Housing Regulation (Land Use, Zoning, Building Code)
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| 1 | SB2205 |
Sen. Appollonio (D)
S2205
H7512
|
An Act Relating To Business And Professions -- Contractors' Registration And Licensing Board
Expands various definitions relative to contractors, home inspectors, and claim adjusters to provide clarity regarding licensed and unlicensed vendors, consultants, or third-party representatives. Business & Professions; Claims; Insurance; Licenses;
01/23/2026 Introduced, referred to Senate Commerce |
| 2 | SB2265 |
Sen. Mack (D) |
An Act Relating To Towns And Cities -- Zoning Ordinances
Limits municipal minimum lot sizes for residential use to 2,500 sq ft near transit, 5,000 sq. ft with water/sewer, and 1 acre otherwise, while protecting farmlands, forests, and wetlands, and requiring zoning updates to comply. Cities & Towns; Land/Landfills; Property; Public Utilities; Sewers; Water; Zoning;
01/23/2026 Introduced, referred to Senate Housing and Municipal Government |
| 3 | SB2272 |
Sen. Mack (D) |
An Act Relating To Towns And Cities -- Multifamily Housing Act
Requires single-family residential zoning in municipalities with populations of over forty-thousand (40,000) to allow middle housing and mandates that those municipalities adopt zoning regulations for middle housing. Cities & Towns; Housing; Zoning;
01/23/2026 Introduced, referred to Senate Housing and Municipal Government |
| 4 | SB2274 |
Sen. Dimitri (D)
S2274
H7565
|
An Act Relating To Towns And Cities -- Low And Moderate Income Housing
Changes the residential limit for any substantial multi-family housing project not to exceed forty thousand (40,000) residents according to the United States Census Bureau. Cities & Towns; Housing; Zoning;
01/23/2026 Introduced, referred to Senate Housing and Municipal Government |
| 5 | SB2423 |
Sen. Britto (D) |
An Act Relating To Health And Safety -- State Building Code
Requires the state building commissioner to implement electronic permitting for any category of state or local permit authorized under state law to significantly impact the expediency of construction and development. Building Code; Computer Technology; Construction; Health & Safety; State Affairs; Zoning;
01/30/2026 Introduced, referred to Senate Housing and Municipal Government |
| 6 | SB2424-A |
Sen. Famiglietti (D)
S2424
H7513
|
An Act Relating To Businesses And Professions -- Real Estate Sales Disclosures
Provides protocols for radon inspection relative to real estate transactions and provides time frames and conditions for testing and mitigation. Business & Professions; Health & Safety; Real Estate;
01/30/2026 Introduced, referred to Senate Housing and Municipal Government |
| 7 | SB2469 |
Sen. DiMario (D)
S2469
H7374
|
An Act Relating To Towns And Cities -- Zoning Ordinances
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. Cities & Towns; Housing; Zoning;
02/06/2026 Introduced, referred to Senate Housing and Municipal Government |
| 8 | SB2575 |
Sen. Bissaillon (D)
S2575
H8040
|
An Act Relating To Towns And Cities -- Zoning Ordinances
Prohibits any city or town from enacting any zoning ordinance that would place restrictions on residential recovery houses that are not applicable to other residential homes. Cities & Towns; Housing; Zoning;
02/13/2026 Introduced, referred to Senate Housing and Municipal Government |
| 9 | SB2628 |
Sen. Kallman (D) |
An Act Relating To Towns And Cities -- Zoning Ordinances -- Minimum Parking Requirements
Implements statewide parking standards. Cities & Towns; State Affairs; Zoning;
02/13/2026 Introduced, referred to Senate Special Legislation and Veterans Affairs |
| 10 | SB2632 |
Sen. Ciccone (D)
S2632
H7774
|
An Act Relating To Health And Safety -- State Building Code
Amends the state building code and would require that the state adopt the 2024 International Residential Code and prohibit the state building committee from adopting amendments for one to four residential dwelling units until 2030. Building Code; Health & Safety; Housing; State Affairs;
02/13/2026 Introduced, referred to Senate Housing and Municipal Government |
| 11 | SB2704 |
Sen. Gu (D)
S2704
H7776
|
An Act Relating To Public Property And Works -- Acquisition Of Land
Provides that cities or towns may, by ordinance, designate "special ways" throughout the city or town which would be subject to alternative regulations to preserve its cultural, historic or scenic character. Cities & Towns; Cultural; Highways; Property; Public Works; Roads; Zoning;
02/27/2026 Introduced, referred to Senate Housing and Municipal Government |
| 12 | SB2902 |
Sen. Kallman (D)
S2902
H8102
|
An Act Relating To Property -- Capacity To Hold Real Estate
Precludes a legal entity from owning property whose value is over $25,000,000. If the property value exceeds $25,000,000, then the entity must divest a graduated yearly amount over the next 10 years, until value is less than $25,000,000. Property; Real Estate;
