reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
RI Gen L § 45-24-50 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 45 - Towns and Cities|Chapter 45-24 - Zoning Ordinances|Section 45-24-50 - Adoption - Power of council to adopt - Consistency with comprehensive plan.

§ 45-24-50. Adoption — Power of council to adopt — Consistency with comprehensive plan.(a) For the purpose of promoting the public health, safety, morals, and general welfare, a city or town council has the power, in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, to adopt, amend, or repeal, and to provide for the administration, interpretation, and enforcement of, a zoning ordinance. The provisions of a zoning ordinance are stated in text and map(s), and may incorporate charts or other material.(b) A zoning ordinance, and all amendments to it, must be consistent with the city or town's comprehensive plan, as described in chapter 22.2 of this title, and provide for the implementation of the city or town comprehensive plan.(c) A zoning ordinance adopted or amended during the pendency of the approval of a municipality's comprehensive plan must be consistent with that plan, until the zoning ordinance is brought into full compliance with the Comprehensive Planning Act, §  45-22.2-5(a)(4).(d) The city or town must bring the zoning ordinance or amendment into conformance with its comprehensive plan as approved by the chief of the division of planning of the department of administration or the superior court in accordance with its implementation schedule as set forth in said plan.History of Section.P.L. 1991, ch. 307, § 1; P.L. 1995, ch. 247, § 2; P.L. 2011, ch. 215, § 3; P.L. 2011, ch. 313, § 3.
RI Gen L § 45-24-51 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 45 - Towns and Cities|Chapter 45-24 - Zoning Ordinances|Section 45-24-51 - Adoption - Procedure for adoption or amendment.

§ 45-24-51. Adoption — Procedure for adoption or amendment.The city or town shall designate the officer or agency to receive a proposal for adoption, amendment, or repeal of a zoning ordinance or zoning map(s). Immediately upon receipt of the proposal, the officer or agency shall refer the proposal to the city or town council, and to the planning board or commission of the city or town for study and recommendation. The planning board or commission shall, in turn, notify and seek the advice of the city or town planning department, if any, and report to the city or town council within forty-five (45) days after receipt of the proposal, giving its findings and recommendations as prescribed in § 45-24-52. Where a proposal for adoption, amendment, or repeal of a zoning ordinance or zoning map is made by the city or town planning board or commission, the requirements for study by the board may be waived; provided, that the proposal by the planning board includes its findings and recommendations pursuant to § 45-24-52. The city or town council shall hold a public hearing within sixty-five (65) days of receipt of a proposal, giving proper notice as prescribed in § 45-24-53. The city or town council shall render a decision on any proposal within forty-five (45) days after the date of completion of the public hearing. The provisions of this section pertaining to deadlines shall not be construed to apply to any extension consented to by an applicant.History of Section.P.L. 1991, ch. 307, § 1.
RI Gen L § 45-24-52 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 45 - Towns and Cities|Chapter 45-24 - Zoning Ordinances|Section 45-24-52 - Adoption - Review by planning board or commission.

§ 45-24-52. Adoption — Review by planning board or commission.Among its findings and recommendations to the city or town council with respect to a proposal for adoption, amendment, or repeal of a zoning ordinance or zoning map, the planning board or commission shall:(1) Include a statement on the general consistency of the proposal with the comprehensive plan of the city or town, including the goals and policies statement, the implementation program, and all other applicable elements of the comprehensive plan; and(2) Include a demonstration of recognition and consideration of each of the applicable purposes of zoning, as presented in § 45-24-30.History of Section.P.L. 1991, ch. 307, § 1.
RI Gen L § 45-24-54 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 45 - Towns and Cities|Chapter 45-24 - Zoning Ordinances|Section 45-24-54 - Administration - Administration and enforcement of zoning ordinance.

§ 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) 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 within fifteen (15) 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.History of Section.P.L. 1991, ch. 307, § 1.
RI Gen L § 45-24-55 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 45 - Towns and Cities|Chapter 45-24 - Zoning Ordinances|Section 45-24-55 - Administration - Maintenance of zoning ordinance.

§ 45-24-55. Administration — Maintenance of zoning ordinance.The city or town clerk is the custodian of the zoning ordinance and zoning map or maps created under the ordinance. A zoning ordinance designates:(1) The officer(s) or agency(ies) responsible for the maintenance and update of the text and zoning map comprising the zoning ordinance. Changes which impact the zoning map shall be depicted on the map within ninety (90) days of the authorized change(s); and(2) The office or agency responsible for the review of the zoning ordinance at reasonable intervals; and, whenever changes are made to the comprehensive plan of the city or town, for the identification of any changes necessary and for the forwarding of these changes to the city or town council.History of Section.P.L. 1991, ch. 307, § 1.
RI Gen L § 45-24-57 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 45 - Towns and Cities|Chapter 45-24 - Zoning Ordinances|Section 45-24-57 - Administration - Powers and duties of zoning board of review.

