The bill amends Section 45-53-4 of the General Laws in Chapter 45-53, "Low and Moderate Income Housing," to introduce specific provisions for comprehensive permit projects in the town of Tiverton. It establishes that applications for such projects involving properties that are not connected to public water or sewer systems, and which are classified as hydric, predominately hydric, or have a seasonal high-water table, shall have that land excluded from the buildable land density calculation.

The new language specifies that this exclusion applies to properties in Tiverton and is effective starting January 1, 2026. The bill does not alter existing requirements for comprehensive permit applications, which still necessitate that at least 25% of the housing units are designated for low- or moderate-income residents.

Additionally, the bill maintains provisions that prevent municipalities from imposing restrictions on comprehensive permit applications through local ordinances or moratoriums and establishes a clear timeline for the application and review process. The act is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
7492: 45-53-4