The bill amends sections of the General Laws related to zoning ordinances, introducing new definitions and clarifying existing ones to ensure consistency across local ordinances. It replaces the term "parcel" with "lot" in the definition of an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) and changes "primary" to "principal" to describe the main use of a dwelling unit on the same lot as an ADU. The bill provides a comprehensive list of definitions for zoning-related terms, such as "abutter," "accessory use," "aggrieved party," "agricultural land," "airport hazard area," and many others, including how building height is measured and what constitutes "development" and "development plan review."

Furthermore, the bill defines additional zoning terms like "Floating zone," "Floodplains," "Freeboard," "Groundwater," and "Household," setting criteria for what constitutes a household and the minimum number of unrelated persons that can live together. It also explains terms such as "Incentive zoning," "Infrastructure," "Land-development project," "Lot," and "Modification," allowing for a dimensional variance from zoning ordinances up to a maximum of 25%. The bill does not indicate specific insertions or deletions in the provided text. It also allows for temporary placement of mobile and manufactured homes on land when a residential structure is uninhabitable due to casualties, ensures access for people with disabilities to residential structures, and streamlines the approval process for ADUs by eliminating the need for public hearings and various permits. Plant agriculture is declared a permitted use within all zoning districts, subject to certain conditions. The bill would take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
1036: 45-24-74