The bill amends Section 45-53-4 of the General Laws in Chapter 45-53, "Low and Moderate Income Housing," specifically addressing comprehensive permit projects in the town of Tiverton. It provides that applications for comprehensive permit projects involving properties not connected to public water or sewer systems, and classified as hydric, predominately hydric, or having a seasonal high-water table, shall have such land excluded from the buildable land density calculation. This exclusion aims to protect environmentally sensitive areas.

The bill also outlines the procedure for the approval of construction of low- or moderate-income housing, including requirements for a single comprehensive permit application, with at least 25% of the housing units designated as low- or moderate-income. It introduces municipal subsidies and zoning incentives, such as density bonuses based on the percentage of affordable housing, and specifies requirements for parking, bedroom limits, and floor area restrictions.

Additionally, the bill addresses the authority of local review boards, establishes application processing timelines, and mandates municipalities to prepare comprehensive housing plans for low- and moderate-income housing. A moratorium on applications from for-profit developers is included until specific conditions are met. The act is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
6177: 45-53-4