Prohibits applications for a comprehensive permit under the Rhode Island comprehensive planning and land use regulation act in any watershed overlay protection district located in the town of Tiverton.

Plain-English Summary

This bill would create a special exception for the town of Tiverton, Rhode Island, blocking developers from using a specific type of fast-track building permit in certain protected areas. Under current state law, developers can apply for a "comprehensive permit," which is a streamlined process that allows them to work through a single approval process — rather than multiple local boards — when building affordable housing or other projects. This bill would prevent anyone from using that process in Tiverton's "watershed overlay protection districts," which are designated zones around water sources that local governments set aside to protect drinking water quality and the surrounding environment.

The people most directly affected would be housing developers — particularly those building affordable housing — who currently have the option to use the comprehensive permit process as a way to potentially override some local zoning restrictions. Under this bill, that option would be off the table entirely within Tiverton's watershed protection zones. Residents who live near or rely on water sources in those protected areas could also be affected, as the bill is aimed at limiting the type and density of development allowed near those sensitive environmental areas.

It's worth noting that this bill applies only to Tiverton and only to its watershed overlay protection districts — it would not change the comprehensive permit process anywhere else in Rhode Island. The bill has been introduced and sent to the House Municipal Government & Housing Committee, where it will be reviewed before any further action is taken.