The bill amends Section 45-24-46.1 of the General Laws regarding inclusionary zoning. It allows municipalities to include various methods for fulfilling affordable housing requirements in their zoning ordinances, such as off-site construction or payment of a fee in lieu of building affordable units. The bill introduces provisions for density bonuses, permitting developers to add one market-rate unit for each affordable unit required, with local regulations providing relief from dimensional requirements to accommodate this bonus.

Specifically, the bill allows the town of North Providence to determine its density bonuses based upon its underlying zoning. It also stipulates that subsidies may be listed in the zoning ordinance but shall not be an exclusive list. The process for utilizing fee-in-lieu payments must be reviewed by the planning board and cannot be eligible for administrative review. The bill establishes a minimum fee for affordable single-family homes and condominiums and mandates that municipalities allocate these funds for the development of affordable housing within three years. This act would take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
3033: 45-24-46.1