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SB 2800

AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- ABANDONED PROPERTY

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jake Bissaillon and 1 co-sponsor

Expands by-right permitting for energy storage and renewables on abandoned or contaminated sites and speeds sale/disposition of nuisance properties to aid redevelopment.

06/24/2026 Effective without Governor's signature
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Bill Summary · SB 2800

Overview

SB 2800 (2026) from Rhode Island would modify processes for selling abandoned or nuisance properties and expand “by-right” permitting for energy storage systems (ESS) and renewable energy resources on certain properties, including abandoned or contaminated sites. The bill aims to facilitate faster disposition of blighted properties and promote renewable energy and energy storage on eligible parcels, with specific provisions around sale, title clearance, prioritization, and permitting.

Main purpose and intent

  • Accelerate rehabilitation and sale of buildings and parcels deemed public nuisances or abandoned.
  • Allow the court-appointed receiver to sell property with conditions that support redevelopment, affordable housing, or energy efficiency/renewable projects.
  • Ensure energy storage systems and renewable energy resources on abandoned or previously contaminated properties can be developed as a by-right use, reducing zoning delays.
  • Promote low- to moderate-income housing opportunities and energy infrastructure on affected properties.

Key provisions and changes

Section 34-44-12: Sale of building and property by receiver (amended)

  • Allows a judge to order sale of a building and property after abatement of a public nuisance, upon request by the receiver or an interested party, with a hearing.
  • If abatement has not yet occurred but an abatement plan is approved and the building is unoccupied, the court may order sale with conditions, including a reverter if the abatement plan isn’t completed in time. Purchaser bears all abatement costs.
  • Notice requirements and hearing procedures are outlined; objectors must prove that not selling is more beneficial than selling.
  • The court may require title-clearing related to priority liens or encumbrances to facilitate sale.
  • The court can grant sale priority to offers that:
    • Designate low- to moderate-income housing via restrictions.
    • Allow resales at least 10% below appraised value.
    • Use housing choice voucher programs.
    • Restrict owner-occupancy for at least 24 months post-occupancy.
    • Install an energy storage system on the property.
  • The waiver of certain taxes, zoning penalties, or housing fines may qualify as a municipal subsidy under a separate statute.

Section 34-44-12(e)–(h): Distribution, termination, and additional sale mechanics

  • Specifies the order of distribution of sale proceeds: 1) Delinquent taxes and assessments. 2) Mortgage liabilities incurred by the receiver. 3) Unreimbursed expenses and receiver fees. 4) Remaining pre-receivership liens.
  • Allows termination of the receivership after proper accounting and compliance with the sale terms.
  • If a public nuisance declaration is entered but costs are not fully paid within three days, the court may still order sale under applicable subsections.
  • Energy storage systems on such properties shall be treated as by-right uses for zoning purposes, with zoning code consistency and no significant negative environmental impact findings, subject to standard planning and zoning procedures; maximum structural lot coverage for ESS is 65%.

Section 42-140.5-9: Permitting of renewable energy resources and ESS

  • Expands by-right permitting for renewable energy resources and ESS on previously contaminated properties.
  • Provides a presumption that such sites are consistent with comprehensive plans and have no significant environmental impact, provided the applicant demonstrates the site is previously contaminated.
  • Sets maximum structural lot coverage for these installations at 75%.
  • Maintains eligibility for the Renewable Ready Fund as per existing law.

Who/what would be affected

  • Abandoned or nuisance properties undergoing court-ordered receivership and sale.
  • Property owners and interested parties involved in receivership and nuisance abatement.
  • Purchasers and developers, especially those offering housing-for-income-restricted use or energy infrastructure projects.
  • Municipalities and zoning authorities, due to by-right permitting for ESS and renewables on certain sites (including previously contaminated or abandoned properties).
  • State and local tax and lienholders, given the new priority and distribution rules for sale proceeds.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • The act requires hearings after a sale request and notice to owners and interested parties.
  • If an abatement plan is approved but not yet completed, sale can be ordered with a reverter mechanism if terms aren’t met within the plan’s timeframe.
  • The act provides a defined distribution sequence for sale proceeds and a path to terminate the receivership following a compliant sale.
  • Effective date: upon passage.

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Could shorten the timeline to redevelop blighted properties by enabling by-right zoning for ESS and renewables, potentially attracting investments.
  • Introduces incentives for buyers to incorporate affordable housing, energy efficiency, or energy storage in redevelopment.
  • Shifts some administrative burden to ensure title clearance and lien priority can be effectively addressed during sale.
  • Expands the reuse options for contaminated or abandoned properties, aligning environmental remediation with renewable energy deployment.

Note: The summary reflects the bill text as introduced and scheduled actions; any amendments during the legislative process could modify these provisions.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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