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HB 7296

AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- LOW AND MODERATE INCOME HOUSING--PARKING SPACES

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jay Edwards

Rhode Island bill allows municipalities to reduce parking requirements for low- and moderate-income housing to lower construction costs and increase affordable housing supply.

04/10/2026 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (04/15/2026)
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Bill Summary · HB 7296

Legislative bill overview

HB 7296 modifies parking requirements for low and moderate-income housing developments in Rhode Island municipalities. The bill allows towns and cities to reduce or waive parking space mandates for affordable housing projects, potentially making such developments more feasible and cost-effective.

Why is this important

Parking requirements significantly increase construction costs for housing—often $4,000-$6,000 per space—which directly raises housing prices and reduces affordability. By allowing flexibility on parking for low-income housing, this bill aims to lower development costs and increase the supply of affordable units in communities where housing shortages are acute.

Potential points of contention

  • Parking availability concerns: Reducing parking spaces may create spillover parking issues in residential neighborhoods, particularly in areas with inadequate public transit, displacing the problem to surrounding streets
  • Municipal control variation: Allowing local discretion means some communities may still impose strict requirements, limiting the bill's statewide impact on affordable housing creation
  • Long-term equity questions: Affordable housing residents may face higher costs or inconvenience if they cannot access adequate parking, potentially creating a two-tiered system based on income

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

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