The bill amends various provisions of the Rhode Island Comprehensive Planning and Land Use Act, specifically addressing adaptive reuse projects on state-owned property and related conditions. It introduces a new section, 45-22.2-10, which enhances coordination among state agencies in their planning and development activities. This section requires state agencies to align their programs with municipalities' comprehensive plans once approved and valid, with specific exceptions for adaptive reuse projects located on state-owned property that meet certain requirements.

The bill also adds definitions and provisions related to adaptive reuse projects in Section 45-23-32, specifying that such projects must be reviewed administratively unless the review process is waived. It outlines the necessary findings that must be made during the development plan review process, particularly for adaptive reuse projects that comply with the established criteria.

Additionally, the bill establishes a program for repurposing vacant school buildings into affordable housing, mandating that at least 25% of the units in these repurposed buildings be designated as affordable housing. The executive office of housing is tasked with administering this program, conducting feasibility assessments, and maintaining a website to provide transparency regarding the repurposing efforts.

The act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
3300: 45-22.2-10, 45-24-28, 45-53-10