The bill proposes comprehensive amendments to Chapter 45-23, "Subdivision of Land," within the General Laws, with an effective date of January 1, 2024. It revises the applicability of local regulations to all applications under this chapter and maintains the requirement for a new plat for all subdivisions, which must be approved by the planning board. Definitions are updated to align with the Rhode Island Comprehensive Planning and Land Use Regulation Act and the Rhode Island Zoning Enabling Act of 1991, with the bill expanding the role of the administrative officer in reviewing applications. The bill introduces a new definition for "development plan review" and removes the definition of "administrative subdivision." It also distinguishes between "Minor land development project" and "Major land development project," with specific criteria for each, and allows communities to increase thresholds for minor projects.

Significant deletions include the removal of definitions for "Major land development plan," "Major subdivision," "Minor land development plan," and "Minor subdivision." The bill clarifies the role of the "Permitting authority" and introduces the concept of a "Public hearing," which is not required for all applications. It modifies the role of the technical review committee, establishes new provisions for application certification, and outlines the planning board's authority in the review process. The bill changes the final plan review process, extends the expiration of approvals, and updates the stages of review for major projects. It also specifies submission requirements for master plans, establishes a process for certification and public hearing, and mandates that the planning board must make a decision within 90 days of certification of completeness, with failure to act resulting in automatic approval of the master plan.