The bill seeks to amend the General Laws concerning local planning boards or commissions and zoning boards of review by introducing the option for cities and towns to establish a combined review board. This combined board would have the authority and duties of both planning and zoning boards as outlined in the relevant chapters of the General Laws. It mandates that all cities and towns must have a planning board or commission, with membership consisting of no less than five members and up to two alternates, appointed for staggered terms. The bill also revises the zoning board of review structure, allowing for the appointment of at least two or up to four alternates, and specifies procedures for filling vacancies, member removal, and quorum requirements, which include alternates. Specific provisions related to the towns of Hopkinton, Exeter, Richmond, Barrington, Johnston, and Jamestown are removed, aiming for a standardized approach across all cities and towns.

Additionally, the bill proposes the deletion of legal language that defines the structure and terms of zoning boards of review for the towns of Little Compton, Charlestown, Scituate, Middletown, and Barrington, as well as the city of Cranston. This suggests a move towards standardization or local discretion in determining the composition and rules of these boards. The bill does not include any insertions, focusing on the removal of current legal language. It also eliminates specific provisions for the zoning board of review for the towns of Barrington and South Kingstown, replacing them with the new concept of a "combined review board" with at least five members and up to four alternates. The combined board would assume all responsibilities of separate planning and zoning boards, with a quorum requirement of at least four members and voting conditions based on attendance at all relevant hearings. The bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
7979: 45-24-56