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 the authority to review development and subdivision applications and conduct development plan reviews. The bill clarifies that minor subdivisions include those creating ten or more buildable lots on an existing improved public street and introduces provisions for oversized lot subdivisions.

The bill establishes that pre-application meetings may be held at the request of the applicant for all major land development or subdivision applications. It outlines the certification of completeness for applications, specifying that an application shall be deemed complete unless it lacks required information as specified in the local checklist.

Additionally, the bill revises definitions related to land development, including the criteria for major and minor subdivisions, and clarifies the requirements for public hearings and appeals. It introduces provisions for neighborhood character-based modifications and establishes a transit-oriented development pilot program that allows municipalities and developers to qualify for funding, provided certain criteria are met, including the inclusion of affordable housing.

The bill also mandates that all towns and cities allow manufactured homes that comply with specific standards and provides for zoning relief based on the failure to meet minimum lot size, frontage, width, or depth requirements. It includes provisions for the merger of contiguous unimproved or improved lots and outlines the process for modifications to zoning ordinances, particularly regarding affordable housing.

Overall, the bill aims to streamline the planning and zoning processes while promoting community involvement and affordable housing initiatives. It takes effect upon passage.

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