reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-21.3 - Death of Other Retired Police Officers and Fire Fighters › Section 45-21.3-1. - Surviving spouse and surviving dependent children.

§ 45-21.3-1. Surviving spouse and surviving dependent children.
Upon the death of any regular and permanent police official, police chief, or police officer, or any regular and permanent fire fighter, fire chief, or fire official who has retired from the service of any city or town which has not accepted chapter 21 or 21.2 of this title, sixty-seven and one-half percent (67½%) of the benefits paid to the retired police officer or fire fighter shall be paid to his or her dependent spouse, for his or her lifetime until he or she remarries, or if there is no spouse or the spouse remarries, then to his or her dependent children until they attain the age of eighteen (18).
History of Section.
P.L. 1975, ch. 81, § 1; P.L. 1976, ch. 185, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-21.3 - Death of Other Retired Police Officers and Fire Fighters › Section 45-21.3-2. - Benefits upon death of active police officers or fire fighters who were eligible to retire at time of death.

§ 45-21.3-2. Benefits upon death of active police officers or fire fighters who were eligible to retire at time of death.
Upon the death of any regular and permanent police official, police chief, or police officer, or any regular and permanent fire fighter, fire chief, or fire fighting official who, at the time of his or her death, was eligible to retire from the service of any city or town which has not accepted the provisions of chapter 21 or 21.2 of this title, then sixty-seven and one-half percent (671/2%) of the benefits that would have been paid to the retired police officer or fire fighter had he or she retired shall be paid to his or her dependent spouse for his or her lifetime until he or she remarries, or if there is no spouse or the spouse remarries, then to his or her dependent children until they attain eighteen (18) years of age.
History of Section.
P.L. 1976, ch. 185, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-21.4 - Relating to Central Falls Pension Plan › Section 45-21.4-1. - Legislative findings.

§ 45-21.4-1. Legislative findings.
The general assembly finds and declares the following:
(1)
All Rhode Islanders deserve retirement security, including those who have spent their careers serving their communities as first responders and municipal employees; and
(2)
The city of Central Falls has shown great resilience in emerging from bankruptcy and thriving economically and culturally against great odds; and
(3)
The bankruptcy occurred in part because the pension plan in Central Falls had become severely underfunded, and as a result many first responders and retirees in the city of Central Falls experienced significant hardship in the form of benefit reductions; and
(4)
The city of Central Falls, the labor organizations representing its first responders, and the state of Rhode Island are united in their desire to see the city of Central Falls remain on the path of fiscal health, and that the predictability and sustainability of the pension system is vital to maintaining fiscal health for the city of Central Falls and retirement security for its first responders and retirees.
(5)
The general assembly adopts this act to facilitate the assistance of the municipal employees’ retirement system of the state of Rhode Island in administering the local Central Falls pension plan.
History of Section.
P.L. 2019, ch. 272, § 3; P.L. 2019, ch. 277, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-21.4 - Relating to Central Falls Pension Plan › Section 45-21.4-4. - Transfer of assets.

§ 45-21.4-4. Transfer of assets.
(a)
Subject to the provisions of §§ 45-21.4-2(b) and 45-21.4-3(b) being met, on December 31, 2019, the system shall be responsible for administering the Central Falls plan, including the administration of any supplemental payments as provided in § 45-21-67, and Central Falls shall transfer to the system the accumulated contributions of each member entering the system and any other assets of the Central Falls plan.
(b)
Beginning January 1, 2020, all appropriations made pursuant to § 45-21-67 shall be appropriated to the system and disbursed by the system in accordance with § 45-21-67.
History of Section.
P.L. 2019, ch. 272, § 3; P.L. 2019, ch. 277, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-21.5 - West Warwick Pension Plan › Section 45-21.5-1. - Legislative findings.

§ 45-21.5-1. Legislative findings.
The general assembly finds and declares the following:
(1)
All Rhode Islanders deserve retirement security, including those who have spent their careers serving their communities as first responders, school, and municipal employees;
(2)
The town of West Warwick’s pension plans are currently in “critical status” as defined in § 45-65-4 which resulted in the town of West Warwick undergoing pension reform in 2014 and the submission of a funding improvement plan in accordance with § 45-65-6;
(3)
The town of West Warwick, the West Warwick school department, the labor and other organizations representing its employees, first responders, and retirees, and the state of Rhode Island are united in their desire to see the town of West Warwick remain on the path of fiscal health, and that the predictability and sustainability of the pension system is vital to maintaining fiscal health for the town of West Warwick and retirement security for its employees, first responders and retirees; and
(4)
The general assembly adopts this chapter to facilitate the assistance of the municipal employees’ retirement system (MERS) of the state of Rhode Island in administering the local West Warwick pension plans.
History of Section.
P.L. 2021, ch. 226, § 1, effective July 8, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 227, § 1, effective July 8, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-21.5 - West Warwick Pension Plan › Section 45-21.5-6. - Transfer of assets.