03/04/2026 Introduced, referred to Senate Housing and Municipal Government |
| 13 | SB2907 |
Sen. Gu (D) |
An Act Relating To Towns And Cities -- Zoning Ordinances
Clarifies the means by which attached single-family dwelling units may be created, recorded, and regulated as subdivisions of an existing lot under current zoning ordinance law. Cities & Towns; Housing; Zoning;
03/04/2026 Introduced, referred to Senate Housing and Municipal Government |
| 14 | SB2908 |
Sen. Thompson (D)
S2908
H8037
|
An Act Relating To Towns And Cities -- Subdivision Of Land
Reduces the newspaper advertising notice requirements for amendments to zoning ordinances and planning board meetings from three (3) weeks to two (2) weeks. Advertising; Open Meetings; State Affairs; Zoning;
03/04/2026 Introduced, referred to Senate Housing and Municipal Government |
| 15 | SB2909 |
Sen. Thompson (D)
S2909
H8020
|
An Act Relating To Health And Safety -- State Building Code
Allows for building inspectors to conduct “virtual inspections” or utilize photographic evidence, at the building official’s discretion, from time to time during and upon completion of the work for which the building official has issued a permit. Building Code; Health & Safety;
03/04/2026 Introduced, referred to Senate Housing and Municipal Government |
| 16 | SB2911 |
Sen. LaMountain (D) |
An Act Relating To Health And Safety -- State Building Code -- Administration And Enforcement
Permits property owners or contractors to utilize an independent building inspector if the municipality’s building inspector does not inspect the property within twenty days of notification. Building Code; Health & Safety;
03/04/2026 Introduced, referred to Senate Housing and Municipal Government |
| 17 | SB2912 |
Sen. Bissaillon (D)
S2912
H8101
|
An Act Relating To Property -- Abandoned Property
Amends the definition of abandoned property by imposing the requirement that the building owner be notified of the violation and has failed to address such violations in the timeframes set forth in the notice of violation or court order. Courts; Property;
03/04/2026 Introduced, referred to Senate Housing and Municipal Government |
| 18 | SB2932 |
Sen. Thompson (D)
S2932
H7961
|
An Act Relating To Labor And Labor Relations -- Payment Of Wages
Makes construction contractors civilly liable and/or jointly civilly liable for any claims of wage theft or nonpayment from an employee against the contractor, its subcontractors and any subcontractor. Construction; Labor; Wages;
03/04/2026 Introduced, referred to Senate Labor and Gaming |
| 19 | SB3092 |
Sen. LaMountain (D)
S3092
H8031
|
An Act Relating To Towns And Cities -- Rhode Island Comprehensive Planning And Land Use Act
Allows municipalities to request a one-time, state-approved extension to update comprehensive plans if they show active progress, while keeping the existing plan in effect during the extension period. Cities & Towns; State Affairs;
03/13/2026 Introduced, referred to Senate Housing and Municipal Government |
| 20 | SB3161 |
Sen. Bissaillon (D)
S3161
H8363
|
An Act Relating To Towns And Cities -- Zoning Ordinances
Authorizes municipalities, through ordinance, to require private real property owners to obtain a license to operate a dwelling unit as student housing. Cities & Towns; Education; Housing; Licenses; Property;
03/27/2026 Introduced, referred to Senate Housing and Municipal Government |
| 21 | HB7179 |
Rep. Phillips (D) |
An Act Relating To Health And Safety -- Vehicle Barriers -- The Charlotte A. Vacca Act
Requires commercial property owners to install vehicle barriers at their retail establishment locations as part of any new construction. Building Code; Construction; Health & Safety; Insurance; Motor Vehicles; Property;
01/21/2026 Introduced, referred to House Corporations |
| 22 | HB7374 |
Rep. McEntee (D)
H7374
S2469
|
An Act Relating To Towns And Cities -- Zoning Ordinances
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. Cities & Towns; Housing; Zoning;
01/28/2026 Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government & Housing |
| 23 | HB7445 |
Rep. Speakman (D)
H7445
S2268
|
An Act Relating To Property -- Faith-Based Affordable Housing Development Act
Allows faith-based organizations to develop affordable and mixed-use housing on land they own as a by-right use, set statewide development standards, limit local barriers, and streamline approvals to expand housing supply. Housing; Religion; State Affairs;
01/30/2026 Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government & Housing |
| 24 | HB7446 |
Rep. Cotter (D) |
An Act Relating To Towns And Cities -- Low And Moderate Income Housing
Eliminates mandated housing densities/density bonuses for public drinking water supply watersheds/groundwater. Requires densities not exceed water availability, introduce pollution, stay within public water or sewer system capacity limits. Cities & Towns; Health & Safety; Housing; Sewers; Water;
