Prohibits applications filed in the town of Tiverton, for comprehensive permit projects, for low- and moderate-income housing, to include accessory dwelling units.

Plain-English Summary

This bill would create a specific rule for the town of Tiverton, Rhode Island, regarding how affordable housing projects are built and approved. Under current state law, developers can apply for a "comprehensive permit" — a streamlined process that allows them to bypass some local zoning rules when building low- and moderate-income housing. This bill would prevent those comprehensive permit applications in Tiverton from including accessory dwelling units (ADUs), which are smaller, secondary living spaces built on the same property as a main home, such as an in-law apartment, a garage conversion, or a small separate cottage.

In practical terms, this means that if a developer in Tiverton wants to use the comprehensive permit process to build affordable housing, they could not count ADUs as part of that project. This would limit the types of housing units that qualify under these applications in Tiverton specifically, distinguishing the town from the general rules that apply elsewhere in Rhode Island.

This bill would primarily affect affordable housing developers, low- and moderate-income residents seeking housing in Tiverton, and Tiverton's local government. Supporters of such measures often argue that it gives towns more control over local development, while housing advocates might be concerned it could reduce the number of affordable housing options available. The bill has been introduced and referred to the Senate Housing and Municipal Government Committee, where it will be reviewed before any further action is taken.