§ 45-21.5-6. Transfer of assets.
Subject to the provisions of §§ 45-21.5-2(b) and 45-21.5-3(b) being met, no later than July 1, 2022, the system shall be responsible for administering the West Warwick plans and West Warwick shall transfer to the system the accumulated contributions of each member entering the system, the assets related to the actuarial accrued liability of those transferred employees and any other assets of the West Warwick plans.
History of Section.
P.L. 2021, ch. 226, § 1, effective July 8, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 227, § 1, effective July 8, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-21.5 - West Warwick Pension Plan › Section 45-21.5-7. - Funding improvement period.

§ 45-21.5-7. Funding improvement period.
Subject to the provisions of §§ 45-21.5-2(b), 45-21.5-3(b), 45-21.5-4(b), and 45-21.5-5(b) being met, the funding improvement plan submitted by the town of West Warwick on March 29, 2014, shall have a funding improvement period of twenty (20) years for purposes of § 36-10.2-8.
History of Section.
P.L. 2021, ch. 226, § 1, effective July 8, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 227, § 1, effective July 8, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-21.5 - West Warwick Pension Plan › Section 45-21.5-8. - Withdrawal from the municipal employees’ retirement system.

§ 45-21.5-8. Withdrawal from the municipal employees’ retirement system.
Withdrawal of any West Warwick plan that has joined the municipal employee retirement system pursuant to this chapter shall be as provided in § 45-21-5 and subject to §§ 45-21-6 and 45-21-7. Any such withdrawal shall not relieve West Warwick from the liabilities arising from its membership as set forth in § 45-21-5, § 45-21-6, or § 45-21-7.
History of Section.
P.L. 2021, ch. 226, § 1, effective July 8, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 227, § 1, effective July 8, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-22 - Local Planning Board or Commission › Section 45-22-1. - Establishment of a planning board or commission — Home rule charter exempt.

§ 45-22-1. Establishment of a planning board or commission — Home rule charter exempt.
All cities and towns shall, by ordinance, establish a planning board or commission under the provisions of this chapter. Any city or town operating under a home rule charter which provides for the establishment of a planning board or commission may continue under the provisions of that charter, except that the provisions of § 45-22-7, governing the formulation and adoption of a comprehensive plan and the duties of a planning board or commission, apply to all cities and towns.
History of Section.
P.L. 1972, ch. 204, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-22 - Local Planning Board or Commission › Section 45-22-2. - Appointing authority.

§ 45-22-2. Appointing authority.
In cities and towns having an elected mayor or administrator, members of the planning board or commission are appointed by the mayor or administrator with the consent of the city or town council and, in other towns, members are appointed by the town council. Cities and towns operating under a home rule charter may continue the appointment of members in the manner established under that charter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1972, ch. 204, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-22 - Local Planning Board or Commission › Section 45-22-3. - Membership — Continuation of present membership.

§ 45-22-3. Membership — Continuation of present membership.
(a)
A planning board or commission consists of no less than five (5) members, and appointments are made for terms of a length that the terms of no more than one third (⅓) of the members of the board or commission expire each year. Any vacancy occurring in the membership of a planning board or commission shall be filled by the appointing authority for the remainder of the unexpired term. Any member of a planning board or commission may be removed from office by the appointing authority for due cause, following a public hearing.
(b)
Vacancies to the planning board or commission occurring after May 4, 1972, shall be filled in the manner prescribed in this section, except as provided in § 45-22-1 in cities or towns operating under a home rule charter.
(c)
The Hopkinton town council has the right to appoint two (2) alternate members to the Hopkinton planning board and the Exeter town council may appoint two (2) alternate members to the Exeter planning board and the Richmond town council has the right to appoint two (2) alternate members to the Richmond planning board and the Barrington town council has the right to appoint two (2) alternate members to the Barrington planning board.
(d)
The mayor of Johnston shall have the right to appoint two (2) alternate members to the Johnston planning board.
History of Section.
P.L. 1972, ch. 204, § 2; P.L. 1991, ch. 373, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 354, § 48; P.L. 2001, ch. 7, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 46, § 1; P.L. 2002, ch. 79, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 1, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 2, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 157, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 164, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-22 - Local Planning Board or Commission › Section 45-22-4. - Compensation.

