The bill amends Section 45-24-73 of the General Laws regarding zoning ordinances to establish design standards for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and ensure consistent statewide treatment. It allows municipalities, starting July 1, 2025, to implement regulations concerning ADUs, including the following provisions:

1. Requiring that primary residences with ADUs be owner-occupied.
2. Allowing ADUs to be occupied only by family members and caretakers.
3. Limiting the size of ADUs to eight hundred square feet (800 sq. ft.) without the ability to seek a variance for a larger size unit.

These provisions are enabling and not mandatory, giving municipalities the discretion to decide whether to adopt them. The act aims to facilitate the development of ADUs while allowing for certain local control over their regulation.

Statutes affected:
505: 45-24-73