 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 S0201

Validates and ratifies the amendments to the Tiverton Home Rule Charter which were approved by the electors of the town of Tiverton on November 5, 2024.

RI H6111

Validates and ratifies the amendments to the Tiverton Home Rule Charter which were approved by the electors of the town of Tiverton on November 5, 2024.

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 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.

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 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 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 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.