AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- RHODE ISLAND COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING AND LAND USE ACT

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jennifer Boylan and 1 co-sponsor

Rhode Island may grant a one-time, up to 12-month extension for updating a municipality’s comprehensive plan, keeping the current plan in force during the extension.

03/31/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study

Purpose and Intent

HB 8031 adds a new provision to the Rhode Island Comprehensive Planning and Land Use Act authorizing a one-time extension of the deadline for updating a municipality’s comprehensive plan. The extension is state-approved and aimed at recognizing ongoing, active engagement in the planning process while ensuring continuity of planning and regulatory effectiveness.

Key Provisions

Extension Authority: Cities and towns may request a one-time extension of up to 12 months for updating their municipal comprehensive plan.

Eligibility Criterion: To qualify, a municipality must demonstrate “active engagement” in the update process, as determined by the Rhode Island Division of Statewide Planning.

Criteria for Active Engagement (examples the Division may consider):

Initiation of the comprehensive plan update process.
Engagement or procurement of professional planning or consulting services.
Conducting public outreach, workshops, or hearings.
Coordination with state agencies or the Division.
Submission of draft materials or documentation for preliminary or formal review.

Effect of Extension: During the extension period, the existing comprehensive plan remains in full force for all purposes, including zoning consistency, regulatory compliance, and eligibility for state or federal funding.

One-Time Limitation: A municipality may be granted only one extension under this section.

Guidance and Procedures: The Division may issue guidance or procedures necessary to implement the extension provisions.

Effective Date: The act takes effect upon passage.

Affected Entities

Municipalities: Cities and towns in Rhode Island that are updating their comprehensive plans. The extension is contingent on the municipality’s demonstrated progress and engagement in the process.

State Division of Statewide Planning: Responsible for evaluating eligibility, approving extensions, and issuing guidance.

Timeline and Process

A municipality submits a written request to the Division for an extension.

The Division assesses whether active engagement criteria are met.

If approved, the extension length can be up to 12 months.

The municipality’s existing plan remains in force during the extension.

The extension is a one-time option per municipality.

Practical Implications

Helps municipalities manage potential delays in updating plans without losing regulatory alignment or funding eligibility.

Encourages proactive engagement and use of planning professionals and public participation.

Provides a clear, limited mechanism to pause the clock while planning work continues.

Legislative Status

Introduced February 27, 2026 (Sponsors: Rep. Solomon and Rep. Boylan; Co-sponsors: Rep. Solomon and Rep. Boylan listed).

Referred to House Municipal Government & Housing.

March 31, 2026: Committee recommended holding for further study (no final passage yet as of the latest action).

This bill is designed to offer operational flexibility to municipalities while maintaining core planning and regulatory integrity during the update process.

Bill