House passes Chairman Casey bill to promote
updated municipal comprehensive plans
“This might sound complicated, but it’s really all about cutting red tape so we can build the housing we need without compromising the character of our neighborhoods,” said Representative Casey (D-Dist. 50, Woonsocket).
Municipalities around the state create comprehensive plans that outline future development goals. By law, proposed zoning changes must align with the comprehensive plan. But as populations grow and shift, zoning and development needs can change. If the comprehensive plan is outdated, that restricts growth that would be beneficial for the town and its housing stock.
The bill (2023-H 6085A) would require municipalities to update their comprehensive plan every five years. Any comprehensive plan over 12 years old could not be used as justification to deny zoning changes. Zoning maps would have to come into compliance with the comprehensive plans within 12 months of the plan being adopted.
As Chairman of the House Committee on Municipal Government and Housing, Representative Casey is playing a key role this year in the House’s efforts to tackle housing costs. Nine of the 14 bills that Speaker Shekarchi (D-Dist. 23, Warwick), Representative Casey and others are proposing to bring down housing costs have been heard in that committee.
“This bill gives cities and towns the power to plan future development, but it doesn’t let decisions from over a decade ago stop necessary growth,” Chairman Casey said. “It’s just part of a full package that will tackle housing costs. We are working hard to make housing more affordable and accessible for people of every income level.”
The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration.