01/30/2026 Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government & Housing |
| 25 | HB7563 |
Rep. Quattrocchi (R) |
An Act Relating To Towns And Cities -- The Development Review Efficiency Act
Provides property owners to hire licensed third-party to review development documents and performs building inspections. Building Code; Cities & Towns; Construction; Licenses; Property;
02/06/2026 Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government & Housing |
| 26 | HB7774 |
Rep. Speakman (D)
H7774
S2632
|
An Act Relating To Health And Safety -- State Building Code
Amends the state building code and would require that the state adopt the 2024 International Residential Code and prohibit the state building committee from adopting amendments for one to four residential dwelling units until 2030. Building Code; Health & Safety; Housing; State Affairs;
02/12/2026 Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government & Housing |
| 27 | HB7776 |
Rep. Cortvriend (D)
H7776
S2704
|
An Act Relating To Public Property And Works -- Acquisition Of Land
Provides that cities or towns may, by ordinance, designate "special ways" throughout the city or town which would be subject to alternative regulations to preserve its cultural, historic or scenic character. Cities & Towns; Highways; Roads; Zoning;
02/12/2026 Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government & Housing |
| 28 | HB7840 |
Rep. DeSimone (D)
H7840
S3136
|
An Act Relating To Businesses And Professions -- Real Estate Brokers And Salespersons
Requires any person in the business of selling, assigning or buying an equitable interest in real estate without taking legal title to such property, to be licensed as a real estate broker or salesperson and to comply with the disclosure requirements. Business & Professions; Property; Real Estate;
02/27/2026 Introduced, referred to House Corporations |
| 29 | HB8002 |
Rep. Speakman (D) |
An Act Relating To Health And Safety -- State Building Code
Permits the construction of residential buildings that are up to four (4) stories and sixteen (16) dwelling units with a single staircase under certain conditions. Building Code; Health & Safety; Housing;
02/27/2026 Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government & Housing |
| 30 | HB8003-A |
Rep. Noret (D) |
An Act Relating To Towns And Cities -- Rhode Island Comprehensive Planning And Land Use Act
Amends various provisions relative to adaptive reuse projects on state-owned property and certain conditions applied thereto. Cities & Towns; Housing; Property; State Affairs;
02/27/2026 Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government & Housing |
| 31 | HB8004-A |
Rep. Craven (D) |
An Act Relating To Towns And Cities -- Rhode Island Comprehensive Planning And Land Use Act
Provides technical amendments relating to comprehensive planning and land use, subdivision of land, zoning ordinances and low- and moderate-income housing. Cities & Towns; Housing; Land/Landfills; Zoning;
02/27/2026 Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government & Housing |
| 32 | HB8005-A |
Rep. Giraldo (D) |
An Act Relating To Towns And Cities -- Zoning Ordinances
Amends the standards and limitations on permitted parking requirements for dwelling units. Cities & Towns; Housing; Motor Vehicles; Zoning;
02/27/2026 Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government & Housing |
| 33 | HB8007 |
Rep. Casey (D)
H8007
S3299
|
An Act Relating To Towns And Cities -- Subdivision Of Land
Provides that minor subdivisions include single family infill subdivisions and establishes procedures for single family infill subdivisions within the subdivision of land chapter of the general laws. Cities & Towns; Land/Landfills; Zoning;
02/27/2026 Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government & Housing |
| 34 | HB8014 |
Rep. Read (D)
H8014
S2263
|
An Act Relating To State Affairs And Government -- Farmland Preservation Act
Prohibits any city, town, quasi-municipal corporation or public corporation from assessing any existing agricultural operation or agricultural land for the extension of any water utilities past the property and from imposing any connection fee. Agriculture; Cities & Towns; Corporations; Farms; Fees; Land/Landfills; Property; Public Utilities; State Affairs; Water;
02/27/2026 Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government & Housing |
| 35 | HB8018 |
Rep. McEntee (D) |
An Act Relating To Health And Safety -- State Building Code
Requires that any new residential construction shall have a minimum of two means of egress consisting of standard exterior doors. Construction; Fire Code; Health & Safety; Housing;
02/27/2026 Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government & Housing |
| 36 | HB8019 |
Rep. McNamara (D) |
An Act Relating To Health And Safety -- State Building Code
