The bill amends various sections of the General Laws in Chapters 45-23 and 45-24, focusing on the "Subdivision of Land" and "Zoning Ordinances." It introduces a new definitions section in both chapters to clarify terms related to land development and zoning, including "administrative officer," "board of appeal," and "minor subdivision." Notably, minor subdivisions will now encompass oversized lot subdivisions that do not require the creation of a new road and meet specific criteria, such as resulting in vacant residential lots that are equal to or greater in area than at least 50% of the developed residential lots within 200 feet of the proposed subdivision.

The bill modifies existing language in zoning ordinances, replacing "dimensional variance" with "relief" to allow for broader interpretations of modifications, enabling local authorities to grant relief from various dimensional requirements up to 25%. It establishes regulations for substandard lots of record, allowing cities and towns to develop single substandard lots or contiguous lots without requiring zoning relief for minimum lot size deficiencies.

Additionally, the bill introduces a framework for "neighborhood character-based modifications" (NCBM), permitting zoning enforcement officers to adjust dimensional requirements for residential properties connected to public utilities based on the average dimensions of comparable existing properties. The bill includes provisions for public notification and objection processes for significant modifications, requiring notification to abutting property owners and publication in a local newspaper for modifications greater than 30%. The bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
1052: 45-23-32