Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island Senate Bill S2469

Introduced
2/6/26  

Caption

Amends the zoning ordinances to allow the town to restrict occupancy to one unrelated person per bedroom in a dwelling, up to a five (5) bedroom unit. Units with more than five (5) bedrooms may be limited to five (5) unrelated persons per unit.

Impact

If enacted, the bill will lead to a standardization of occupancy regulations at the local level while still preserving some discretion for municipalities to tailor their rules based on community needs. This could have profound implications for areas experiencing a housing crunch and could influence how landlords and developers design new residential projects. Additionally, it may shift the understanding and configuration of co-living situations and shared housing models in urban areas.

Summary

S2469 is a legislative proposal aimed at amending the zoning ordinances concerning occupancy limits within dwellings. The bill stipulates that local municipalities have the authority to determine the maximum number of unrelated individuals who may reside together in a single dwelling. Specifically, it mandates that at least one unrelated person per bedroom must be permitted, with the possibility of a limit of five unrelated persons for housing units containing five or fewer bedrooms. For homes exceeding this bedroom threshold, the occupancy is capped at five unrelated persons, which is a significant consideration for larger family homes and shared living arrangements.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding S2469 involves concerns about local governance and the changing demographics of neighborhoods. Proponents argue that the bill provides necessary flexibility for municipalities to manage housing effectively while preserving the character of local communities. However, opponents raise alarms about potential overcrowding in neighborhood settings, advocating instead for stricter occupancy limits based on local assessments of housing needs and community impacts. The balance between adhering to state regulations and respecting local governance will be a central theme in the ongoing discussions surrounding this legislation.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H6184

Permits Tiverton to require two parking space for each studio, one-bedroom, or two-bedroom low- or moderate-income housing units upon the determination that limited or no local public transportation or off-street parking availability near these units.

RI S1101

Permits Tiverton to require two parking space for each studio, one-bedroom, or two-bedroom low- or moderate-income housing units upon the determination that limited or no local public transportation or off-street parking availability near these units.

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 H6183

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 S1106

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 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 H6214

Allows the town of Tiverton to allow a half (1/2) credit for affordable housing for manufactured homes in age restricted communities in conformance with all zoning laws and/or ordinance of the town.

RI H5798

Adds the process of permitting the construction of attached single-family dwellings in identified zoning districts as a factor that zoning ordinances must address.

RI S1083

Adds the process of permitting the construction of attached single-family dwellings in identified zoning districts as a factor that zoning ordinances must address.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.