This bill aims to amend zoning ordinances in Rhode Island to provide clarity and uniform standards for accessory dwelling units (ADUs). It adds new definitions for terms related to zoning and land development and makes technical changes to existing language to ensure consistency and accuracy. The bill also includes provisions regarding permitted uses within zoning districts, temporary housing in the event of a casualty, access for people with disabilities, and the allowance of ADUs in residential zoning districts. It requires municipalities to allow one ADU under certain circumstances and prohibits them from imposing excessive restrictions on ADUs. The bill also establishes maximum unit sizes for ADUs based on the size of the principal dwelling and prohibits municipalities from discriminating against protected populations or imposing unreasonable dimensional requirements or other development standards. It allows municipalities to exempt ADUs from utility assessment and/or tie-in fees and repeals a section of law related to zoning provisions for ADUs. The bill takes effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
6082  SUB A as amended: 45-24-74
6082  SUB A: 45-24-74
6082: 45-24-74