The bill amends Section 45-24-73 of the General Laws regarding zoning ordinances to establish design standards for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) while ensuring consistent statewide treatment. It allows municipalities, starting July 1, 2025, to impose certain regulations on ADUs, including:

1. Requiring that primary residences with ADUs shall be owner-occupied;
2. Allowing ADUs to be occupied only by family members and caretakers; and
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, meaning municipalities can choose whether or not to implement them. The act aims to provide flexibility for local governance while maintaining a consistent approach across the state regarding the treatment of ADUs.

Statutes affected:
505: 45-24-73