The bill amends Section 45-53-4 of the General Laws in Chapter 45-53, "Low and Moderate Income Housing," to create a streamlined approval process for construction projects targeting low- or moderate-income housing. It allows applicants to submit a single comprehensive permit application, provided that at least 25% of the housing units are designated for low- or moderate-income residents. The bill introduces municipal subsidies and zoning incentives to help offset costs and specifies that in Tiverton, accessory dwelling units cannot be included in these projects. It also establishes density bonuses based on the percentage of low- or moderate-income housing and restricts municipalities from imposing local ordinances that could hinder comprehensive permit applications.

Key amendments include a requirement for local review boards to certify preliminary plan applications within twenty-five days and to hold public hearings promptly after certification, with decisions rendered within ninety days. If the local board fails to act, the application is automatically approved. The bill also mandates that all necessary state and federal permits be obtained before final plan approval and requires a draft monitoring agreement to ensure long-term affordability. Significant deletions streamline the review process, allowing for minor changes to be approved administratively without public hearings, and clarify the powers of local review boards. Additionally, a moratorium on comprehensive permit applications from private for-profit developers is established, effective immediately and expiring on January 31, 2005, unless extended.

Statutes affected:
1098: 45-53-4