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SB 2583

AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- RHODE ISLAND COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING AND LAND USE ACT--COMPREHENSIVE PERMITS PROHIBITED IN WATERSHED OVERLAY PROTECTION

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Lou DiPalma and 1 co-sponsor

In Tiverton, comprehensive permits are prohibited within watershed overlay protection districts to safeguard water resources.

05/12/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
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Bill Summary · SB 2583

Overview

  • Bill: SB 2583
  • Session: 2026
  • Jurisdiction: Rhode Island
  • Title: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- RHODE ISLAND COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING AND LAND USE ACT--COMPREHENSIVE PERMITS PROHIBITED IN WATERSHED OVERLAY PROTECTION
  • Introduced by: Senators Felag and DiPalma
  • Status: Referred to Senate Housing & Municipal Government; scheduled for hearing/consideration (date TBD)
  • Effective date: Upon passage

Purpose and intent

The bill amends the Rhode Island Comprehensive Planning and Land Use Act to:
- Create or reinforce protections for watershed areas by prohibiting comprehensive permits in watershed overlay protection districts.
- Specifically restricts the issuance of comprehensive permits in Tiverton's watershed overlay protection districts.

Key provisions

  1. Definitions (Section 1)

  2. The act broadens and clarifies terms related to land use planning, including:

    • Watershed: defined as a land area that drains into rivers and public water supplies.
    • Watershed overlay protection district: a zoning designation providing stricter rules to protect water resources within a watershed.
    • Other terms (e.g., comprehensive plan, overlay district, wetlands, floodplains) aligned with existing planning framework.

  3. Prohibition of comprehensive permits in Tiverton (Section 2)

  4. Adds a new section (45-53-11.1) to the Low and Moderate Income Housing statute.

  5. In the town of Tiverton, no applications may be issued, authorized, or permitted for a comprehensive permit under the Rhode Island Comprehensive Planning and Land Use Regulation Act (chapter 22.2 of title 45) within any watershed overlay protection district.

  6. Effective date (Section 3)

  7. The act takes effect upon passage.

Who/what is affected

  • Geographic focus: Tiverton, Rhode Island.
  • Regulatory impact: Prohibits comprehensive permits (which typically bundle zoning, subdivision and other approvals) in watershed overlay protection districts within Tiverton.
  • Stakeholders affected could include developers seeking housing projects in Tiverton, municipal planning authorities, and residents concerned with watershed protection and water resources.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduced February 13, 2026.
  • Referred to Senate Housing & Municipal Government and scheduled for a hearing/consideration in May 2026 (per action history).
  • The act would take effect immediately upon passage.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Strengthens watershed protection in Tiverton by limiting rapid approvals for development within overlay districts.
  • May affect housing development timelines and planning strategies in Tiverton, particularly for projects seeking comprehensive permits.
  • Aligns with broader goals of protecting water resources and open space by applying stricter regulations in sensitive areas.
  • Not a statewide prohibition; limited to Tiverton’s watershed overlay protection districts.

If you’d like, I can compare this bill to existing Tiverton zoning practices or summarize potential fiscal and environmental implications based on typical watershed protections.

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

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