Provides that cities or towns may, by ordinance, designate "special ways" throughout the city or town which would be subject to alternative regulations to preserve its cultural, historic or scenic character.

Plain-English Summary

This bill would give Rhode Island cities and towns a new tool to protect streets, roads, or pathways that have special cultural, historical, or scenic value. Under the bill, a city or town council could pass a local ordinance to officially label certain roads or paths as "special ways." Once designated, these special ways could be managed under different rules than ordinary public roads — rules specifically designed to preserve what makes them unique or meaningful to the community.

In practical terms, this means a town could apply different standards for things like road widening, signage, lighting, landscaping, or construction along these designated routes, rather than being required to follow the same one-size-fits-all regulations that apply to all other public roads. The goal is to help communities protect local landmarks, scenic drives, historic corridors, or culturally significant pathways from changes that might diminish their character.

This bill primarily affects local governments, which would gain new authority to make these designations, as well as property owners, developers, and residents along any roads that might be designated as "special ways." Those living or working near a designated route could face different development or construction rules compared to other areas. The bill gives towns flexibility but does not require any city or town to act — participation would be entirely voluntary at the local level.

Currently, the bill has been referred to the House Municipal Government & Housing Committee and is scheduled for further consideration in early 2026.