WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 5795

AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- ZONING ORDINANCES

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jennifer Boylan and 9 co-sponsors

Rhode Island HB 5795 Sub A standardizes zoning administration and requires issuing zoning certificates within 20 days of a written request, with an appeal path if delayed.

06/27/2025 Signed by Governor
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 5795

HB 5795 Substitute A – Zoning Ordinances (Rhode Island)

Status: Signed by Governor on 06/27/2025

Introduced: February 27, 2025
Referred to: House Judiciary

Purpose and intent

This substitute amendment modifies how towns and cities administer and enforce zoning ordinances. The core aim is to standardize administrative oversight and ensure timely issuance of zoning certificates or related determinations upon request, thereby promoting predictability in zoning administration for applicants and municipalities.

Key provisions

  • Section 45-24-54(a) – Administration and enforcement

    • Each zoning ordinance must designate a local official or agency responsible for administration and enforcement and specify minimum qualifications for the person(s) charged with these duties.
    • Required duties to be covered include:
    • Issuing permits or certificates
    • Collecting fees
    • Maintaining records showing land-use compliance
    • Authorizing commencement of uses or development
    • Inspecting suspected violations
    • Issuing violation notices and requiring correction
    • Collecting fines for violations
    • Upon written request, issuing a zoning certificate or providing information about the determination
    • Performing other duties as assigned by the ordinance
    • A zoning certificate must be issued within 20 days of a written request. If the official/agency does not respond in writing within that period, the requester may appeal to the zoning board of review under existing procedures (per § 45-24-63).

  • Section 45-24-54(b) – Right to appeal

    • The requester retains the right to appeal the zoning certificate determination under § 45-24-63.

  • Section 2 – Effective date

    • The act takes effect upon passage.

Affected entities and impacts

  • Municipal actors: Zoning officials/enforcement officers and zoning boards of review (local towns and cities must designate qualified staff and follow the new 20-day issuance rule).
  • Applicants and developers: Those seeking zoning certificates or determinations receive a concrete, time-bound timeline and an accessible appeal path if not promptly issued.
  • General administration: Potentially increased accountability and shorter decision cycles for zoning-related requests.

Timeline and implementation considerations

  • Timing: Zoning certificates must be issued within 20 days of a written request; failure to respond triggers an appeal pathway.
  • Effective date: Immediate upon enactment (taken to passage).
  • Administrative impacts: Municipalities may need to adjust staffing, training, and record-keeping practices to meet the 20-day requirement and to ensure compliance with the clarified duties and appeal rights.

Legislative status

  • Senate: Passed Sub A on 06/21/2025
  • House: Passed Sub A in concurrence on 06/21/2025
  • Governor: Signed on 06/27/2025

This bill clarifies administration/enforcement responsibilities and establishes a firm 20-day deadline for zoning certificates, with an appellate route if responses are delayed.

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

Sign in to ask a question.