Rhode IslandH80012026 Regular SessionHouse

AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- STATE BUILDING CODE -- ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT .

Sponsored By: K. Joseph Shekarchi (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

8 provisions identified: 6 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Convert commercial buildings into homes

Owners can convert commercial buildings to homes if at least 50% of the floor area becomes housing. Projects do not need more than one off‑street parking space per home. If a project keeps the footprint, sets aside at least 20% of units for low‑ and moderate‑income households, and has sewer and water, it must be allowed at a minimum of 15 homes per acre. Existing setbacks and heights can stay, and rooftop additions can be allowed. Conversions are not allowed where state or federal land‑use restrictions prohibit housing.

Easier accessory dwelling units statewide

Accessory dwelling units that meet state rules are allowed in every residential zone. Towns must use a simple administrative building permit, not special zoning hearings. This makes it easier to add a rental or space for family.

Temporary mobile homes after disasters

If a home is uninhabitable after a fire, flood, or similar event, the owner can place a mobile or manufactured home on the property for former occupants. This can last up to 12 months or until the building is repaired, whichever comes first. The owner must apply promptly to the local building official for permits.

Faster temporary small homes with safety rules

Towns can allow temporary small homes for people without housing by local zoning or during an emergency. An emergency lasts 30 days and can renew in 30‑day blocks, up to 180 days a year. The mayor or town leader must report within 30 days and every 60 days after. These units are exempt from most state building and fire codes, but must meet special SAFE Unit rules and be cleared by a fire marshal and a state building official. Key rules include: size 70 sq ft for one person plus 50 sq ft per extra person (max 400 sq ft); ceilings at least 80 inches; an escape window at least 24 in high, 20 in wide, 5 sq ft, with the sill no higher than 44 in; floor load 40 psf and roof 20 psf plus snow; smoke and CO alarms; a 2.5‑lb ABC extinguisher; continuous power with a GFCI outlet; climate control; a locking door; and at least 10 feet between homes in communities. The law takes effect on passage.

Manufactured homes on single-family lots

Towns may let qualifying manufactured homes be placed on single‑family lots and treated like single‑family houses. The home must meet state construction standards and the lot’s size and setback rules, or get relief under local law.

More home daycare and plant growing

Households, community residences, and family daycare homes are allowed in every residential zone. They can also be allowed in industrial and commercial zones unless housing there is banned for health or safety. Plant agriculture is allowed in all zoning districts. Towns may limit it only for public health or safety or to protect wildlife habitat.

Which housing codes apply to you

The state’s housing maintenance rules set minimum living standards for all homes, no matter how old the building is. For buildings built, changed, or repaired on or after July 1, 1977, the building code edition in effect then applies if the whole building followed that edition, shown by the permit or occupancy certificate date. These are baseline rules; other state and local building rules still apply unless a specific conflict applies.

Roommate limits and disability access rules

A city or town may set a limit on how many unrelated people live together. Any local limit must allow at least one person per bedroom and cannot be stricter than five unrelated people per home. NARR‑certified recovery residences are exempt. Towns must also allow reasonable changes that provide access for a resident with a disability.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

K. Joseph Shekarchi
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

Nathan W. Biah
Democratic • House
Anthony J. DeSimone
Democratic • House
Thomas E. Noret
Democratic • House
William W. O'Brien
Democratic • House
Brandon T. Voas
Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 62 • No: 5

House vote • 4/30/2026

BUILDING CODE / ENFORCEMENT PASSAGE