Increases the additional permit fee cap on residential construction that supports electronic permitting and residential construction workforce training from one hundred dollars ($100) to one hundred fifty dollars ($150). Building Code; Construction; Fees; Health & Safety;
02/27/2026 Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government & Housing |
| 37 | HB8020 |
Rep. Casey (D)
H8020
S2909
|
An Act Relating To Health And Safety -- State Building Code
Allows for building inspectors to conduct “virtual inspections” or utilize photographic evidence, at the building official’s discretion, from time to time during and upon completion of the work for which the building official has issued a permit. Building Code; Construction; Health & Safety;
02/27/2026 Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government & Housing |
| 38 | HB8031 |
Rep. Solomon (D)
H8031
S3092
|
An Act Relating To Towns And Cities -- Rhode Island Comprehensive Planning And Land Use Act
Allows municipalities to request a one-time, state-approved extension to update comprehensive plans if they show active progress, while keeping the existing plan in effect during the extension period. Cities & Towns; State Affairs;
02/27/2026 Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government & Housing |
| 39 | HB8036 |
Rep. Speakman (D) |
An Act Relating To Towns And Cities -- Restoring Options In Occupancy Models (Room) Act
ROOM) ACT (Expands access to inherently affordable housing by re-legalizing co-living/single-room occupancy (SRO) and shared dwelling models of many types. Cities & Towns; Housing; Public Assistance; Zoning;
02/27/2026 Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government & Housing |
| 40 | HB8037 |
Rep. Casey (D)
H8037
S2908
|
An Act Relating To Towns And Cities -- Subdivision Of Land
Reduces the newspaper advertising notice requirements for amendments to zoning ordinances and planning board meetings from three (3) weeks to two (2) weeks. Advertising; Cities & Towns; Land/Landfills; State Affairs; Zoning;
02/27/2026 Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government & Housing |
| 41 | HB8039 |
Rep. Speakman (D) |
An Act Relating To Towns And Cities -- Zoning Ordinances
Clarifies the means by which attached single-family dwelling units may be created, recorded, and regulated as subdivisions of an existing lot under current zoning ordinance law. Cities & Towns; Housing; Zoning;
02/27/2026 Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government & Housing |
| 42 | HB8040 |
Rep. Speakman (D)
H8040
S2575
|
An Act Relating To Towns And Cities -- Zoning Ordinances
Prohibits any city or town from enacting any zoning ordinance that would place restrictions on residential recovery houses that are not applicable to other residential homes. Cities & Towns; Housing; Substance Abuse; Zoning;
02/27/2026 Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government & Housing |
| 43 | HB8101-A |
Rep. Speakman (D)
H8101
S2912
|
An Act Relating To Property -- Abandoned Property
Amends several definitions to the general law chapter relating to abandoned property, adds a definition for "eligible nonprofit corporation", provides criteria for when properties are considered abandoned or a public nuisance. Courts; Property;
02/27/2026 Introduced, referred to House Judiciary |
| 44 | HB8102 |
Rep. McGaw (D)
H8102
S2902
|
An Act Relating To Property -- Capacity To Hold Real Estate
Precludes a legal entity from owning property whose value is over $25,000,000. If the property value exceeds $25,000,000, then the entity must divest a graduated yearly amount over the next 10 years, until value is less than $25,000,000. Property; Real Estate;
02/27/2026 Introduced, referred to House Judiciary |
| 45 | HB8142 |
Rep. Speakman (D) |
An Act Relating To State Affairs And Government -- Residential Reuse Incentive Act
Creates a state program and fund to finance adaptive reuse and mixed-use housing projects, requires affordable units and labor standards, and provides oversight to expand housing until 2035. Housing; State Affairs;
02/27/2026 Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government & Housing |
| 46 | HB8387 |
Rep. Cruz (D) |
An Act Relating To Towns And Cities -- Zoning Ordinances
Requires all municipal zoning ordinances be amended to provide that any lot with access to public water/sewer services, not establish or enforce a minimum lot area that exceeds 5,000 sq.ft. for a residential building with between one and 4 dwelling units. Cities & Towns; Housing; Sewers; Zoning;
04/01/2026 Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government & Housing |
| 47 | HB8416 |
Rep. Serpa (D)
H8416
S3030
|
RES. #227 of 2026: An Act Relating To Towns And Cities -- Subdivision Of Land
Requires that in the town of Coventry, local regulations shall require approval of the permitting authority for both private and public improvements prior to final plan approval. Cities & Towns; Construction; Coventry;
04/08/2026 Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government & Housing |
