The bill amends Section 45-24-54 of the General Laws concerning the administration and enforcement of zoning ordinances. It requires that a zoning ordinance must provide for the administration and enforcement by designating a local official or agency responsible for these functions. The bill outlines the minimum qualifications and duties of the designated official or agency, which include issuing permits, collecting fines for violations, maintaining compliance records, inspecting for violations, and performing any other duties assigned in the ordinance.

A significant change in the bill is the modification of the timeframe for issuing a zoning certificate, which is now required to be issued within twenty (20) days of a written request, an increase from the previous fifteen (15) days. Additionally, the bill establishes the right for the requesting party to appeal the determination made in the zoning certificate.

The bill also removes previous language that required the zoning enforcement officer or agency to provide guidance or clarification upon request, instead mandating the issuance of a zoning certificate within the specified timeframe. The act is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
5795: 45-24-54
5795  SUB A: 45-24-54