The bill amends Section 45-23-44 of the General Laws in Chapter 45-23, which governs land subdivision, by introducing new provisions that establish clear physical design requirements for subdivisions and land-development projects. It mandates that local regulations specify objective standards, including updated physical design requirements concerning minimum lot size, lot width, lot frontage, lot depth, setbacks, and street access. A new subsection (g) is added, requiring local regulations to align with Section 45-24-78 regarding attached single-family dwellings, indicating that individual lots in such developments do not need permanent access to a public street, provided the overall development does.

Furthermore, the bill amends Sections 45-24-31 and 45-24-37 in Chapter 45-24, which pertains to zoning ordinances, by adding definitions relevant to zoning, including "attached single-family dwelling." This definition clarifies that these dwellings consist of multiple units within a residential structure, each on separate lots. The legislation requires cities and towns to permit attached single-family dwellings in all residential zoning districts and allows each dwelling to have its own parcel through subdivision, irrespective of base zone standards concerning minimum lot size, lot width, lot frontage, or lot depth. It also mandates that local zoning ordinances be updated to align with model ordinance language from the Department of Housing within six months. The bill ensures that developments meet specific conditions, such as access to public sewer and water services, while maintaining flexibility in residential density and additional development standards.

Statutes affected:
504: 45-23-44