Permits but not directs a municipality to establish, by ordinance, certain requirements regarding accessory dwelling units regarding ownership for 5 years, non-family ADUs to be rented at affordable rates and limit size to 1,000 sq. ft.

Rhode Island Bill Summary: Accessory Dwelling Unit Local Rules

This bill gives Rhode Island cities and towns the option to create local rules about accessory dwelling units (ADUs) — sometimes called "in-law apartments," backyard cottages, or secondary units on a property. Importantly, the bill does not *require* municipalities to do anything; it simply gives them the legal authority to set certain restrictions if they choose to do so through a local ordinance.

Specifically, the bill would allow a municipality to require that a property owner live on the property for at least five years before building an ADU. It would also allow towns to require that ADUs rented to non-family members be offered at affordable rental rates, meaning the rent would need to be below typical market prices. Additionally, municipalities could cap the size of these units at no more than 1,000 square feet.

This bill primarily affects homeowners who want to add a secondary living unit to their property, renters who might live in those units, and local governments that would gain new tools to shape how ADUs develop in their communities. Supporters of local control may see this as giving towns flexibility, while those focused on expanding housing supply may have concerns about whether these restrictions could slow ADU construction.

The bill is currently in the early stages of the legislative process. It has been referred to the House Municipal Government & Housing Committee, which has recommended it be held for further study, meaning no immediate action is expected.