§ 45-24-57. Administration — Powers and duties of zoning board of review.A zoning ordinance adopted pursuant to this chapter shall provide that the zoning board of review shall:(1) Have the following powers and duties:(i) To hear and decide appeals within sixty-five (65) days of the date of the filing of the appeal where it is alleged there is an error in any order, requirement, decision, or determination made by an administrative officer or agency in the enforcement or interpretation of this chapter, or of any ordinance adopted pursuant hereto;(ii) To hear and decide appeals from a party aggrieved by a decision of an historic district commission, pursuant to §§ 45-24.1-7.1 and 45-24.1-7.2;(iii) To hear and decide appeals where the zoning board of review is appointed as the board of appeals for airport zoning regulations, pursuant to § 1-3-19;(iv) To authorize, upon application, in specific cases of hardship, variances in the application of the terms of the zoning ordinance, pursuant to § 45-24-41;(v) To authorize, upon application, in specific cases, special-use permits, pursuant to § 45-24-42, where the zoning board of review is designated as a permit authority for special-use permits;(vi) To refer matters to the planning board or commission, or to other boards or agencies of the city or town as the zoning board of review may deem appropriate, for findings and recommendations;(vii) To provide for the issuance of conditional zoning approvals where a proposed application would otherwise be approved except that one or more state or federal agency approvals that are necessary are pending. A conditional zoning approval shall be revoked in the instance where any necessary state or federal agency approvals are not received within a specified time period; and(viii) To hear and decide other matters, according to the terms of the ordinance or other statutes, and upon which the board may be authorized to pass under the ordinance or other statutes; and(2) Be required to vote as follows:(i) Five (5) active members are necessary to conduct a hearing. As soon as a conflict occurs for a member, that member shall recuse himself or herself, shall not sit as an active member, and shall take no part in the conduct of the hearing. Only five (5) active members are entitled to vote on any issue;(ii) The concurring vote of three (3) of the five (5) members of the zoning board of review sitting at a hearing are necessary to reverse any order, requirement, decision, or determination of any zoning administrative officer from whom an appeal was taken; and(iii) The concurring vote of four (4) of the five (5) members of the zoning board of review sitting at a hearing is required to decide in favor of an applicant on any matter within the discretion of the board upon which it is required to pass under the ordinance, including variances and special-use permits.History of Section.P.L. 1991, ch. 307, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 198, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 217, § 1.
RI Gen L § 45-24-58 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 45 - Towns and Cities|Chapter 45-24 - Zoning Ordinances|Section 45-24-58 - Administration - Application procedure.

§ 45-24-58. Administration — Application procedure.The zoning ordinance establishes the various application procedures necessary for the filing of appeals, requests for variances, special-use permits, development plan reviews, site plan reviews, and other applications that may be specified in the zoning ordinance, with the zoning board of review, consistent with the provisions of this chapter. The zoning ordinance provides for the creation of appropriate forms, and for the submission and resubmission requirements, for each type of application required. A zoning ordinance may establish that a time period of a certain number of months is required to pass before a successive similar application may be filed.History of Section.P.L. 1991, ch. 307, § 1.
RI Gen L § 45-24-59 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 45 - Towns and Cities|Chapter 45-24 - Zoning Ordinances|Section 45-24-59 - Administration - Fees.

§ 45-24-59. Administration — Fees.A zoning ordinance adopted pursuant to this chapter may provide for reasonable fees, in an amount not to exceed actual costs incurred, to be paid by the appellant or applicant for the adequate review and hearing of applications, the issuance of zoning certificates, and for the recording of the decisions.History of Section.P.L. 1991, ch. 307, § 1.
RI Gen L § 45-24-60 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 45 - Towns and Cities|Chapter 45-24 - Zoning Ordinances|Section 45-24-60 - Administration - Violations.

§ 45-24-60. Administration — Violations.(a) A zoning ordinance adopted pursuant to this chapter shall provide for a penalty for any violation of the zoning ordinance, or for a violation of any terms or conditions of any action imposed by the zoning board of review or of any other agency or officer charged in the ordinance with enforcement of any of its provisions. The penalty for the violation must reasonably relate to the seriousness of the offense, and not exceed five hundred dollars ($500) for each violation, and each day of the existence of any violation is deemed to be a separate offense. Any fine shall inure to the city or town.(b) The city or town may also cause suit to be brought in the supreme or superior court, or any municipal court, including a municipal housing court having jurisdiction, in the name of the city or town, to restrain the violation of, or to compel compliance with, the provisions of its zoning ordinance. A city or town may consolidate an action for injunctive relief and/or fines under the ordinance in the superior court of the county in which the subject property is located.History of Section.P.L. 1991, ch. 307, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 511, art. 1, § 21.
RI Gen L § 45-24-61 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 45 - Towns and Cities|Chapter 45-24 - Zoning Ordinances|Section 45-24-61 - Administration - Decisions and records of zoning board of review.