§ 45-22-4. Compensation.
The appointing authority may provide and set standards for compensation for members of a planning board or commission within the limitation of funds appropriated for that purpose, and may, within those limits, provide for reimbursement of any expenses incurred by members in the performance of their duties.
History of Section.
P.L. 1972, ch. 204, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-22 - Local Planning Board or Commission › Section 45-22-5. - Organization, technical assistance, and cooperative agreements.

§ 45-22-5. Organization, technical assistance, and cooperative agreements.
(a)
A planning board or commission shall organize annually by electing from its membership a chairperson, a vice chairperson, and a secretary. The board or commission may adopt any procedural rules deemed necessary to the discharge of its duties.
(b)
A planning board or commission may, subject to the approval of the appointing authority and within the limit of funds appropriated to it, enter into cooperative agreements with other city or town, state, regional, or federal agencies or private organizations to undertake studies deemed to be in the best interest of the locality, including cooperative agreements with cities or towns in neighboring states where problems of common interest are deemed to exist. The board or commission may be authorized to accept technical and financial assistance from other public agencies or private organizations, subject to the approval of the appointing authority.
(c)
Within the limit of the funds appropriated to it, a planning board or commission may engage technical or clerical assistance to aid in the discharge of its duties. Where a city or town provides for the establishment of a planning department, responsible to the chief administrative officer or city or town council, the department may, in addition to its other duties, be assigned to provide technical assistance to the planning board or commission and to make studies and prepare plans and reports for the board or commission as provided in § 45-22-7.
History of Section.
P.L. 1972, ch. 204, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-22 - Local Planning Board or Commission › Section 45-22-8. - Reports.

§ 45-22-8. Reports.
A planning board or commission shall report annually to its appointing authority, summarizing its work of the preceding year and recommending programs, plans, and actions for future development. All studies, plans, and reports of the planning board or commission shall be submitted to the appointing authority and to any other designated agency or official, and shall, with the approval of the appointing authority, be published and made available to the public.
History of Section.
P.L. 1972, ch. 204, § 2; P.L. 1985, ch. 181, art. 61, § 25.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-22 - Local Planning Board or Commission › Section 45-22-9. - Effect of chapter.

§ 45-22-9. Effect of chapter.
All local planning boards and commissions affected by the provisions of this chapter shall be reconstituted in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, except as provided in § 45-22-3, with regard to the existing membership of any city or town planning board or commission.
History of Section.
P.L. 1972, ch. 204, § 2; P.L. 1999, ch. 354, § 48.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-22.1 - Joint Municipal Planning Commissions › Section 45-22.1-1. - Declaration of policy.

§ 45-22.1-1. Declaration of policy.
For the purpose of promoting health, safety, morals, and the general welfare of the various areas in the state of Rhode Island through the effective development of these areas, the following powers for the establishment of joint municipal planning commissions are hereby granted.
History of Section.
P.L. 1963, ch. 206, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-22.1 - Joint Municipal Planning Commissions › Section 45-22.1-2. - Creation, appointment, and operation of joint municipal planning commission.

§ 45-22.1-2. Creation, appointment, and operation of joint municipal planning commission.
The governing bodies of two (2) or more municipalities may, by ordinance or resolution, authorize the establishment and participation or membership in, and support of, a joint municipal planning commission. The number and qualifications of the members of the planning commission and their terms and method of appointment or removal shall be determined and agreed upon by the governing bodies. Members of a joint municipal planning commission shall serve without salary but may be paid expenses incurred in the performance of their duties. The joint municipal planning commission shall elect a chairperson whose term does not exceed one year and who is eligible for reelection. The commission may create and fill any other offices that it may determine. Every joint municipal planning commission shall adopt rules for the transaction of business and keep a record of its resolutions, transactions, findings, and determinations, which record is a public record. Each participating or member municipality may, from time to time, upon the request of the joint municipal planning commission, assign or detail to the commission any employees of the municipality to make special surveys or studies.
History of Section.
P.L. 1963, ch. 206, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 301, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-22.1 - Joint Municipal Planning Commissions › Section 45-22.1-3. - Finances, staff, and planning programs.

