The bill amends Section 45-23-32 of the General Laws in Chapter 45-23, "Subdivision of Land," by introducing a new definitions section that clarifies terms used throughout the chapter. It specifies that terms defined in the Rhode Island Comprehensive Planning and Land Use Regulation Act and the Rhode Island Zoning Enabling Act will carry the meanings established in those acts. Local ordinances are permitted to define terms in a manner that does not conflict with state laws, while ensuring that the definitions in this section take precedence. The bill also deletes a provision related to development plan review for certain projects, which may have previously allowed for streamlined processes. Additionally, it introduces the term "oversized lot subdivision," which refers to subdivisions that do not require new road creation and meet specific criteria, and clarifies the review process for minor subdivisions.

Moreover, the bill proposes amendments to zoning regulations, allowing for reduced lot area requirements for newly created lots and introducing definitions for terms such as "accessory dwelling unit" and "adaptive reuse." It outlines the roles of municipal planning boards and technical review committees, establishes "vested rights" for developers, and defines a "floating zone." The bill also addresses substandard lots of record, allowing their development without zoning relief based solely on minimum lot size failures, and modifies the definition of "modification" in zoning enforcement. It allows for the reduction of dimensional requirements for nonconforming lots based on their area and introduces provisions for the merger of contiguous substandard lots. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
1052: 45-23-32