The bill amends Section 45-24-33 of the General Laws regarding zoning ordinances, introducing new provisions that require municipalities to establish specific minimum lot sizes for residential use. These sizes are set at a maximum of 2,500 square feet for lots served by public water and sewer located within a quarter-mile of a public transit stop, 5,000 square feet for lots served by public water and sewer, and one acre for all other lots. The bill emphasizes the importance of conserving farmlands, forests, and wetlands, and mandates that each city or town amend its zoning ordinance and comprehensive plan to conform to these new requirements.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions in Section 45-23-44 concerning subdivision regulations, which require local regulations to specify physical design requirements for subdivisions and land-development projects. It clarifies that the slope of land and wetland buffers must be included in calculations for buildable lot area and minimum lot size. The act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
715: 45-24-33, 45-23-44