§ 45-22.1-3. Finances, staff, and planning programs.
(a)
The governing bodies of municipalities have the authority to appropriate funds for the purpose of contributing to the operation of a joint municipal planning commission. A joint municipal planning commission, with the consent of all the governing bodies, may also receive grants from the federal or state governments, or from individuals or foundations, and has the authority to contract with these entities. Every joint municipal planning commission has the power to appoint any employees and staff that it deems necessary for its work, and may contract with planners and other consultants for the services it may require to the extent permitted by its financial resources. A joint municipal planning commission may also prepare and sell maps, reports, bulletins, or other material and establish reasonable charges for these materials.
(b)
A joint municipal planning commission may provide planning assistance and do planning work, including surveys, land use studies, urban renewal plans, technical services, and other elements of comprehensive planning and planning effectuation programs in and for any participating or member municipality, and for this purpose may, with the consent of all the governing bodies, accept and utilize any funds, personnel, or other assistance made available by the federal or state governments or any of their agencies, or from individuals or foundations, and for the purposes of receiving and using federal or state planning grants for the provision of urban planning assistance, may enter into agreements or contracts regarding acceptance or utilization of the funds or assistance.
History of Section.
P.L. 1963, ch. 206, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-22.1 - Joint Municipal Planning Commissions › Section 45-22.1-4. - Preparation of comprehensive plan.

§ 45-22.1-4. Preparation of comprehensive plan.
(a)
Every joint municipal planning commission may prepare and maintain a comprehensive plan, in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, for the guidance of the continuing development of the area encompassed by the participating or member municipalities.
(b)
These plans and recommendations may be concerned with existing and proposed highways, public places, bridges and tunnels, viaducts, parks, parkways, recreation areas, sites for public buildings and structures, land use areas, building and zoning districts, waterways, routes of railroads and buses, location of sewers, water supplies and conduits, and other public utilities of the area.
(c)
The plans and recommendations are advisory and not mandatory for the communities.
History of Section.
P.L. 1963, ch. 206, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-22.1 - Joint Municipal Planning Commissions › Section 45-22.1-5. - Cooperation with joint municipal planning commission — Municipalities and others.

§ 45-22.1-5. Cooperation with joint municipal planning commission — Municipalities and others.
Every joint municipal planning commission shall encourage the cooperation of the participating municipalities in matters which concern the integrity of the comprehensive plan or maps prepared by the commission, and, as an aid toward coordination, all municipalities and public officials shall, upon request, furnish to the joint municipal planning commission within a reasonable time the available maps, plans, reports, statistical, or other information the commission may require for its work.
History of Section.
P.L. 1963, ch. 206, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-22.1 - Joint Municipal Planning Commissions › Section 45-22.1-6. - Interstate participation.

§ 45-22.1-6. Interstate participation.
Wherever a joint municipal planning commission has been or is being established to serve the Rhode Island portion of an area, which for planning purposes constitutes a logical planning area and extends beyond the boundaries of the state, the commission may admit to membership counties or municipalities that are part of the same area but located in other states. Municipalities may participate through membership and financial support in joint municipal planning commissions that have been or are being established in other states when the municipalities are part of the same region served by the out-of-state joint municipal planning commission.
History of Section.
P.L. 1963, ch. 206, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-22.2 - Rhode Island Comprehensive Planning and Land Use Act › Section 45-22.2-1. - Title.

§ 45-22.2-1. Title.
This chapter shall be known as the “Rhode Island Comprehensive Planning and Land Use Regulation Act”.
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 601, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-22.2 - Rhode Island Comprehensive Planning and Land Use Act › Section 45-22.2-2. - Status of comprehensive plans; relation to other statutes.

§ 45-22.2-2. Status of comprehensive plans; relation to other statutes.
(a)
All lawfully adopted comprehensive plans shall remain in full force and effect but shall be brought into conformance with this chapter prior to July 1, 2017.
(b)
Nothing contained in this chapter is construed to supersede or diminish any regulatory or planning authority granted or delegated to a state agency by state or federal statute.
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 601, § 1; P.L. 2011, ch. 215, § 1; P.L. 2011, ch. 313, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 84, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 90, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-22.2 - Rhode Island Comprehensive Planning and Land Use Act › Section 45-22.2-5. - Formulation of comprehensive plans by cities and towns.

§ 45-22.2-5. Formulation of comprehensive plans by cities and towns.
(a)
The comprehensive plan is a statement (in text, maps, illustrations, or other media of communication) that is designed to provide a basis for rational decision making regarding the long-term physical development of the municipality. The definition of goals and policies relative to the distribution of future land uses, both public and private, forms the basis for land use decisions to guide the overall physical, economic, and social development of the municipality.
(b)
There is established a program of local comprehensive planning to address the findings and intent and accomplish the goals of this chapter. Rhode Island’s cities and towns, through the exercise of their power and responsibility pursuant to the general laws, applicable articles of the Rhode Island Constitution, and subject to the express limitations and requirements of this chapter, shall prepare, adopt, amend, and maintain comprehensive plans, including implementation programs, that relate development to land capacity, protect our natural resources, promote a balance of housing choices, encourage economic development, preserve and protect our open space, recreational, historic and cultural resources, provide for orderly provision of facilities and services and are consistent with the goals, findings, intent, and other provisions of this chapter and the laws of the state.
(c)
Each municipality shall ensure that its zoning ordinance and map are consistent with its comprehensive plan.
(d)
Each municipality shall submit to the chief, as provided for in §§ 45-22.2-9 and 45-22.2-12 and the rules promulgated by the state planning council:
(1)
Its locally adopted comprehensive plan;
(2)
Any amendment to its comprehensive plan;
(3)
An informational report on the status of its implementation programs; and
(4)
Its zoning ordinance text and generalized zoning map or maps.
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 601, § 1; P.L. 1991, ch. 112, § 1; P.L. 1991, ch. 307, § 6; P.L. 1999, ch. 354, § 49; P.L. 2011, ch. 215, § 1; P.L. 2011, ch. 313, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-22.2 - Rhode Island Comprehensive Planning and Land Use Act › Section 45-22.2-7. - Coordination of municipal planning activities.

