Bill > H5799

This bill modifies Rhode Island's land subdivision and zoning regulations to introduce two key changes. First, it expands the definition of "minor subdivisions" to include "oversized lot subdivisions," which are subdivisions of an existing lot that result in vacant residential lots with an area equal to or greater than 50% of the residential lots within 200 feet. These oversized lot subdivisions can be created even if the resulting lots do not meet the minimum lot size requirements of their district. Second, the bill creates a new process called "neighborhood character-based modifications" (NCBM), which allows zoning enforcement officers to grant dimensional relief for residential properties based on the average dimensions of comparable nearby properties. This modification can provide flexibility for setbacks, height, frontage, lot coverage, lot size, lot width, and lot depth, with certain restrictions such as maintaining a minimum lot size of 3,000 square feet and following specific notification procedures. The modifications aim to help property owners make improvements that are more consistent with the existing neighborhood character while providing a streamlined approval process. The bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2026.

Housing and Urban Affairs

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