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SB 276

AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- ZONING ORDINANCES--PROMOTION OF NEIGHBORHOOD CHARACTER AND SMART GROWTH

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jonathon Acosta and 8 co-sponsors

Rhode Island bill balancing neighborhood character preservation with smart growth zoning principles; currently held for further study by housing committee.

05/08/2025 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
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Bill Summary · SB 276

Legislative bill overview

SB 276 is a Rhode Island bill designed to modernize local zoning ordinances to promote neighborhood character preservation while enabling smart growth principles—typically balancing historic preservation with sustainable development and housing diversity. The bill was introduced in February 2025 and referred to the Senate Housing and Municipal Government Committee, which recommended it be held for further study in May 2025.

Why is this important

Zoning ordinances directly shape how communities develop, affecting housing availability, affordability, neighborhood aesthetics, and environmental sustainability. This bill attempts to address the tension between communities' desires to maintain character and the state's broader housing and economic development goals—a conflict playing out in many communities nationwide.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition of "neighborhood character": Communities may interpret this differently, potentially allowing restrictive zoning that limits housing density and diversity under the guise of preservation
  • Smart growth vs. preservation balance: The bill may create conflicting incentives—smart growth typically favors mixed-use, higher-density development while character preservation may favor status quo restrictions
  • Local control vs. state mandate: Municipalities may resist state-level zoning guidance that overrides local decision-making authority or requires expensive ordinance rewrites

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

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