This bill amends the Rhode Island Comprehensive Planning and Land Use Act and the Subdivision of Land Act. It adds language specifying the responsibilities of the planning board or commission in preparing a comprehensive plan for a municipality and requires a minimum of one public hearing before adopting or amending a comprehensive plan. The bill also adds language requiring a public hearing for major land development projects or major subdivisions under the Subdivision of Land Act. It establishes a public notice registry for electronic notice of changes to local regulations and clarifies that defects in the form of any notice do not render the regulations invalid, unless intentional or misleading. The bill also amends the requirements for variances from zoning ordinances, requiring notice to be sent by mail and posted at least 14 days prior to the hearing. It also amends the requirements for public hearings for the adoption, repeal, or amendment of a zoning ordinance, specifying notice requirements and allowing for alterations or amendments to be made prior to the close of the public hearing without further advertising. The bill also requires each municipality to establish and maintain a public notice registry for electronic notice of changes to the zoning ordinance and encourages municipalities to provide public notice of the registry in all communications with the public. It also clarifies that defects in the form of any notice do not render any ordinance or amendment invalid, unless intentional or misleading. The bill allows the town or city council to limit changes to permitted uses in a rezoned area and impose limitations, conditions, and restrictions. If the land is not used for the requested purpose for two years or more, the council may change the land back to its original zoning use. The bill also states that these requirements are minimum requirements.

Statutes affected:
6086  SUB A: 45-22.2-8
6086: 45-22.2-8