The bill amends Section 45-24-33 of the General Laws regarding zoning ordinances, introducing new requirements for municipalities to include provisions for residential development within commercial districts. Specifically, it mandates that zoning ordinances must address the following objectives:

1. Providing for residential development in all or some areas encompassing commercial districts, ensuring that residential uses are integrated with commercial uses in mixed-use or village developments.
2. Allowing residential units above commercial uses on the ground floor or first floor of structures.
3. Permitting medium to high-density residential development in commercial zones that allow residential use.
4. Establishing flexible and reasonable dimensional standards that promote and allow for mixed-use or village development.
5. Requiring municipalities with populations over 40,000 to provide for residential development in at least 30% of the area in commercial zoning use districts.

The act retains existing provisions related to zoning ordinances while adding these new requirements. It is set to take effect on January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
5800: 45-24-33
5800  SUB A: 45-24-33