AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- RHODE ISLAND COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING AND LAND USE ACT (Allows municipalities to request a one-time, state-approved extension to update comprehensive plans if they show active progress, while keeping the existing plan in effect during the extension period.)

S3092

2026 -- S 3092
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LC005390
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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 -- RHODE ISLAND COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING
AND LAND USE ACT

Introduced By:
Senators LaMountain, and Bissaillon

Date Introduced:
March 13, 2026

Referred To:
Senate Housing & Municipal Government
It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:
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SECTION 1. Chapter 45-22.2 of the General Laws entitled "Rhode Island Comprehensive
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Planning and Land Use Act" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:
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45-22.2-12.1. Extension of municipal comprehensive plan deadlines.

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(a) Upon written request of a city or town, the Rhode Island division of statewide planning
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("the division") may grant an extension of the deadline for the update of a municipal comprehensive
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plan for a period not to exceed twelve (12) months; provided that, the municipality has
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demonstrated active engagement in the comprehensive plan update process, as determined by the
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division, toward the preparation and submission of an update in accordance with this chapter.
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(b) In determining whether a municipality has demonstrated active engagement in the
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update process, the division may consider, but shall not be limited to, whether the municipality has:
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(1) Initiated the comprehensive plan update process;
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(2) Engaged or procured professional planning or consulting services;
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(3) Conducted public outreach, workshops, or hearings;
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(4) Coordinated with state agencies or the division; or
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(5) Submitted draft materials or documentation for preliminary or formal review.
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(c) During any extension granted pursuant to this section, the municipality’s existing
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comprehensive plan shall be deemed to remain in full force and effect for all purposes including,
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but not limited to, zoning consistency, regulatory compliance, and eligibility for state or federal

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funding.
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(d) A municipality may be granted one extension pursuant to this section.
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(e) The division may issue guidance or procedures necessary to implement the provisions
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of this section.
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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 -- RHODE ISLAND COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING
AND LAND USE ACT
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This act would authorize municipalities to request a one-time, state-approved extension of
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the deadline for updating their comprehensive plans, provided the municipality demonstrates active
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engagement in the update process, and to ensure that the existing comprehensive plan remains in
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effect during the extension period.
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This act would take effect upon passage.
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LC005390
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