Sets timelines for Tiverton's new construction, including one year for final approval, two (2) years for building permits, and temporary inclusion of units in the town's count until completion or three (3) years, whichever comes first.

Summary: Tiverton New Construction Timelines Bill

This bill establishes specific deadlines and rules for new housing construction projects in the town of Tiverton, Rhode Island. Under the bill, once a project receives preliminary approval, developers would have one year to obtain final approval and two years from that point to secure the necessary building permits. These timelines are meant to keep construction projects moving forward on a predictable schedule rather than sitting in limbo indefinitely.

The bill also addresses how newly planned housing units are counted in Tiverton's official housing inventory. Units would be temporarily included in the town's housing count — even before they are built — either until construction is actually completed or for a maximum of three years, whichever happens first. This matters because Rhode Island towns must meet certain affordable housing requirements based on their total housing counts, so how and when units are counted can affect whether a town is considered compliant with state housing goals.

This bill primarily affects the town of Tiverton, local developers and builders working on new construction projects there, and residents who may be impacted by housing availability and development decisions in their community. Town officials would also be affected, as they would need to track and enforce these new deadlines. The bill has been introduced in the Rhode Island House and referred to the House Municipal Government & Housing Committee for further review.