§ 45-22.2-7. Coordination of municipal planning activities.
(a)
A municipality shall exercise its planning authority over the total land and inland water area within its jurisdiction.
(b)
Any combination of contiguous municipalities may, upon formal adoption of an official comprehensive planning and enforcement agreement by the municipal legislative bodies, conduct joint planning and regulatory programs to fulfill the responsibilities established under this chapter. The municipalities shall agree:
(1)
On procedures for joint action in the preparation and adoption of comprehensive plans and land use regulations;
(2)
On the manner of representation on any joint land use body;
(3)
On the amount of contribution from each municipality for any costs incurred in the development of the plan and land use ordinances; and
(4)
On the zoning designation for those areas in contiguous municipalities which border upon each other. The zoning designations for these border areas must be consistent and compatible with the adjacent area in the neighboring community.
(c)
All agreements between municipalities shall be in writing, approved in appropriate official action by the municipal legislative bodies, and forwarded to the director. All joint plans adopted by contiguous municipalities must be submitted to the director for approval.
(d)
All municipalities shall provide for coordinating land uses with contiguous municipalities, other municipalities, and other agencies, as appropriate, including the management of resources and facilities that extend beyond municipal boundaries as rivers, aquifers, transportation facilities, and others. The comprehensive plan shall demonstrate consistency with the comprehensive plans of contiguous municipalities and other municipalities as appropriate.
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 601, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-22.2 - Rhode Island Comprehensive Planning and Land Use Act › Section 45-22.2-9.1. - Appeals.

§ 45-22.2-9.1. Appeals.
(a)
A decision of the chief involving the disapproval of a comprehensive plan or amendment thereto, or rescission in whole or in part, of a plan approval may be appealed by the municipality under the provisions of chapter 35 of title 42, the Administrative Procedures Act, to a hearing officer designated by the director of the department of administration.
(b)
The decision of the hearing officer shall be in writing and shall include findings of fact and conclusions of law as required in § 42-35-12. The chief may, in his or her discretion, adopt, modify, or reject such findings of fact and/or conclusions of law provided; however, that any such modification or rejection of the proposed findings of fact or conclusions of law shall be in writing and shall state the reason therefor. The hearing officer shall not revise the comprehensive plan or amendment thereto, but may suggest alternative language as part of his or her decision.
(c)
A municipality, having exhausted all administrative remedies available within the agency, and who is aggrieved by a final administrative decision is entitled to judicial review under the provisions of § 42-35-15, the Administrative Procedures Act.
History of Section.
P.L. 2011, ch. 215, § 1; P.L. 2011, ch. 313, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-22.2 - Rhode Island Comprehensive Planning and Land Use Act › Section 45-22.2-10. - Coordination of state agencies.

§ 45-22.2-10. Coordination of state agencies.
(a)
State agencies shall develop their respective programs and conduct their respective activities in a manner consistent with the findings, intent, and goals established under this chapter.
(b)
The chief shall develop standards to assist municipalities in the incorporation of the state goals and policies into comprehensive plans, and to guide the chief’s review of comprehensive plans and state agency activities.
(c)
The state planning council shall adopt and maintain all rules and regulations necessary to implement the standards established by this chapter.
(d)
The chief shall develop and make readily available to all municipalities statewide data and technical information for use in the preparation of comprehensive plans. Data specific to each municipality shall be provided by that municipality. The chief shall make maximum use of existing information available from other agencies.
(e)
The chief may contract with any person, firm, or corporation to develop the necessary planning information and coordinate with other state agencies as necessary to provide support and technical assistance for local planning efforts.
(f)
The chief shall notify appropriate state agencies of the approval of a comprehensive plan or amendment to a comprehensive plan.
(g)
Once a municipality’s comprehensive plan is approved, programs and projects of state agencies, excluding the state guide plan as provided for by § 42-11-10, shall conform to that plan. In the event that a state agency wishes to undertake a program, project, or to develop a facility which is not in conformance with the comprehensive plan, the state planning council shall hold a public hearing on the proposal at which the state agency must demonstrate:
(1)
That the program, project, or facility conforms to the stated goals, findings, and intent of this chapter; and
(2)
That the program, project, or facility is needed to promote or protect the health, safety, and welfare of the people of Rhode Island; and
(3)
That the program, project, or facility is in conformance with the relevant sections of the state guide plan; and
(4)
That the program implementation, project, or size, scope, and design of the facility will vary as little as possible from the comprehensive plan of the municipality.
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 601, § 1; P.L. 1992, ch. 385, § 3; P.L. 2011, ch. 215, § 1; P.L. 2011, ch. 313, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-22.2 - Rhode Island Comprehensive Planning and Land Use Act › Section 45-22.2-11. - State technical and financial assistance.

