Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island Senate Bill S3035

Introduced
3/5/26  

Caption

Permits North Providence to require 2 parking spaces for each studio, 1 bedroom, or 2 bedroom low- or moderate-income housing unit upon the determination that limited or no local public transportation or off-street parking is available near these units.

Impact

If enacted, S3035 will directly affect the statutes related to low and moderate-income housing regulations in North Providence. By establishing a requirement for parking spaces, the bill aims to support residents who may rely on personal vehicles due to insufficient public transport options. This could potentially enhance the living conditions for low-income residents, ensuring that they have adequate parking when necessary. However, the actual implementation will depend on how local authorities assess the availability of nearby public transportation services and off-street parking.

Summary

Bill S3035, introduced in the Rhode Island General Assembly, addresses the needs of low and moderate-income housing by permitting the town of North Providence to mandate parking requirements for such housing units. Specifically, the bill allows for two parking spaces to be required for each studio, one-bedroom, or two-bedroom unit when the municipality determines that there is limited or no access to public transportation or off-street parking nearby. The intent of the bill is to improve the accessibility of these housing units for residents without adequate transportation options.

Contention

Despite its potential benefits, there may be points of contention surrounding the bill. Critics may argue that imposing additional parking requirements could increase the overall development costs for new housing projects, thus complicating efforts to provide affordable housing. Conversely, proponents may contend that such regulations are essential in creating practical living conditions for low-income families, especially in areas where public transportation is lacking. The bill does not mention any explicit provisions for mitigating the potential cost increases for developers, which could lead to varying opinions on its overall efficacy.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

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 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 S0503

Create a process to establish a low- or moderate-income housing that exceeds sixty (60) units.

RI S0502

Specifies that low and moderate income housing exists when a city or town has adopted an inclusionary zoning ordinance requiring that all housing developments include at least fifty percent (50%) low or moderate income housing units.

RI H5957

Specifies that low and moderate income housing exists when a city or town has adopted an inclusionary zoning ordinance requiring that all housing developments include at least fifty percent (50%) low or moderate income housing units.

RI H5801

Amends several definitions relating to low- or moderate-income housing as well as the procedure for the approval of low- or moderate-income housing.

RI S1088

Amends several definitions relating to low- or moderate-income housing as well as the procedure for the approval of low- or moderate-income housing.

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 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 H6068

Requires municipalities to report to the RI department of housing regarding single-family low- or moderate-income housing available to rent/own. Information to be made available to the public on the department's website and emailed to interested parties.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.