Housing (Zoning)

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 23, 2026

SB 3303: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- ZONING ORDINANCES

This bill updates state zoning laws to give towns and cities clearer rules on how they can regulate parking and allow different types of housing. It specifically requires municipalities to integrate residential areas with commercial zones, allowing for mixed-use developments where people can live above shops. The legislation also permits the construction of attached single-family homes, such as townhouses, provided they have access to water and sewer services. Additionally, the bill mandates that larger cities with over 40,000 residents must allow residential development in at least 30% of their commercial districts. These changes aim to promote more flexible land use planning while maintaining safety and environmental standards.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill expands housing options by allowing mixed-use developments and attached single-family homes, directly increasing housing supply.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Land Use Property Development Zoning

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 15, 2026

HB 8387: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- ZONING ORDINANCES

Requires all municipal zoning ordinances be amended to provide that any lot with access to public water/sewer services, not establish or enforce a minimum lot area that exceeds 5,000 sq.ft. for a residential building with between one and 4 dwelling units.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill limits minimum lot sizes to increase housing density and affordability.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Land Use Zoning

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died · Rhode Island · House May 26, 2026

HB 8468: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- RHODE ISLAND HOUSING RESOURCES ACT OF 1998

Allows the town of Coventry to receive a one-half (1/2) credit for affordable housing units for manufactured homes in age restricted communities in conformance with all zoning laws and/or ordinances of the town.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill provides a zoning credit for affordable manufactured home units in age-restricted communities, directly advancing affordable housing availability.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Zoning

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died · Rhode Island · House Apr 15, 2026

HB 8249: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- LOW AND MODERATE INCOME HOUSING

This bill amends Rhode Island's low and moderate income housing laws to clarify definitions and streamline the approval process for developers building affordable housing. It establishes new categories for counting affordable units, including rental properties with federal vouchers and certain mobile homes, while also defining what constitutes municipal subsidies like tax abatements and zoning incentives. The legislation allows developers to submit a single application for comprehensive permits when at least 25% of a project is affordable housing, provided the city or town does not already have high levels of affordable housing with inclusionary zoning. These changes aim to make it clearer how different types of housing contribute to local affordable housing goals and simplify the permitting process for qualifying projects.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill streamlines affordable housing approval processes, clarifies definitions, and establishes new categories for counting affordable units, directly advancing housing development.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Housing Finance Zoning

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died · Rhode Island · House Apr 15, 2026

HB 8281: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- ZONING ORDINANCES

This bill amends Rhode Island's zoning laws to allow the town of Smithfield to set its own density bonuses for affordable housing projects based on its specific zoning requirements. The legislation establishes statewide inclusionary zoning standards requiring at least 15% of new development units to remain affordable for 30 years, while permitting municipalities to offer density bonuses like additional market-rate units or reduced lot sizes in exchange for providing affordable housing. Developers can choose to build affordable units on-site, use alternative methods like off-site construction or land donations, or pay a fee-in-lieu that funds affordable housing projects elsewhere in the municipality. The bill also specifies that fee-in-lieu payments must be used exclusively for affordable housing serving families earning 80% or less of the area median income and outlines how municipalities must manage and allocate these funds.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill mandates 15% affordable housing in new developments and allows density bonuses to encourage affordable housing projects.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Property Development Zoning

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in committee · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 5, 2026

SB 3033: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- ZONING ORDINANCES

SB 3033 amends Rhode Island's zoning laws to establish inclusionary zoning requirements for developments in municipalities, mandating that at least 15% of units in qualifying projects be affordable housing for at least 30 years. The bill allows developers to meet these requirements through on-site construction, off-site development, land donations, or fee payments, with density bonuses that permit additional market-rate units for each affordable unit provided. While the legislation sets statewide standards for affordable housing inclusion, it specifically grants the town of North Providence the authority to determine its own density bonus calculations based on local zoning conditions.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill mandates 15% affordable housing units in developments, directly advancing affordable housing access and inclusionary zoning.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Property Development Zoning

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died · Rhode Island · Senate May 12, 2026

SB 2894: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- RHODE ISLAND HOUSING RESOURCES ACT OF 1998

Allows the town of Tiverton to receive a one-half (1/2) credit for affordable housing units for manufactured homes in age restricted communities in conformance with all zoning laws and/or ordinances of the town.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill provides credit for affordable housing units in manufactured home communities, supporting affordable housing development and expansion.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Zoning

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in committee · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 4, 2026

SB 2898: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- RHODE ISLAND HOUSING RESOURCES ACT OF 1998

Allows the town of North Providence to receive a one-half (1/2) credit for affordable housing units for manufactured homes in age restricted communities in conformance with all zoning laws and/or ordinances of the town.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill provides housing unit credit for affordable manufactured homes in age-restricted communities, supporting affordable housing development.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Zoning

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passed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 9, 2026

SB 2895: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- ZONING ORDINANCES

This bill amends Rhode Island zoning laws to allow the town of Smithfield to set its own density bonuses for developments that include affordable housing. The legislation establishes requirements for inclusionary zoning, mandating that at least 15% of units in qualifying developments remain affordable for 30 years, while also permitting municipalities to offer incentives like additional market-rate units or reduced lot sizes to encourage affordable housing. Developers can choose to build affordable units on-site, off-site, through land donations, or by paying a fee, though those opting for fees or off-site construction cannot receive density bonuses. The bill also sets minimum standards for affordable housing fees and outlines how municipalities must manage and allocate these funds for future affordable housing projects.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill mandates 15% affordable housing units in developments and allows density bonuses to encourage affordable housing construction.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Zoning

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in committee · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 4, 2026

SB 2917: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- RHODE ISLAND HOUSING RESOURCES ACT OF 1998

Allows the town of Smithfield to receive a one-half (1/2) credit for affordable housing units for manufactured homes in age restricted communities in conformance with all zoning laws and/or ordinances of the town.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill provides credit for affordable housing units in manufactured home communities, supporting affordable housing development and expansion.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Zoning

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