The bill introduces amendments to Section 45-22.2-8 of the Rhode Island Comprehensive Planning and Land Use Act, which includes changes to the responsibilities of local planning boards, the process for adopting or amending comprehensive plans, and the requirements for public hearings and notices. Notably, the bill requires public hearing notices to be posted in the town or city clerk's office, another municipal building, and on the municipality's website at least 14 days prior to the hearing. It also changes the publication of notice from a newspaper of general circulation to one of local circulation and modifies the method of notifying owners within the notice area from certified mail with return receipt to first-class mail. The bill further specifies that the cost of newspaper and mailing notices is to be borne by the applicant.

Additionally, the bill outlines the procedures for public hearings and standards for granting variances in zoning ordinances, ensuring that hardships are unique to the property and not due to the applicant's actions or desires for financial gain. It also mandates that municipalities must establish and maintain a public notice registry for electronic notice of any changes to the zoning ordinance, and encourages the use of various communication methods to inform the public about the registry. The bill clarifies that defects in the form of notice do not invalidate an ordinance unless found to be intentional or misleading, and it allows city or town councils to limit zoning ordinance amendments to certain permitted uses with conditions and restrictions. These changes aim to improve public awareness and participation in zoning ordinance processes and would take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
6086  SUB A: 45-22.2-8
6086: 45-22.2-8