Caps the size of accessory dwelling units to 900 sq.ft. for one bedroom units and 1,000 sq. ft for two 2 bedroom units.

Rhode Island Bill: Accessory Dwelling Unit Size Limits

This bill would set maximum size limits for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in Rhode Island. ADUs are smaller, secondary housing units built on the same property as a main home — sometimes called in-law apartments, backyard cottages, or garage conversions. Under this bill, a one-bedroom ADU could be no larger than 900 square feet, and a two-bedroom ADU could be no larger than 1,000 square feet.

The bill would affect homeowners who want to build or convert space into an ADU on their property, as well as local towns and cities that set their own zoning rules. By establishing statewide caps, the bill creates a uniform upper limit across Rhode Island, meaning no ADU could exceed these sizes regardless of what local rules might otherwise allow. Homeowners, contractors, and developers planning ADU projects would need to stay within these square footage limits.

The practical impact depends on where you stand. For homeowners looking to add rental income or house family members, these size limits define the maximum living space they could offer. The bill has been introduced and referred to the Senate Housing and Municipal Government Committee, meaning it is still in the early stages of the legislative process and has not yet become law.