The "Prohibition of Single-Family Zoning in Urban Growth Boundaries Act of 2023" is a bill that aims to encourage the development of higher-density, mixed-use, and walkable urban communities by repealing and prohibiting single-family zoning in urban areas. The bill requires municipalities with a population of 20,000 or more to allow the development of middle housing types, such as duplexes, triplexes, quadplexes, cottage clusters, and townhouses, in areas zoned for residential use that currently only allow for detached single-family dwellings. The bill also allows local governing bodies to regulate the siting and design of middle housing, as long as the regulations do not discourage the development of all middle housing types permitted in the area through unreasonable costs or delay. The bill requires local governing bodies to adopt land use regulations or amend their comprehensive plans to implement the provisions of this bill by June 30, 2024.

The bill also includes amendments to the Rhode Island Comprehensive Planning and Land Use Act, requiring local governing bodies to request an extension for compliance with state building code standards at least six months prior to the expiration of the compliance dates. The bill also amends the required content of a comprehensive plan, adding an analysis of existing and forecasted housing needs by type and density range, identification of areas suitable for future housing development or rehabilitation, and consideration of market factors that may impact future urban residential development. The bill also proposes amendments regarding the review process for comprehensive permit applications for low- or moderate-income housing and major land development projects or subdivisions.

Statutes affected:
307: 45-53-4, 23-27.3-105.3