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SB 2584

AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- HOME-FIT DWELLING UNITS

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jake Bissaillon and 2 co-sponsors

Rhode Island requires new covered 4+ unit developments with state involvement to include at least 10% Type A and 25% Type B Home-Fit accessible units, with waivers for technical in

06/09/2026 Committee recommends passage
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Bill Summary · SB 2584

Overview

SB 2584 (Rhode Island, 2026) creates a new framework for “Home-Fit Dwelling Units.” The goal is to ensure new housing developments designated as covered units incorporate design features that promote accessibility and ease of use for people of all ages and abilities. The act applies to specific new construction starting July 1, 2027, and establishes standards, waivers, disclosures, and reporting requirements to implement and monitor the program.

Main Purpose and Intent

  • To require a portion of new covered dwelling units to meet accessibility/design standards (Type A and Type B) in order to promote safer, more usable homes for residents with disabilities or mobility needs, as well as aging populations.
  • To provide a pathway for waivers where strict compliance is technically infeasible due to site or structural constraints, while maintaining a formal process and accountability.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Defining scope and terms (Chapter 24.8):
    • Covered dwelling unit: new developments with four or more units, built on or funded by state money or land conveyed by the state or a quasi-state entity, and permitted on or after July 1, 2027.
    • Type A and Type B design provisions: drawn from ICC A117.1-2017 (ANSI A117.1-2017) design standards as incorporated in Rhode Island’s building code.
    • Home-fit: units designed and constructed to be safe and convenient for users regardless of age or ability.
  • Requirements (45-24.8-3):
    • At least 10% of units must follow Type A standards.
    • At least an additional 25% of units must follow Type B standards.
    • Compliant units may be labeled as “Home-Fit dwelling units.”
    • Units permitted before the effective date are not retroactively required.
    • Standards supplement existing codes and take precedence in case of conflict; alternative designs are allowed if they provide equal or greater accessibility.
  • Seller disclosure (45-24.8-4):
    • Disclose in writing at first conveyance whether the unit complies with Type A or Type B provisions.
  • Exceptions and waivers (45-24.8-5, 45-24.8-7):
    • Municipal building officials may grant waivers if compliance is technically infeasible due to site, structural, or topographical constraints (not merely due to cost or profitability).
    • Criteria for waivers and appeals must be developed by the executive office of housing, the state building code commission, and municipalities; draft criteria open for 30 days of public comment (Nov 1, 2027), with a final framework due by Dec 31, 2028, effective July 1, 2029.
    • Permit issuance cannot proceed for non-compliant covered units after the effective date unless a waiver is granted and aligns with the waiver.
    • If criteria are not adopted by end of 2028, Type A and B apply without waivers until criteria are adopted.
  • Implementation (45-24.8-6):
    • OEH, along with the state building code commission and municipalities, will develop waiver criteria and appeal criteria, publish draft for public comment, and establish final criteria with timelines.
  • Reporting (45-24.8-7):
    • Municipalities must report annually on permits, certificates of occupancy for Type A and Type B units, and waivers granted, including reasons.
    • OEH must provide an annual report to the General Assembly starting Oct 1, 2028.
    • Building code commission must report on appeals related to Type A and Type B units and outcomes, including reasons for decisions.
  • Effective date (Section 2):
    • Takes effect upon passage for rulemaking and implementation; applies to covered dwelling units permitted on or after July 1, 2027.

Who Is Affected

  • Developers and builders of new covered dwelling units (4+ units) that receive state financial assistance or are on state-owned land/post-state conveyance.
  • Municipalities and local permitting authorities responsible for issuing permits and certificates of occupancy.
  • The Rhode Island Executive Office of Housing, the State Building Code Commission, and local officials who implement waivers, appeals, and reporting.
  • Home buyers or renters in covered developments will be impacted by the disclosure requirements and by the prevalence of Home-Fit units.

Procedural and Timeline Highlights

  • Public comment window for waiver criteria: begins by November 1, 2027, lasting 30 days.
  • Final criteria due: December 31, 2028.
  • Implementation of criteria and effectiveness: July 1, 2029.
  • Annual data reporting begins July 1, 2028, with Assembly reporting starting October 1, 2028.
  • If criteria are not adopted by end of 2028, waivers are paused and Type A/B requirements apply strictly until criteria are established.

Notes for Readers

  • The act explicitly ties the Home-Fit standards to existing ICC A117.1-2017 provisions, ensuring alignment with recognized accessibility design standards.
  • Waivers are designed to be narrowly limited to technical infeasibility, with a formal process and public input to balance accessibility goals with site realities.

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

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