§ 45-22.2-11. State technical and financial assistance.
(a)
There is established a program of technical and financial assistance for municipalities to encourage and facilitate the adoption and implementation of comprehensive planning throughout the state. The program is administered by the chief.
(b)
The chief shall develop and administer a grants program to provide financial assistance to municipalities for the preparation of comprehensive plans pursuant to this chapter.
(c)
Grants may be expended for any purpose directly related to the preparation of a municipal comprehensive plan including, without limitation, the conduct of surveys, inventories, and other data-gathering activities, the hiring of planning and other technical staff, the retention of planning consultants, contracts for planning, and related services, and other related purposes, in order to provide sufficient economies of scale and to build planning capacity at the municipal level.
(d)
The chief shall establish a program of technical assistance to the various municipalities, utilizing its own staff and resources to assist municipalities in the development of a comprehensive plan. It is also a function of the chief to establish a statewide data base for the use of the municipalities. The chief also validates data established by the municipalities in the formulation of their comprehensive plans.
(e)
All departments and agencies of the state, to the extent practicable, shall provide technical assistance to municipalities in the development of a comprehensive plan at the request of a municipality.
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 601, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 354, § 49; P.L. 2011, ch. 215, § 1; P.L. 2011, ch. 313, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-22.2 - Rhode Island Comprehensive Planning and Land Use Act › Section 45-22.2-14. - Severability.

§ 45-22.2-14. Severability.
If any provision of this chapter or of any rule, regulation or determination made under it, or the application to any person, agency, or circumstances, is held invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remainder of the chapter, rule, regulation, or determination and the application of the provisions to other persons, agencies, or circumstances shall not be affected by the invalidity. The invalidity of any section or sections or parts of any section or sections of this chapter shall not affect the validity of the remainder of the chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 601, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-22.3 - State Comprehensive Plan Appeals Board › Section 45-22.3-1. - Repealed.

§ 45-22.3-1. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 601, § 2; Repealed by P.L. 2011, ch. 215, § 2, effective July 1 2011; P.L. 2011, ch. 313, § 2, effective July 12, 2011.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-22.3 - State Comprehensive Plan Appeals Board › Section 45-22.3-2. - Repealed.

§ 45-22.3-2. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 601, § 2; P.L. 2006, ch. 18, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 53, § 1; Repealed by P.L. 2011, ch. 215, § 2, effective July 1 2011; P.L. 2011, ch. 313, § 2, effective July 12, 2011.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-22.3 - State Comprehensive Plan Appeals Board › Section 45-22.3-3. - Repealed.

§ 45-22.3-3. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 601, § 2; P.L. 2001, ch. 180, § 143; P.L. 2006, ch. 18, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 53, § 1; P.L. 2009, ch. 310, § 52; Repealed by P.L. 2011, ch. 215, § 2, effective July 1 2011; P.L. 2011, ch. 313, § 2, effective July 12, 2011.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-22.3 - State Comprehensive Plan Appeals Board › Section 45-22.3-4. - Repealed.

§ 45-22.3-4. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 601, § 2; P.L. 1991, ch. 307, § 3; P.L. 2001, ch. 180, § 143; P.L. 2006, ch. 18, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 53, § 1; Repealed by P.L. 2011, ch. 215, § 2, effective July 1 2011; P.L. 2011, ch. 313, § 2, effective July 12, 2011.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-22.3 - State Comprehensive Plan Appeals Board › Section 45-22.3-5. - Repealed.

§ 45-22.3-5. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 601, § 2; Repealed by P.L. 2011, ch. 215, § 2, effective July 1 2011; P.L. 2011, ch. 313, § 2, effective July 12, 2011.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-22.3 - State Comprehensive Plan Appeals Board › Section 45-22.3-6. - Repealed.

