The bill amends various provisions of the Rhode Island Comprehensive Planning and Land Use Act, specifically addressing adaptive reuse projects on state-owned property. It introduces Section 45-22.2-10, which enhances coordination among state agencies regarding municipal comprehensive plans. Once a municipality's comprehensive plan is approved and remains valid, state agency programs and projects, excluding the state guide plan and certain adaptive reuse projects located on state-owned property, must conform to the plan.

The bill also revises the Subdivision of Land chapter, clarifying that all applications must comply with local regulations and introducing new definitions for key terms related to land development, including a specific definition for adaptive reuse projects on state-owned property.

Additionally, the bill establishes a program for repurposing vacant school buildings into affordable housing. This program mandates that at least 25% of the units in any repurposed building be designated as affordable housing. The executive office of housing is tasked with administering the program, conducting feasibility studies to assess the potential for repurposing these buildings, and maintaining a webpage to assist developers. The secretary of housing is required to submit an annual report on the status of vacant schools and related developments. The act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
8003: 45-22.2-10, 45-23-27, 45-24-28, 45-53-10
8003  SUB A: 45-22.2-10, 45-24-28, 45-53-10