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Rhode IslandS33012026 Regular SessionSenate

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

Sponsored By: Jacob Bissaillon (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

9 provisions identified: 9 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

More housing choices on residential lots

Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) that meet state ADU rules are allowed in all residential zones. Towns must use an administrative building permit, not a discretionary approval, when those rules are met. Cities and towns may also let manufactured homes that meet state building code standards count as single‑family homes on single‑family lots, if they meet local size and setback rules or get relief.

SAFE Units: safety rules and code relief

The law defines SAFE Units as temporary, transitional housing. These units are mostly exempt from the State Building Code, the Comprehensive Fire Safety Act, and the Housing Maintenance and Occupancy Code. They still must meet clear safety rules: smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, a fire extinguisher, a locking door, an exit or egress window, climate control, ventilation, and code‑compliant plumbing, gas, and electrical. Size must be at least 70 sq ft for one person, plus 50 sq ft per extra person, and no more than 400 sq ft. Units must meet load and anchoring standards, have an egress window no higher than 44 inches with minimum opening sizes, and have power (including generator or renewable backup allowed). In a community setting, units must be spaced more than 10 feet apart. A fire marshal and a state building official must confirm compliance before anyone moves in.

Easier to convert old buildings to housing

The law lets you convert commercial buildings to homes when at least half of the floor area becomes residential. These projects do not need more than one parking space per unit. If a project keeps the building footprint (with small expansions for code or utility upgrades), includes at least 20% low‑ and moderate‑income units, and has sewer and water (or approved private systems), it must be allowed at 15 or more homes per acre. Conversions are blocked where recorded environmental limits bar housing.

Housing and daycare allowed in more zones

Households, community residences, and family daycare homes are permitted in all residential zones. They are also permitted in industrial and commercial zones unless housing is banned there for health or safety reasons. This expands where people can live and where family daycare can operate.

Towns can fast‑track SAFE Units in emergencies

A mayor or town chief can declare a limited emergency during severe weather or after a disaster to speed SAFE Unit setup. The council must approve. The declaration lasts 60 days and can renew in 30‑day blocks, up to 180 days per year. The chief must report within 30 days and then every 60 days on actions taken and people served. Outside emergencies, towns that adopt local rules must allow SAFE Units by right when they meet the state safety standards.

Temporary home on your lot after disasters

If a fire, flood, or similar event makes your home unlivable, the owner can place a mobile or manufactured home on the same property. Former occupants can live there for up to 12 months or until repairs are done. The owner must apply to the local building official for the needed permits.

Towns must allow disability access changes

If you have a disability and live in a home or plan to live there, you can request access changes. The town must allow reasonable access modifications for you. The request must come from the person with a disability who resides or intends to reside there.

Plant agriculture allowed in most zones

Plant agriculture is a permitted use in all zoning districts, including industrial and commercial. Towns can still prohibit it to protect public health or safety or to protect wildlife habitat.

These changes take effect now

The law takes effect upon passage. The new rules apply immediately.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Jacob Bissaillon

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Tiara T. Mack

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 100 • No: 7

House vote • 6/10/2026

STATE BUILDING CODE PASSAGE IN CONCURRENCE

Yes: 63 • No: 7

Senate vote • 6/4/2026

HEALTH/SAFETY-STATE BUILD CODE- ADMINISTRATION & ENFORCEMENT Passage

Yes: 37 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by Governor — Chapter 327

    6/23/2026Governor

  2. Transmitted to Governor

    6/18/2026Governor

  3. House passed in concurrence

    6/10/2026House

  4. Placed on House Calendar (06/10/2026)

    6/9/2026House

  5. Senate read and passed

    6/4/2026Senate

  6. Placed on Senate Calendar (06/04/2026)

    6/2/2026Senate

  7. Committee recommends passage

    6/2/2026

  8. Scheduled for consideration (06/02/2026)

    5/29/2026

  9. Committee recommended measure be held for further study

    5/21/2026

  10. Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (05/21/2026)

    5/15/2026

  11. Introduced, referred to Senate Housing and Municipal Government

    5/15/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • S3301 - As Introduced

    5/15/2026

    HTMLPDF

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