Provides that minor subdivisions include single family infill subdivisions and establishes procedures for single family infill subdivisions within the subdivision of land chapter of the general laws.

Plain-English Summary

This bill would create a new, streamlined category in Rhode Island's land subdivision rules called a "single family infill subdivision." An infill subdivision refers to building a new home on a vacant or underused lot that already exists within an established neighborhood — essentially filling in gaps in developed areas rather than building on entirely new land at the edges of a community. By classifying these projects as "minor subdivisions," they would go through a simpler, faster approval process compared to larger or more complex land divisions.

The bill establishes specific procedures that cities and towns would need to follow when someone applies to create this type of subdivision. This means local planning boards would have a defined set of steps to review and approve these projects, giving homebuilders and property owners a clearer, more predictable path to getting approval for small-scale residential development on existing lots.

This legislation primarily affects property owners, homebuilders, and developers who want to build a single-family home on an existing parcel within an already-developed neighborhood. It also affects local planning and zoning boards, which would need to follow the new procedures. Neighbors and community members in areas where infill development occurs could also be impacted, as new homes may be built on previously vacant lots near them.

As of now, the bill has been referred to the House Municipal Government & Housing Committee and is scheduled for a hearing in early 2026, but it has not yet advanced further in the legislative process.