S1035

Allow adaptive reuse of commercial buildings for residential with objective zoning standards

State: Rhode Island

Status: Enacted ✅

Formal Title: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- ZONING ORDINANCES

Summary: Provides that adaptive reuse for converting commercial property into residential or mixed-use shall be a permitted use allowed by objective zoning provisions, subject to certain restrictions. Exempts adaptive reuse from parking requirements over 1 per unit. Requires allowing density of at least 15 units per acre when limited to existing footprint and including affordable housing. Allows existing setbacks and heights to remain as legal nonconforming.

Main sponsors: Meghan Kallman, John Burke

Legislative text: https://webserver.rilegislature.gov//BillText23/SenateText23/S1035.htm