The bill amends various sections of the General Laws to provide technical amendments to the chapters on subdivision of land and zoning ordinances for towns and cities. It enhances the powers and duties of local planning boards or commissions, including their responsibilities in preparing, adopting, and amending comprehensive plans. The bill specifies that when directed by the city or town zoning ordinance, planning boards must review development and subdivision applications or development plan reviews.

The bill introduces new definitions, including those for minor and major subdivisions, and establishes criteria for minor subdivisions, including oversized lot subdivisions. It allows for administrative review of minor subdivisions and modifies the requirements for pre-application meetings, stating that they may be held at the request of the applicant.

Additionally, the bill revises the certification process for completeness of applications, clarifying that an application shall be deemed complete unless it lacks required items specified in the local checklist. It also modifies the expiration period for project approvals from one year to two years, with the right to extend.

The bill streamlines the appeals process for decisions made by planning boards, clarifying that the board of appeal will hear appeals of administrative decisions. It specifies that local regulations must require positive findings on access to public streets for land developments and subdivision lots.

Furthermore, the bill includes provisions for zoning relief for substandard lots of record, allowing for modifications to dimensional requirements under certain conditions. It establishes a transit-oriented development pilot program to encourage high-density residential development near transit hubs and includes provisions for inclusionary zoning.

Overall, the legislation aims to improve the efficiency of the planning and zoning processes while promoting community involvement and addressing housing needs.

Statutes affected:
5794: 45-22-7
5794  SUB A: 45-22-7, 45-22.2-8
5794  SUB A as amended: 45-22-7, 45-22.2-8
5794  SUB B: 45-22-7, 45-22.2-8
5794  SUB B as amended: 45-22-7, 45-22.2-8