RI
Rhode Island House Bill H7297
Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session
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Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H7297

Introduced
1/23/26  

Caption

Sets timelines for Tiverton's new construction, including one year for final approval, two (2) years for building permits, and temporary inclusion of units in the town's count until completion or three (3) years, whichever comes first.

Impact

The enactment of H7297 will have a significant effect on local housing development policies, particularly by setting clear timeframes that the town must adhere to during the construction approval process. The ability for the town to count approved units, including any bonus units, against its housing inventory even while construction is ongoing, encourages developers to initiate projects. This provision is designed to help Tiverton meet its housing goals without being bogged down by bureaucratic delays, which have traditionally hindered timely compliance with housing demands.

Summary

House Bill H7297, also referred to as the Tiverton's New Construction Projects Act, is a legislative measure introduced to streamline the approval process for new construction projects within the town of Tiverton. The bill establishes strict timelines for the different phases of development, mandating that the period from preliminary approval to final approval does not exceed one year, and from final approval to the issuance of building permits should not exceed two years. This aims to enhance efficiency in the construction approval process and facilitate timely housing development in the community.

Contention

While the bill is primarily aimed at fostering development, it may raise concerns among local stakeholders regarding the balance between rapid construction approvals and community oversight. Critics may argue that such tight deadlines could pressure the town to overlook essential zoning laws and environmental assessments, potentially leading to negative impacts on community planning and local regulations. While the bill has its supporters who are eager for economic growth and increased housing availability, these points of contention are crucial as the community grapples with the implications of H7297.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H6185

Sets timelines for Tiverton's new construction, including one year for final approval, two (2) years for building permits, and temporary inclusion of units in the town's count until completion or three (3) years, whichever comes first.

RI S1109

Allows the town of Tiverton, with an aggregate of five hundred (500) or more units proposed in a comprehensive permit project, to enact a short-term emergency moratorium until the permit laws are amended.

RI H5450

Provides that no city or town may issue a permit for the construction of new buildings, that are not an all-electric building, if the initial application for a permit was submitted after December 31, 2026, unless certain circumstances apply.

RI H5100

Authorizes municipalities to make an emergency declaration under limited circumstances to allow for the construction and use of SAVE Units on a temporary basis which have specialized requirements and exemptions from the state fire and building codes.

RI S0501

Authorizes municipalities to make an emergency declaration under limited circumstances to allow for the construction and use of SAVE Units on a temporary basis which have specialized requirements and exemptions from the state fire and building codes.

RI H5757

Caps delinquent tax interest rate at 12%. Prohibits audits beyond 3 years from date of tax filing, 7 years for fraudulent filings, and in no event beyond 10 years from date of filing or required filing date, whichever is later.

RI S0655

Caps delinquent tax interest rate at 12%. Prohibits audits beyond 3 years from date of tax filing, 7 years for fraudulent filings, and in no event beyond 10 years from date of filing or required filing date, whichever is later.

RI H6178

Prohibits applications filed in the town of Tiverton, for comprehensive permit projects, for low and moderate income housing, to include accessory dwelling units.

RI S1098

Prohibits applications filed in the town of Tiverton, for comprehensive permit projects, for low and moderate income housing, to include accessory dwelling units.

RI H6177

Provides that comprehensive permit projects in Tiverton, involving property not connected to either public water or sewer or both, and for which the property is considered hydric said land be excluded from the building land calculation.

Similar Bills

RI S1112

Restates the UTGR Master Contract and the Twin River-Tiverton Master Contract and would consolidate the marketing program of each into the Consolidated Marketing Program.

RI S2677

Restates the UTGR Master Contract and the Twin River-Tiverton Master Contract and consolidates the marketing program of each into the Consolidated Marketing Program.

RI H8150

Restates the UTGR Master Contract and the Twin River-Tiverton Master Contract and consolidates the marketing program of each into the Consolidated Marketing Program.

RI S0201

Validates and ratifies the amendments to the Tiverton Home Rule Charter which were approved by the electors of the town of Tiverton on November 5, 2024.

RI H6111

Validates and ratifies the amendments to the Tiverton Home Rule Charter which were approved by the electors of the town of Tiverton on November 5, 2024.

RI S2580

Sets timelines for Tiverton's new construction, including one year for final approval, two (2) years for building permits, and temporary inclusion of units in the town's count until completion or three (3) years, whichever comes first.

RI H6185

Sets timelines for Tiverton's new construction, including one year for final approval, two (2) years for building permits, and temporary inclusion of units in the town's count until completion or three (3) years, whichever comes first.

RI S1109

Allows the town of Tiverton, with an aggregate of five hundred (500) or more units proposed in a comprehensive permit project, to enact a short-term emergency moratorium until the permit laws are amended.