The bill proposes amendments to the General Laws in Chapter 45-24, which pertains to zoning ordinances. It introduces new definitions and clarifies existing ones to ensure consistency across local ordinances. Notably, the definition of "Accessory dwelling unit (ADU)" is updated, changing "parcel" to "lot" and "primary" to "principal," and specifying that an ADU is a residential unit on the same lot as a legally established dwelling. The bill also adds definitions for terms such as "Floating zone," "Floodplains," "Freeboard," and various lot-related terms, among others. It specifies criteria for what constitutes a household and sets a minimum number of unrelated persons that can live together. The bill includes provisions for the measurement of building height and introduces concepts like "Overlay district," "Performance standards," and "Permitted use," without indicating specific insertions or deletions.

The bill also revises the treatment of ADUs, removing the requirement that they be in an owner-occupied residence and comply with certain conditions. Instead, ADUs that meet the requirements are a permitted use in all residential zoning districts and can be approved through an administrative building permit process. The bill ensures consistent statewide treatment of ADUs, mandates design standards, and allows one ADU by right on an owner-occupied property or on lots of a certain size. It also permits plant agriculture in all zoning districts, subject to public health or safety considerations. Additionally, the bill outlines what municipalities cannot do in relation to ADUs, such as imposing excessive fees, requiring unnecessary infrastructure improvements, or discriminating against protected populations. It allows for exemptions from utility fees for ADUs and repeals a section of law related to zoning provisions for ADUs. The bill takes effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
6082  SUB A as amended: 45-24-74
6082  SUB A: 45-24-74
6082: 45-24-74