Rhode Island 2025 Regular Session

Rhode Island Senate Bill S0502

Introduced
2/26/25  

Caption

Specifies that low and moderate income housing exists when a city or town has adopted an inclusionary zoning ordinance requiring that all housing developments include at least fifty percent (50%) low or moderate income housing units.

Impact

If enacted, S0502 will have a significant impact on local zoning laws and housing policies. By enforcing inclusionary zoning requirements, municipalities will be required to ensure that a substantial portion of new housing developments consists of affordable units. This could potentially lead to an increase in the supply of affordable housing, helping to alleviate housing shortages for low and moderate income families. Additionally, the bill might encourage more cohesive community planning, ensuring that affordable options are integrated into new developments rather than segregated or excluded altogether.

Summary

Bill S0502 seeks to amend existing statutes concerning low and moderate income housing in Rhode Island. It specifies that low or moderate income housing is defined as existing only when a city or town has adopted an inclusionary zoning ordinance that mandates all housing developments to include a minimum of fifty percent (50%) low or moderate income housing units. This legislative change is aimed at addressing the urgent need for affordable housing in municipalities across the state, facilitating increased availability and accessibility for lower-income families and individuals in the housing market.

Contention

Notably, the bill's discussion is expected to bring forth points of contention regarding local control and the feasibility of such requirements on developers. Advocates for the bill argue that it addresses the significant housing crisis, while opponents may raise concerns about potential challenges for developers who may find it financially difficult to comply with such stringent requirements. The requirement for significant low-income unit percentage could lead to resistance from developers and municipalities that are wary of the financial implications for future projects.

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 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 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 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

No similar bills found.