Allows the town of Smithfield to determine its density bonuses based upon its underlying zoning.

What This Bill Does

This bill would give the town of Smithfield, Rhode Island a special exception to how density bonuses are calculated under state zoning rules. A "density bonus" is a tool that allows a developer to build more homes or units on a piece of land than the standard rules normally permit — often in exchange for including affordable housing or other community benefits. Currently, state law sets the formula for how these bonuses are calculated, but this bill would let Smithfield use its own local zoning rules as the starting point for those calculations instead.

Who It Affects

This bill primarily affects Smithfield's local government, its planning and zoning officials, and real estate developers who want to build in the town. By allowing Smithfield to base density bonuses on its own underlying zoning standards, the town would have more local control over how much additional development can be permitted on a given piece of land. This could influence how housing projects are designed and approved within Smithfield's borders.

Current Status

The bill has been introduced in the Rhode Island Senate and referred to the Senate Committee on Housing and Municipal Government, where it will be reviewed before any further action is taken. It is a narrow, town-specific measure that does not change zoning rules for any other Rhode Island community — it applies only to Smithfield.