The bill amends Section 45-53-4 of the General Laws in Chapter 45-53, "Low and Moderate Income Housing," to establish a procedure for the approval of 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.

Significant changes include the elimination of existing mandated housing densities for lands used for drinking water, as well as density bonuses for public drinking water supply watersheds and groundwater classified as GAA and GA. The bill requires that housing densities do not exceed the availability of onsite drinking water supplies, do not introduce pollution that would make drinking water unsuitable for use, and stay within the capacity limits of any public water or sewer system.

Additionally, the bill prohibits municipalities from imposing restrictions on comprehensive permit applications through local ordinances that limit residential development. The structured application process includes requirements for pre-application conferences and master plan reviews. The act is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
7446: 45-53-4