The bill amends Section 45-23-44 of the General Laws in Chapter 45-23, which governs land subdivision, by introducing new physical design requirements for subdivisions and land-development projects. It mandates that local regulations must include objective standards, including updated design requirements for minimum lot size, lot width, lot frontage, lot depth, setbacks, and street access, specifically concerning attached single-family dwellings as outlined in Section 45-24-78. A new subsection (g) is added, requiring local regulations to align with Section 45-24-78 regarding attached single-family dwellings. Importantly, individual lots in developments of attached single-family dwellings are not required to provide permanent access to a public street, provided that the overall development ensures adequate access to a public street consistent with local regulations.

Additionally, the bill amends Sections 45-24-31 and 45-24-37 in Chapter 45-24, which pertains to zoning ordinances, by adding definitions for terms relevant to zoning, including "attached single-family dwelling." The legislation requires cities and towns to allow attached single-family dwellings in all residential zoning districts, granting each dwelling its own parcel through subdivision, irrespective of existing base zone standards concerning minimum lot size, lot width, lot frontage, or lot depth. Local zoning ordinances must be updated to conform to these requirements within six months of the Department of Housing publishing model ordinance language. If municipalities fail to comply, attached single-family dwellings will still be permitted in residential zoning districts according to the terms of the model ordinance language. The bill aims to facilitate the development of attached single-family dwellings while providing municipalities with the flexibility to establish additional development standards.

Statutes affected:
504: 45-23-44