The bill amends Section 45-22.2-13 of the Rhode Island Comprehensive Planning and Land Use Act, with changes effective March 1, 2024. It clarifies the responsibilities of municipalities in administering and enforcing their comprehensive plans and ensures that all municipal land use decisions conform to these plans. The bill requires municipalities to amend their zoning ordinances and maps to align with their comprehensive plans and maintain the zoning in effect at the time of plan adoption until amendments are made. It also addresses the construction and application of zoning ordinances and maps, stating that they should be interpreted to support the implementation of the comprehensive plan.

Significant changes include the insertion of language that allows municipalities to impose reasonable limitations on land use applications, reviews, and approvals, but only under specific conditions. These limitations must be consistent with the municipality's capacity for growth and vital to protecting public health and welfare, especially when it comes to residential building permits. The bill also sets conditions for the imposition of moratoriums, including a one-time moratorium following the adoption of a local comprehensive plan, with specific requirements for notification, duration, and purpose. Additionally, the bill stipulates that if a municipality fails to amend its zoning ordinance and map within the scheduled time or by the expiration of a moratorium, it must adjust its implementation schedule or amend the future land use map, with potential denial or rescission of state approval for non-compliance. The act takes effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
2988  SUB A: 45-22.2-13
2988: 45-22.2-13