Rhode Island 2025 Regular Session

Rhode Island Senate Bill S0503

Introduced
2/26/25  

Caption

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

Impact

S0503 is expected to significantly amend Sections 45-53-3 and 45-53-4 of the General Laws regarding low- and moderate-income housing. The introduction of a structured application process for larger projects aims to streamline development while ensuring community considerations are prioritized. This could ultimately enhance the availability of affordable housing units in compliance with municipal and state regulations while balancing local needs.

Summary

Bill S0503, introduced in January 2025, addresses the challenges of developing low- and moderate-income housing in Rhode Island, particularly for projects exceeding sixty units. The bill mandates that an applicant proposing such a project must seek a pre-application conference with the local review board and demonstrate that the development aligns with local housing needs. This includes addressing comprehensive planning requirements and potentially leveraging municipal subsidies and zoning incentives to facilitate project approval.

Contention

Opponents of bill S0503 may argue about the implications of centralized control over housing development and potential pushback from local communities fearing a loss of decision-making power regarding local zoning laws. Supporters contend the bill is vital in meeting the growing demand for affordable housing and ensuring that developers can move forward with necessary projects while adhering to local guidelines. Discussions are likely to center on the definition of local needs and how effectively they can be measured and addressed through this new process.

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 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.

Similar Bills

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 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 H6178

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

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 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

VA HB2499

Comprehensive plan; subdivision ordinance, local approvals, report.