The bill amends Chapter 45-23 of the General Laws, titled "Subdivision of Land," to update definitions and procedures for land development and subdivision in Rhode Island, with changes effective January 1, 2024. It introduces new definitions such as "administrative officer," "board of appeal," and "buildable lot," among others, and specifies categories of developments that can undergo development plan review. The bill distinguishes between minor and major land development projects, outlining specific thresholds and review processes for each, and removes the category of development in a historic district from the development plan review section. It also revises the definition of "final plan" and updates references to relevant sections. No deletions from current law are indicated in the bill.

The bill details the review process for minor land development and subdivision, including the roles of the planning board, technical review committee, and administrative officer. It specifies the review stages for minor plan reviews and the authority of the administrative officer to grant waivers of design standards. The bill also addresses submission requirements, certification of applications, decisions on preliminary plans, and the consequences of inaction within prescribed periods. It allows for re-assignment to major review, details the process for final plan review, and outlines procedures for modifications and changes to plans. Appeals of decisions and expiration of approvals are covered, with a new section on major land development and major subdivision review stages set to be effective January 1, 2024. The bill makes several insertions, such as specifying the planning board's role in the event of failure to act on the final plan, and deletes certain phrases to streamline the approval process.