The bill amends Sections 45-24-33 and 45-24-37 of the General Laws in Chapter 45-24, which governs zoning ordinances, by introducing new requirements for these ordinances to include comprehensive standards for land use and development. Key provisions allow for the construction of attached single-family dwellings in designated zoning districts, defining these units as side-by-side constructions with specific access to public or approved private water and sewer systems. The bill mandates that zoning ordinances permit these units to be placed on their own lots without minimum size or width requirements, while still complying with building and fire codes. Additionally, it emphasizes that municipalities can set their own minimum lot sizes per zoning district.
Furthermore, the bill enhances zoning regulations to promote sustainable development and accommodate modern housing needs by allowing adaptive reuse of commercial buildings into residential units under certain conditions. It also introduces provisions for development incentives, such as increased density in exchange for public benefits, and ensures accessibility for individuals with disabilities. The act allows for temporary placement of mobile and manufactured homes on properties made uninhabitable due to casualties and permits plant agriculture across all zoning districts unless restricted for public health or safety. The amendments are set to take effect on January 1, 2026, aiming to foster diverse housing options and the adaptive reuse of existing structures within municipalities.