§ 45-24-61. Administration — Decisions and records of zoning board of review.(a) Following a public hearing, the zoning board of review shall render a decision within fifteen (15) days. The zoning board of review shall include in its decision all findings of fact and conditions, showing the vote of each participating member, and the absence of a member or his or her failure to vote. Decisions shall be recorded and filed in the office of the city or town clerk within thirty (30) days from the date when the decision was rendered, and is a public record. The zoning board of review shall keep written minutes of its proceedings, showing the vote of each member upon each question, or, if absent or failing to vote, indicating that fact, and shall keep records of its examinations, findings of fact, and other official actions, all of which shall be recorded and filed in the office of the zoning board of review in an expeditious manner upon completion of the proceeding. For any proceeding in which the right of appeal lies to the superior or supreme court, the zoning board of review shall have the minutes taken either by a competent stenographer or recorded by a sound-recording device.(b) Any decision by the zoning board of review, including any special conditions attached to the decision, shall be mailed within one business day of recording, by any method that provides confirmation of receipt to the applicant, to any objector who has filed a written request for notice with the zoning enforcement officer, and to the zoning enforcement officer of the city or town. Any decision evidencing the granting of a variance, modification, or special use shall also be recorded in the land evidence records of the city or town and mailed within one business day of recording, by any method that provides confirmation of receipt, to the applicant, to any objector who has filed a written request for notice with the zoning enforcement officer, and to the zoning officer. A copy of the recorded decision shall be mailed within one business day of recording, by any method that provides confirmation of receipt, to the applicant, and to any objector who has filed a written request for notice with the zoning enforcement officer, as well as a copy to the zoning enforcement officer.History of Section.P.L. 1991, ch. 307, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 57, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 296, § 1; P.L. 2002, ch. 181, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 198, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 217, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 109, § 2; P.L. 2017, ch. 175, § 2.
RI Gen L § 45-24-61.1 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 45 - Towns and Cities|Chapter 45-24 - Zoning Ordinances|Section 45-24-61.1 - Procedure - Tolling of expiration periods.

§ 45-24-61.1. Procedure — Tolling of expiration periods.(a) Notwithstanding any other provision set forth in this chapter, all periods pertaining to the expiration of any approval issued pursuant to the local ordinances promulgated under this chapter shall be tolled until June 30, 2017. For the purposes of this section, "tolling" shall mean the suspension or temporary stopping of the running of the applicable permit or approval period.(b) Said tolling need not be recorded in the land evidence records to be valid; however, a notice of the tolling must be posted in the municipal planning department, and near the land evidence records.(c) The tolling shall apply only to approvals or permits in effect on November 9, 2009, and those issued between November 9, 2009, and June 30, 2017, and shall not revive expired approvals.(d) The expiration dates for all permits and approvals issued before the tolling period began will be recalculated as of July 1, 2017, by adding thereto the number of days between November 9, 2009, and the day on which the permit or approval would otherwise have expired. The expiration dates for all permits and approvals issued during the tolling period will be recalculated as of July 1, 2017, by adding thereto the number of days between the day the permit or approval was issued and the day the permit or approval otherwise would have expired.History of Section.P.L. 2009, ch. 198, § 3; P.L. 2009, ch. 199, § 3; P.L. 2010, ch. 209, § 2; P.L. 2010, ch. 215, § 2; P.L. 2011, ch. 56, § 3; P.L. 2011, ch. 65, § 3; P.L. 2013, ch. 137, § 3; P.L. 2013, ch. 184, § 3; P.L. 2015, ch. 103, § 3; P.L. 2015, ch. 114, § 3; P.L. 2016, ch. 117, § 2; P.L. 2016, ch. 118, § 2.
RI Gen L § 45-24-62 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 45 - Towns and Cities|Chapter 45-24 - Zoning Ordinances|Section 45-24-62 - Administration - Judicial aid in enforcement.

§ 45-24-62. Administration — Judicial aid in enforcement.The supreme court and the superior court, within their respective jurisdictions, or any justice of either of those courts in vacation, shall, upon due proceedings in the name of the city or town, instituted by its city or town solicitor, have power to issue any extraordinary writ or to proceed according to the course of law or equity or both:(1) To restrain the erection, alteration, or use of any building, structure, sign, or land erected, altered, or used in violation of the provisions of any zoning ordinance enacted under the authority of this chapter, and to order its removal or abatement as a nuisance;(2) To compel compliance with the provisions of any zoning ordinance enacted under the authority of this chapter;(3) To order the removal by the property owner of any building, structure, sign, or improvement existing in violation of any zoning ordinance enacted under the provisions of this chapter and to authorize some official of the city or town, in the default of the removal by the owner, to remove it at the expense of the owner;(4) To order the reimbursement for any work or materials done or furnished by or at the cost of the city or town;(5) To order restoration by the owner, where practicable; and/or(6) To issue fines and other penalties.History of Section.P.L. 1991, ch. 307, § 1.
RI Gen L § 45-24-63 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 45 - Towns and Cities|Chapter 45-24 - Zoning Ordinances|Section 45-24-63 - Appeals - Right of appeal.

