Provides that minor subdivisions include single family infill subdivisions and establishes procedures for single family infill subdivisions within the subdivision of land chapter of the general laws.
Impact
The proposed changes under H8007 are projected to have significant implications for state housing policy. By easing regulations surrounding the subdivision of land for single-family homes, the bill could encourage increased residential development in urban areas, potentially addressing housing shortages. The bill outlines specific conditions for infill subdivisions, including requirements on lot size compared to surrounding properties, which aims to ensure that new developments maintain compatibility with existing neighborhoods.
Summary
House Bill H8007 proposes to amend existing state laws regarding the subdivision of land, specifically incorporating provisions for single-family infill subdivisions. This allows for the subdivision of existing lots into minor subdivisions provided that certain conditions are met, such as limits on the size and number of resultant lots. The bill aims to promote more efficient use of land in urban areas by enabling the development of single-family homes in spaces that may currently be underutilized or vacant.
Contention
However, the bill may face contention regarding its impact on local control over land use and the ability of municipalities to make decisions that best suit their specific community needs. Proponents argue that the regulatory changes will simplify the development process and promote housing supply. Conversely, opponents may claim that the bill undermines municipal authority to regulate land use effectively, leading to potential conflicts between community standards and state-level regulations.
Provides that minor subdivisions would include oversized lot subdivisions under certain circumstances and relative to zoning ordinances, permit a modification to allow "neighborhood character-based modifications" under certain circumstances.
Provides that minor subdivisions would include oversized lot subdivisions under certain circumstances and relative to zoning ordinances, permit a modification to allow "neighborhood character-based modifications" under certain circumstances.
Requires cities and towns to permit attached single-family dwellings in any residential zoning districts and each such dwelling would be entitled to its own parcel thorough subdivision regardless lot size or base zone standards.
Requires single-family residential zoning in municipalities with populations of over forty-thousand (40,000) to allow middle housing and mandates that those municipalities adopt zoning regulations for middle housing.
Allows the applicant for a land development project to utilize the administrative subdivision process established under 45-23-37 to request approval of a proposed subdivision of an oversized lot.
Allows the applicant for a land development project to utilize the administrative subdivision process established under 45-23-37 to request approval of a proposed subdivision of an oversized lot.
Adds the process of permitting the construction of attached single-family dwellings in identified zoning districts as a factor that zoning ordinances must address.
Adds a definition for "co-living housing" to the zoning ordinance provisions of the general laws and would include such housing as a special provision to be included in a zoning ordinance.