Authorized the town of Tiverton to require that fifty percent (50%) of new construction be affordable housing units if there is less than ten percent (10%) of affordable housing in the town.

Summary of the Tiverton Affordable Housing Bill

This bill would give the town of Tiverton special authority to require that half of all newly constructed housing units be designated as affordable housing, but only under a specific condition: the requirement would apply when less than 10% of the town's total housing stock qualifies as affordable. In other words, if Tiverton falls below a certain threshold of affordable homes, the town could step in and mandate that a significant portion of new development be set aside for lower- and moderate-income residents.

The bill affects several groups. Developers and builders planning new housing projects in Tiverton would face a major requirement, as they could be compelled to make 50% of their new units affordable. Current and prospective residents of Tiverton — particularly those with low and moderate incomes — could benefit from an increased supply of housing options within their price range. Property owners and the broader housing market in Tiverton could also be impacted, as the requirement would significantly shape what kind of housing gets built in town.

This legislation applies only to the town of Tiverton and does not affect any other city or town in Rhode Island. It has been introduced in the Rhode Island House of Representatives and referred to the House Municipal Government & Housing Committee for review, which is the first step in the legislative process. No further action has been taken on it yet.