§ 45-24-63. Appeals — Right of appeal.(a) A zoning ordinance adopted pursuant to this chapter shall provide that an appeal from any decision of an administrative officer or agency charged in the ordinance with the enforcement of any of its provisions may be taken to the zoning board of review by an aggrieved party.(b) A zoning ordinance adopted pursuant to this chapter shall provide that an appeal from a decision of the zoning board of review may be taken by an aggrieved party to the superior court for the county in which the city or town is situated.History of Section.P.L. 1991, ch. 307, § 1.
RI Gen L § 45-24-64 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 45 - Towns and Cities|Chapter 45-24 - Zoning Ordinances|Section 45-24-64 - Appeals - Appeals to zoning board of review.

§ 45-24-64. Appeals — Appeals to zoning board of review.An appeal to the zoning board of review from a decision of any other zoning enforcement agency or officer may be taken by an aggrieved party. The appeal shall be taken within a reasonable time of the date of the recording of the decision by the zoning enforcement officer or agency by filing with the officer or agency from whom the appeal is taken and with the zoning board of review a notice of appeal specifying the ground of the appeal. The officer or agency from whom the appeal is taken shall immediately transmit to the zoning board of review all the papers constituting the record upon which the action appealed from was taken. Notice of the appeal shall also be transmitted to the planning board or commission.History of Section.P.L. 1991, ch. 307, § 1.
RI Gen L § 45-24-65 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 45 - Towns and Cities|Chapter 45-24 - Zoning Ordinances|Section 45-24-65 - Appeals - Stay of proceedings.

§ 45-24-65. Appeals — Stay of proceedings.An appeal shall stay all proceedings in furtherance of the action appealed from, unless the zoning enforcement officer or agency from whom the appeal is taken certifies to the zoning board of review, after an appeal has been filed, that by reason of facts stated in the certificate a stay would in the officer's or agency's opinion cause imminent peril to life or property. In that case, proceedings shall not be stayed other than by a restraining order, which may be granted by a court of competent jurisdiction on application and upon notice to the officer or agency from whom the appeal is taken on due cause shown.History of Section.P.L. 1991, ch. 307, § 1.
RI Gen L § 45-24-66 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 45 - Towns and Cities|Chapter 45-24 - Zoning Ordinances|Section 45-24-66 - Appeals - Public hearing by zoning board of review.

§ 45-24-66. Appeals — Public hearing by zoning board of review.The zoning board of review shall fix a reasonable time for the hearing of the appeal, and shall give public notice, at least fourteen (14) days prior to the date of the hearing in a newspaper of general circulation in the city or town. Notice of the hearing, which shall include the street address of the subject property, shall be sent by first class mail, postage prepaid, to the appellant and to those requiring notice under § 45-24-53. The zoning board of review shall decide the matter within a reasonable time. Upon the hearing, any party may appear in person or by agent or by attorney. The cost of any notice required for the hearing shall be borne by the appellant.History of Section.P.L. 1991, ch. 307, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 209, § 1.
RI Gen L § 45-24-67 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 45 - Towns and Cities|Chapter 45-24 - Zoning Ordinances|Section 45-24-67 - Appeals - Participation in zoning hearing.

§ 45-24-67. Appeals — Participation in zoning hearing.Participation in a zoning hearing or other proceeding by a party is not a cause for civil action or liability except for acts not in good faith, intentional misconduct, a knowing violation of law, transactions where there is an improper personal benefit, or malicious, wanton, or willful misconduct.History of Section.P.L. 1991, ch. 307, § 1.
RI Gen L § 45-24-68 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 45 - Towns and Cities|Chapter 45-24 - Zoning Ordinances|Section 45-24-68 - Appeals - Decisions and records of zoning board of review.

§ 45-24-68. Appeals — Decisions and records of zoning board of review.In exercising its powers the zoning board of review may, in conformity with the provisions of this chapter, reverse or affirm wholly or partly and may modify the order, requirement, decision, or determination appealed from and may make any orders, requirements, decisions, or determinations that ought to be made, and to that end has the powers of the officer from whom the appeal was taken. All decisions and records of the zoning board of review respecting appeals shall conform to the provisions of § 45-24-61.History of Section.P.L. 1991, ch. 307, § 1.