Requires owners of accessory dwelling units that are not occupied by family members be permitted to charge only affordable rental rates.
Impact
This bill significantly alters the existing regulatory framework governing ADUs by standardizing how local governments must handle applications and requirements for these units. By prohibiting municipalities from imposing stringent conditions—such as high application fees or excessive parking requirements—the bill seeks to eliminate barriers to the construction of ADUs. It emphasizes affordability by ensuring that ADUs not occupied by family members are rented at rates compliant with local affordable housing provisions, thus addressing housing shortages in many areas.
Summary
Senate Bill 2043, introduced in 2026, aims to amend existing laws concerning accessory dwelling units (ADUs) by mandating that municipalities allow their development under specific conditions. The bill allows one ADU per lot by right, particularly on owner-occupied properties or on larger residential lots. It sets uniform design standards for these units, including minimum size requirements and prohibits excessive restrictions by municipalities. The intent is to simplify the process for homeowners wishing to build ADUs, fostering increased availability of affordable housing options across the state.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding SB 2043 relate to concerns about local control and the potential impact on community character. Critics argue that the bill undermines local governance by overriding local zoning laws and policies tailored to specific community needs. Some local officials fear that the proliferation of ADUs could alter neighborhood dynamics and infrastructure demands. Proponents, however, contend that the bill will provide crucial solutions to housing shortages and improve accessibility for families seeking affordable living arrangements, balancing community needs with housing availability.
Permit but not mandate, a municipality to allow certain requirements as exceptions to statewide treatment of ADUs to max of 800 sq. ft., owner, family member and caretaker occupation.
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.
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 the process of permitting the construction of attached single-family dwellings in identified zoning districts as a factor that zoning ordinances must address.
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.
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.
Prohibits applications filed in the town of Tiverton, for comprehensive permit projects, for low and moderate income housing, to include accessory dwelling units.
Prohibits applications filed in the town of Tiverton, for comprehensive permit projects, for low and moderate income housing, to include accessory dwelling units.
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.
Defines a quorum of the building code standards committee be a majority of the current board members and amends the state building code to require that sections provide that dwelling units from one to four (4) units use the international residential code.