The bill amends various sections of the General Laws in Chapters 45-23 and 45-24, focusing on land subdivision and zoning ordinances. It introduces a new definitions section in Chapter 45-23, clarifying terms such as "administrative officer," "board of appeal," "buildable lot," and "minor subdivision," with the latter now explicitly including oversized lot subdivisions that meet specific criteria.

In Chapter 45-24, the bill adds a definitions section to ensure consistency with the Comprehensive Planning and Land Use Regulation Act. It modifies existing language regarding zoning adjustments by replacing "dimensional variance" with "relief," allowing for a more flexible interpretation and permitting adjustments up to twenty-five percent of the applicable dimensional requirements.

The bill establishes regulations for substandard lots, ensuring they can be developed without requiring zoning relief for minimum lot size deficiencies. It also introduces "neighborhood character-based modifications" (NCBM), enabling zoning enforcement officers to grant modifications based on the average dimensions of comparable properties. The NCBM process includes public notification and objection procedures for significant modifications.

The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
1052: 45-23-32