The bill amends sections 45-53-3 and 45-53-4 of the General Laws concerning "Low and Moderate Income Housing," introducing new definitions and requirements for substantial multi-family housing projects. A "substantial multi-family housing project" is defined as any application proposing to build low- or moderate-income housing that exceeds sixty (60) units, inclusive of any density bonus allowance, in municipalities with populations under 35,000 residents according to the United States Census Bureau.

The bill requires that applicants proposing substantial multi-family housing projects submit separate applications to the applicable boards, which must hear testimony and make findings that the project is consistent with local needs. It mandates that for any application for a substantial multi-family housing project, the municipality shall require the applicant to seek a pre-approval conference with the local review board, the technical review committee, or the administrative officer for the local review board as appropriate. The applicant must submit a written description of the project, including the number of units, type of housing, density analysis, preliminary list of adjustments needed, location map, and conceptual site plan. The municipality is required to schedule and hold the pre-application conference within thirty (30) days of the request.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that the local review board shall require documentation that the project is consistent with local needs, including impacts on the public school system, public transportation, and public infrastructure. All applications for substantial multi-family housing projects must return for final plan review and approval, and decisions on these applications must be made by a majority vote of the entire board.

The bill takes effect upon passage.