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Rhode IslandH80052026 Regular SessionHouse

AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- ZONING ORDINANCES .

Sponsored By: Joshua J. Giraldo (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Less parking required near transit

The law caps parking near transit. Towns cannot require more than one off‑street space per home in multi‑family buildings. This applies within 1/4 mile of a regional mobility hub or 1/8 mile of a frequent transit stop. Definitions come from the 2020 Rhode Island Transit Master Plan or its successor. Beginning January 1, 2026, this cap is in effect.

Co-living allowed near transit

Towns may zone to allow co‑living housing in places served by transit and nearby services. This creates more shared rental choices in those locations. Availability depends on each town’s ordinance. Beginning January 1, 2026, towns have this authority.

Easier townhouses and fairer local rules

Towns must allow attached single‑family homes (like townhouses) in set districts. Each unit can be on its own lot, with a zero‑lot‑line along the shared wall. Units must have public water and sewer or an approved private system and meet building and fire codes. Towns cannot raise minimum lot size, width, frontage, or depth for these units; base rules apply only to the outside perimeter. Towns also cannot set FAR under 1, cap bedrooms below three, or require more than two off‑street spaces per unit. Beginning January 1, 2026, these rules apply.

Towns can trade density for benefits

Local ordinances may let developers build more homes or get design flexibility in exchange for public benefits. Examples include more open space, more housing choices or affordability, safer walking and traffic, or new facilities. Ordinances must state the maximum allowed density and list the required improvements. Towns may accept a donation instead of direct improvements. Beginning January 1, 2026, towns can use this tool.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Joshua J. Giraldo

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Cherie L. Cruz

    Democratic • House

  • David Morales

    Democratic • House

  • Brandon T. Voas

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 103 • No: 2

Senate vote • 6/11/2026

RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- ZONING ORDINANCES In Concurrence

Yes: 35 • No: 2

House vote • 4/30/2026

ZONING ORDINANCES PASSAGE

Yes: 68 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by Governor — Chapter 330

    6/23/2026Governor

  2. Transmitted to Governor

    6/18/2026Governor

  3. Senate passed Sub A in concurrence

    6/11/2026Senate

  4. Placed on Senate Calendar (06/11/2026)

    6/9/2026Senate

  5. Committee recommends passage of Sub A in concurrence

    6/9/2026

  6. Scheduled for consideration (06/09/2026)

    6/5/2026

  7. Referred to Senate Housing and Municipal Government

    5/5/2026Senate

  8. House passed Sub A

    4/30/2026House

  9. Placed on House Calendar (04/30/2026)

    4/24/2026House

  10. Committee recommends passage of Sub A

    4/15/2026

  11. Proposed Substitute

    4/10/2026

  12. Scheduled for consideration (04/15/2026)

    4/10/2026

  13. Committee recommended measure be held for further study

    3/5/2026

  14. Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/05/2026)

    2/27/2026

  15. Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government & Housing

    2/27/2026House

Bill Text

  • H8005 - As Introduced

    2/27/2026

    HTMLPDF

  • H8005 - Substitute

    2/27/2026

    HTMLPDF

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