§ 45-22.3-6. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 601, § 2; Repealed by P.L. 2011, ch. 215, § 2, effective July 1 2011; P.L. 2011, ch. 313, § 2, effective July 12, 2011.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-22.3 - State Comprehensive Plan Appeals Board › Section 45-22.3-7. - Repealed.

§ 45-22.3-7. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 601, § 2; Repealed by P.L. 2011, ch. 215, § 2, effective July 1 2011; P.L. 2011, ch. 313, § 2, effective July 12, 2011.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-22.3 - State Comprehensive Plan Appeals Board › Section 45-22.3-8. - Repealed.

§ 45-22.3-8. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 601, § 2; Repealed by P.L. 2011, ch. 215, § 2, effective July 1 2011; P.L. 2011, ch. 313, § 2, effective July 12, 2011.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-22.4 - Rhode Island Development Impact Fee Act › Section 45-22.4-1. - Title.

§ 45-22.4-1. Title.
Chapter 22.4 of this title shall be known as the “Rhode Island Development Impact Fee Act”.
History of Section.
P.L. 2000, ch. 508, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-22.4 - Rhode Island Development Impact Fee Act › Section 45-22.4-2. - Legislative findings and intent.

§ 45-22.4-2. Legislative findings and intent.
(a)
Whereas, the general assembly finds that an equitable program is needed for the planning and financing of public facilities to serve new growth and development in the cities and towns in order to protect the public health, safety and general welfare of the citizens of this state.
(b)
Whereas, it is therefore the public policy of the state and in the public interest that cities and towns are authorized to assess, impose, levy and collect fees defined herein as impact fees for all new development within their jurisdictional limits.
(c)
Whereas, it is the intent of the general assembly by enactment of this act to:
(1)
Ensure that adequate public facilities are available to serve new growth and development;
(2)
Ensure that new growth and development does not place an undue financial burden upon existing taxpayers;
(3)
Promote orderly growth and development by establishing uniform standards for local governments to require that those who benefit from new growth and development pay a proportionate fair share of the cost of new and/or upgraded public facilities needed to serve that new growth and development;
(4)
Establish standards for the adoption of development impact fee ordinances by governmental entities;
(5)
Empower governmental entities which are authorized to adopt ordinances to impose development impact fees.
History of Section.
P.L. 2000, ch. 508, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-22.4 - Rhode Island Development Impact Fee Act › Section 45-22.4-3. - Definitions.

§ 45-22.4-3. Definitions.
As used in this chapter, the following words have the meanings stated in this section:
(1)
“Capital improvements” means improvements with a useful life of ten (10) years or more, which increases or improves the service capacity of a public facility;
(2)
“Capital improvement program” means that component of a municipal budget that sets out the need for public facility capital improvements, the costs of the improvements, and proposed funding sources. A capital improvement program must cover at least a five (5) year period and should be reviewed at least every five (5) years;
(3)
“Developer” means a person or legal entity undertaking development;
(4)
“Governmental entity” means a unit of local government;
(5)
“Impact fee” means the charge imposed upon new development by a governmental entity to fund all or a portion of the public facility’s capital improvements affected by the new development from which it is collected;
(6)
“Proportionate share” means that portion of the cost of system improvements which reasonably relates to the service demands and needs of the project; and
(7)
“Public facilities” means:
(i)
Water supply production, treatment, storage, and distribution facilities;
(ii)
Wastewater and solid waste collection, treatment, and disposal facilities;
(iii)
Roads, streets, and bridges, including rights-of-way, traffic signals, landscaping, and local components of state and federal highways;
(iv)
Storm water collection, retention, detention, treatment, and disposal facilities, flood control facilities, bank and shore projections, and enhancement improvements;
(v)
Parks, open space areas, and recreation facilities;
(vi)
Police, emergency medical, rescue, and fire protection facilities;
(vii)
Public schools and libraries; and
(viii)
Other public facilities consistent with a community’s capital improvement program.
History of Section.
P.L. 2000, ch. 508, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-22.4 - Rhode Island Development Impact Fee Act › Section 45-22.4-4. - Calculation of impact fees.

