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Bill > H7374


RI H7374

RI H7374
Amends the zoning ordinances to allow the town to restrict occupancy to one unrelated person per bedroom in a dwelling, up to a five (5) bedroom unit. Units with more than five (5) bedrooms may be limited to five (5) unrelated persons per unit.


summary

Introduced
01/28/2026
In Committee
01/28/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2026 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This act would amend the definition of a "household" in the "zoning ordinances" chapter to clarify that the maximum number of unrelated persons living together may be set by local ordinance; however, the maximum shall not be less than one person per bedroom, but may be limited to one person per bedroom up to a five (5) bedroom unit. Units with more than five (5) bedrooms may be limited to five (5) unrelated persons per unit. This act would take effect upon passage.

AI Summary

This bill amends the definition of a "household" within local zoning ordinances to allow municipalities to set limits on the number of unrelated individuals who can live together in a dwelling unit. Specifically, it mandates that any such ordinance must permit at least one unrelated person per bedroom for units with up to five bedrooms, and at least five unrelated persons for units with more than five bedrooms. The bill also clarifies that these limits do not apply to NARR-certified recovery residences, which are facilities for individuals recovering from substance use disorders. This change aims to provide local governments with more control over occupancy in residential properties while establishing a baseline for how many unrelated individuals can share a home.

Committee Categories

Housing and Urban Affairs

Sponsors (4)

Last Action

Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government & Housing (on 01/28/2026)

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