The bill proposes amendments to sections 45-24-33 and 45-24-37 of the General Laws in Chapter 45-24, which govern zoning ordinances. The amendments introduce new zoning provisions and standards aimed at addressing various aspects such as land and structure development, environmental quality, conservation of energy, protection of water supplies, and public health and safety, among others. Notable insertions include the requirement for special provisions for development incentives in exchange for community benefits, the establishment of mixed residential-commercial use zoning districts, and the allowance of by-right duplexes and multifamily development. The bill also introduces the concept of a transfer of development rights and regulations for development adjacent to areas of special public investment or valuable natural resources as optional provisions. Additionally, it mandates that municipalities provide copies of zoning ordinance amendments to state officials and commissions within ten days of passage and clarifies the inclusion of land slope in the calculation of buildable lot area or minimum lot size.

Furthermore, the bill adds "Residential uses" to the list of permitted uses in residential, industrial, and commercial zoning use districts, with the exception of areas prohibited for health or safety reasons. Municipalities are required to establish a "residential exclusion health and safety overlay zone" by May 15, 2025, and report any related amendments to state officials and commissions. The bill also allows for the temporary use of mobile and manufactured homes on land when a residential structure is uninhabitable due to a casualty. It promotes the adaptive reuse of commercial buildings for residential or mixed-use developments, with certain restrictions and exemptions from off-street parking requirements. Municipalities must annually report on the number of dwelling units produced under these provisions. The act will take effect on October 1, 2024.

Statutes affected:
7981  SUB A: 45-24-37
7981: 45-24-37