The bill amends Section 45-53-4 of the General Laws in Chapter 45-53, "Low and Moderate Income Housing," to streamline the approval process for low- or moderate-income housing construction. It allows applicants to submit a single comprehensive permit application, provided that at least 25% of the housing units are designated as low- or moderate-income. Key insertions include the introduction of municipal subsidies and zoning incentives, such as density bonuses for projects connected to public sewer and water, which can range from five to twelve units per acre based on the proportion of affordable housing. The bill also specifies that properties in Tiverton that are not connected to public water or sewer and are classified as hydric or having a seasonal high-water table will be excluded from the buildable land density calculation.

Additionally, the bill outlines a revised review process for comprehensive permit applications, requiring a proposed timetable for construction, a certification of completeness for preliminary plan applications within twenty-five days, and a decision from the local review board within ninety days of certification. It establishes a two-year vesting period for approved plans, with potential extensions, and mandates that all written decisions be recorded within twenty days. The bill also imposes a moratorium on comprehensive permit applications by private for-profit developers until July 1, 2005, to allow communities time to prepare housing plans. Overall, the amendments aim to facilitate affordable housing development while ensuring compliance with local regulations and addressing community needs.

Statutes affected:
6177: 45-53-4