TOWNS AND CITIES -- ZONING ORDINANCES, the official text

H7375 2026 -- H 7375 ======== LC004323 ======== STATE OF RHODE ISLAND IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026 ____________ 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: 1 SECTION 1. Chapter 45-24 of the General Laws entitled Zoning Ordinances is hereby 2 amended by adding thereto the following section: 3 45-24-37.1. Home-based businesses. 4 Notwithstanding any zoning or other municipal ordinance to the contrary, any individual 5 operating a home-based business which meets the criteria provided by the Internal Revenue Code 6 for a home office tax deduction, may operate without securing any approvals from their 7 municipality; provided, that the home-based business does not store chemicals, other hazardous 8 materials, or park heavy equipment on the premises, and not more than ten percent (10%) of the 9 premises are used for parking in connection with the operation of the home-based business. 10 SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage. ======== LC004323 ======== EXPLANATION BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL OF A N A C T RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- ZONING ORDINANCES *** 1 This act would allow the operation of a home-based business, as long as it meets the criteria 2 for a home office IRS income tax deduction, without securing any approvals from the municipality. 3 The business may not store chemicals or other hazardous materials, may not park heavy equipment 4 and not more than ten percent (10%) of the premises is used for parking, notwithstanding any 5 contrary zoning law or ordinance. 6 This act would take effect upon passage. ======== LC004323 ======== LC004323 - Page 2 of 2