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6/15/2023
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Assembly passes Rep. Craven and Sen. Lombardi’s bill to make developing housing easier
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Legislation is part of Speaker Shekarchi’s legislative package addressing the housing crisis in Rhode Island
STATE HOUSE – The General Assembly today passed legislation (2023-H 6059A, 2023-S 1032A) sponsored by Rep. Robert E. Craven and Sen. Frank S. Lombardi which relates to zoning standards in order to spur more housing development in the state.
The legislation is part of House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi’s (D-Dist. 23, Warwick) 14-bill package of legislation to address Rhode Island’s housing crisis.
“This bill will make it easier for vital housing developments to become a reality through clarifying and simplifying the processes relating to zoning standards. Our state cannot afford to wait any longer when it comes to building more housing and I commend Speaker Shekarchi for tackling the daunting problem of the state’s housing crisis this legislative session,” said Representative Craven (D-Dist. 32, North Kingstown).
“Zoning standards have often been a significant obstacle that has hampered the development of needed housing in our state. This bill will make this process simpler while also retaining municipal control over proposals and developments. More housing will be developed because of this bill and that will benefit all Rhode Islanders in search of housing,” said Senator Lombardi (D-Dist. 26, Cranston).
The legislation would amend zoning standards and make changes to dimensional variance standards. The legislation further emphasizes the current requirement that each special use permit is required to have specific criteria for each allowed use, and clarifies and adjusts the process for the application and granting of administrative zoning approvals. This legislation does not change the process or permitting by municipalities and it adds a provision that allows municipalities, if they choose, to consider requests for relief for uses established by variance or permit. The legislation would be effective January 1, 2024.
It now heads to the governor for consideration.
For more information, contact:
Andrew Caruolo, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-6124
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