Expands the Rhode Island rehabilitation and fire code to include existing one, two, and three-bedroom homes, removing their current exclusion and promoting the continued use and reuse of existing residential buildings.

Plain-English Summary

This bill would expand Rhode Island's Rehabilitation Building and Fire Code to cover existing one-, two-, and three-family homes — something that is currently excluded from that code. The Rehabilitation Building and Fire Code is a set of rules designed specifically for older, existing buildings, offering more flexible standards than the rules that apply to brand-new construction. Right now, this flexible code applies to larger residential buildings and commercial structures, but small residential homes are left out.

By bringing small homes under this code, the bill aims to make it easier and less costly for homeowners and property owners to renovate, repair, or repurpose older houses. When existing homes are subject to the stricter new-construction standards, renovation projects can become very expensive or complicated, sometimes leading owners to abandon or demolish older properties instead of fixing them up. This bill is intended to encourage the continued use of existing housing stock rather than leaving homes vacant or tearing them down.

The people most directly affected would be homeowners, landlords, and contractors working on renovations or improvements to existing one-, two-, and three-family homes across Rhode Island. Tenants and communities could also benefit if more homes are successfully rehabilitated and returned to use, potentially adding to the available housing supply.

Currently, the bill has been referred to the House Municipal Government & Housing Committee, where it has been scheduled for a hearing but recommended to be held for further study, meaning it has not yet moved forward in the legislative process.