§ 45-22.4-4. Calculation of impact fees.
(a)
The governmental entity considering the adoption of impact fees shall conduct a needs assessment for the type of public facility or public facilities for which impact fees are to be levied. The needs assessment shall identify levels of service standards, projected public facilities capital improvements needs, and distinguish existing needs and deficiencies from future needs. The findings of this document shall be adopted by the local governmental entity. In order for a municipality to continue assessing and collecting impact fees, a needs assessment shall be conducted every five (5) years.
(b)
The data sources and methodology upon which needs assessments and impact fees are based shall be made available to the public upon request.
(c)
The amount of each impact fee imposed shall be based upon actual cost of public facility expansion or improvements, or reasonable estimates of the cost, to be incurred by the governmental entity as a result of new development, as set forth in the needs assessment. The calculation of each impact fee shall be in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
(d)
An impact fee shall meet the following requirements:
(1)
The amount of the fee must be reasonably related to or reasonably attributable to the development’s share of the cost of infrastructure improvements made necessary by the development; and
(2)
The impact fees imposed must not exceed a proportionate share of the costs incurred or to be incurred by the governmental entity in accommodating the development. The following factors shall be considered in determining a proportionate share of public facilities capital improvement costs:
(i)
The need for public facilities’ capital improvements required to serve new development, based on a capital improvements program that shows deficiencies in capital facilities serving existing development, and the means, other than impact fees, by which any existing deficiencies will be eliminated within a reasonable period of time, and that shows additional demands anticipated to be placed on specified capital facilities by new development; and
(ii)
The extent to which new development is required to contribute to the cost of system improvements in the future.
History of Section.
P.L. 2000, ch. 508, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 49, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 57, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-22.4 - Rhode Island Development Impact Fee Act › Section 45-22.4-6. - Refund of impact fees.

§ 45-22.4-6. Refund of impact fees.
(a)
If impact fees are not expended or encumbered within the period established in § 45-22.4-5, the governmental entity shall refund to the fee payer or his or her successors the amount of the fee paid and accrued interest. The governmental entity shall send the refund to the fee payer at the last known address by certified mail within one year of the date on which the right to claim refund arises. Should the mailing of the fee be returned, the municipality shall make every effort to obtain a new address for the fee payer, including a search of the public records, the secretary of state’s database, and the database for the contractors’ registration and licensing board. All refunds due and not claimed within one year shall be forwarded to the state treasurer’s office for inclusion in the unclaimed property fund.
(b)
When a governmental entity seeks to terminate any or all impact fee requirements, all unexpended or unencumbered funds shall be refunded as provided above. Upon the finding that any or all fee requirements are to be terminated, the governmental entity shall place a notice of termination and availability of refunds in a newspaper of general circulation in the community at least two (2) times. All funds available for refund shall be retained for a period of one year. All refunds not claimed within one year shall be forwarded to the state treasurer’s office for inclusion in the unclaimed property fund.
History of Section.
P.L. 2000, ch. 508, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 49, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 57, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-22.4 - Rhode Island Development Impact Fee Act › Section 45-22.4-7. - Compliance.

§ 45-22.4-7. Compliance.
No later than two (2) years after July 22, 2000, governmental entities shall conform all impact fee ordinances existing on July 22, 2000 to the provisions of this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 2000, ch. 508, § 1; P.L. 2009, ch. 310, § 53.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-22.4 - Rhode Island Development Impact Fee Act › Section 45-22.4-8. - Adoption of impact fees.

§ 45-22.4-8. Adoption of impact fees.
Impact fees shall be adopted by ordinance and the adoption of an impact fee ordinance or amendment to that ordinance shall be by affirmative vote of not less than a majority of the total membership of the governing body in attendance at the meeting, in the manner prescribed by law.
History of Section.
P.L. 2000, ch. 508, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-22.4 - Rhode Island Development Impact Fee Act › Section 45-22.4-9. - Severability.

§ 45-22.4-9. Severability.
If any portion of this chapter or any rule, regulation, or determination made under this chapter, or the application of this chapter to any person, agency, or circumstances, is held invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remainder of this chapter, rule, regulation, or determination and the application of those provisions to other persons, agencies, or circumstances shall not be affected. The invalidity of any section or sections, or parts of any section or sections of this chapter, shall not affect the validity of the remainder of this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 2000, ch. 508, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-23 - Subdivision of Land › Section 45-23-25. - Title.

§ 45-23-25. Title.
Sections 45-23-25 — 45-23-74 shall be known as the “Rhode Island Land Development and Subdivision Review Enabling Act of 1992”. The short title shall be the “Development Review Act”.
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 385, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 45 - Towns and Cities › Chapter 45-23 - Subdivision of Land › Section 45-23-26. - Requirement in all municipalities.

§ 45-23-26. Requirement in all municipalities.
(a)
Every municipality in the state shall adopt land development and subdivision review regulations, referred to as local regulations in this chapter, which comply with all the provisions of this chapter.
(b)
All municipalities shall establish the standard review procedures for local land development and subdivision review and approval as specified in this chapter. The procedures are intended to provide thorough, orderly, and expeditious processing of development project applications.
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 385, § 1.