AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- ZONING ORDINANCES (Allows the operation of a home-based business, which meets criteria for home office IRS income tax deduction, without securing approval from the municipality with no storage of chemicals/park heavy equipment/not more than 10% of premises used for parking.)

H7375

2026 -- H 7375
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LC004323
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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026
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A N A C T
RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- ZONING ORDINANCES

Introduced By:
Representatives Place, Hopkins, Santucci, and Chippendale

Date Introduced:
January 28, 2026

Referred To:
House Municipal Government & Housing
It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:
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SECTION 1. Chapter 45-24 of the General Laws entitled "Zoning Ordinances" is hereby
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amended by adding thereto the following section:
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45-24-37.1. Home-based businesses.

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Notwithstanding any zoning or other municipal ordinance to the contrary, any individual
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operating a home-based business which meets the criteria provided by the Internal Revenue Code
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for a home office tax deduction, may operate without securing any approvals from their
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municipality; provided, that the home-based business does not store chemicals, other hazardous
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materials, or park heavy equipment on the premises, and not more than ten percent (10%) of the
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premises are used for parking in connection with the operation of the home-based business.
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SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.
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LC004323
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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 allow the operation of a home-based business, as long as it meets the criteria
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for a home office IRS income tax deduction, without securing any approvals from the municipality.
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The business may not store chemicals or other hazardous materials, may not park heavy equipment
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and not more than ten percent (10%) of the premises is used for parking, notwithstanding any
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contrary zoning law or ordinance.
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This act would take effect upon passage.
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LC004323
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