Bill > S0502

This bill modifies Rhode Island's definition of low and moderate income housing by adding a new criterion for municipalities. Specifically, the bill now allows a city or town to be considered as having low and moderate income housing if it has adopted an inclusionary zoning ordinance that requires all housing developments to include at least 50% low or moderate income housing units. This change is made within the existing legal framework of Chapter 45-53, which defines terms related to affordable housing. The modification provides an additional pathway for municipalities to demonstrate they are meeting low and moderate income housing needs, beyond the previous metrics which focused on the percentage of year-round housing units that are low or moderate income. By offering this alternative standard, the bill aims to encourage municipal governments to proactively create more affordable housing options through zoning regulations. The amendment becomes effective immediately upon passage, potentially giving local governments a new tool to address housing affordability challenges.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://status.rilegislature.gov/