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Rhode IslandS33032026 Regular SessionSenate

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

Sponsored By: Meghan E. Kallman (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Basements don’t count toward building size

Beginning January 1, 2026, cities and towns must leave basements out of floor area ratio (FAR) calculations. The law uses the state definition of “basement.” This change lets owners and builders add more above‑ground space within the same FAR limit or lowers measured density.

Cities must use clear zoning rules

Beginning January 1, 2026, every Rhode Island city and town must update its zoning. Ordinances must use objective, easy-to-measure standards. They must state what uses are allowed or banned in each district and set clear design and size rules. They must include standards for air and water quality, noise and glare, erosion, energy use, and service capacity. This ties local zoning to each city’s comprehensive plan and makes reviews more predictable.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Meghan E. Kallman

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Jacob Bissaillon

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 103 • No: 2

House vote • 6/10/2026

TOWNS CITIES - ZONING ORDINANCE PASSAGE IN CONCURRENCE

Yes: 68 • No: 0

Senate vote • 6/4/2026

RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- ZONING ORDINANCES Passage

Yes: 35 • No: 2

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by Governor — Chapter 329

    6/23/2026Governor

  2. Transmitted to Governor

    6/18/2026Governor

  3. House passed in concurrence

    6/10/2026House

  4. Placed on the House Consent 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

  • S3303 - As Introduced

    5/15/2026

    HTMLPDF

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