2025 -- H 5795

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LC002155

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2025

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- ZONING ORDINANCES

     Introduced By: Representatives Spears, Speakman, Donovan, McEntee, Knight, Cotter,
Boylan, Caldwell, Dawson, and O'Brien

     Date Introduced: February 27, 2025

     Referred To: House Judiciary

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Section 45-24-54 of the General Laws in Chapter 45-24 entitled "Zoning

Ordinances" is hereby amended to read as follows:

     45-24-54. Administration — Administration and enforcement of zoning ordinance.

     A zoning ordinance adopted pursuant to this chapter must provide for the administration

and enforcement of its provisions pursuant to this chapter. The zoning ordinance must designate

the local official or agency and specify minimum qualifications for the person or persons charged

with its administration and enforcement, including: (1) the issuing of any required permits or

certificates; (2) collection of required fees; (3) keeping of records showing the compliance of uses

of land; (4) authorizing commencement of uses or development under the provisions of the zoning

ordinance; (5) inspection of suspected violations; (6) issuance of violation notices with required

correction action; (7) collection of fines for violations; and (8) upon written request, issue a zoning

certificate or provide information to the requesting party as to the determination by the official or

agency; and (9) performing any other duties and taking any actions that may be assigned in the

ordinance. In order to provide guidance or clarification, the zoning enforcement officer or agency

shall, upon written request, issue a zoning certificate or provide information to the requesting party

as to the determination by the official or agency A zoning certificate shall be issued within fifteen

(15) twenty (20) days of the written request. In the event that no written response is provided within

that time, the requesting party has the right to appeal to the zoning board of review for the

determination.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- ZONING ORDINANCES

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     This act would amend the administration requirements a zoning ordinance must provide

and/or designate and would require that zoning certificates be issued within twenty (20) days of the

written request.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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LC002155

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