AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- SUBDIVISION OF LAND

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jake Bissaillon

Expands minor land development to include single family infill subdivisions, creating a streamlined process for small in-fill projects within existing developed areas.

05/21/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study

Main purpose and intent

Clarify and expand the scope of minor land development to encompass single family infill subdivisions.

Provide dedicated definitions and procedures for reviewing this subset of subdivisions within the existing land development and subdivision framework.

Create a streamlined, predictable process for minor developments that occur within already developed areas, aiming to reduce regulatory friction while preserving consistency with state planning and zoning laws.

Key provisions and changes

Section 45-23-32 (Definitions) is amended to establish and emphasize the meanings of terms used in this chapter, including explicit references to administrative officers, boards of appeal, and process-related terms.

Introduces and defines minor land development in a manner that includes single family infill subdivisions as a subset of minor subdivisions.

Maintains existing thresholds and criteria for minor land development, while adding the specific case of single family infill subdivisions as a permissible minor development category.

Reiterates the procedural framework for minor versus major land development:

Minor land development: review process defined in § 45-23-38, applicable to certain small-scale projects with specified thresholds.
Major land development: review process defined in § 45-23-39 for larger projects exceeding minor thresholds.

Keeps the established criteria for “buildable lots,” environmental and physical constraints, dedication options, development plans, and the roles of administrative officers, planning boards, and technical review committees intact, but expands applicability to include infill single family subdivisions under the minor category.

Who/what is affected

Municipalities (cities/towns) in Rhode Island that regulate land development and subdivision.

Developers and property owners seeking to subdivide land in already developed areas, particularly for single family infill projects.

Local planning boards, administrative officers, and boards of appeal who administer and decide on subdivision applications.

Local regulations and ordinances relating to minor subdivision review, master planning, public hearings, and improvement guarantees.

Procedural and timeline aspects

The act is prospective and takes effect upon passage.

It preserves the existing two-track system (minor vs. major subdivisions) and associated review processes, now explicitly including single family infill subdivisions under the minor track.

Public hearing and notice requirements remain governed by § 45-23-42 as applicable to minor subdivisions, with the same general administrative oversight by the planning board and administrative officer.

The definitions section consolidates terminology to support consistent application across local regulations, ordinances, and rules.

Practical implications

Streamlined approval for single family infill subdivisions could shorten timelines and reduce regulatory hurdles for small-scale infill projects.

Local communities retain oversight and standards to ensure consistency with the comprehensive plan, environmental constraints, and infrastructure considerations.

Property developers may benefit from clarified thresholds and processes, while homeowners may see more opportunities for infill housing within existing neighborhoods.

Bill