S 2915Cities & Towns

Towns and Cities - Low and Moderate Income Housing - Parking Spaces

Smithfield can require two parking spots for affordable housing units if public transit or nearby parking is scarce.

Introduced

Population
Affected

Introduced Mar 4, 2026Committee Senate Housing & Municipal Government

Plain-English Summary

This bill allows the town of Smithfield to mandate two parking spaces for each studio, one-bedroom, or two-bedroom low- or moderate-income housing unit. This requirement applies only if the town determines there is limited or no local public transportation or off-street parking available within a reasonable distance of the housing units.

For younger readers

This new rule is for the town of Smithfield. It says that when apartments are built for people who don't have a lot of money, the town can require the builders to make two parking spots for every apartment. The town can only do this if there are no buses or trains nearby, or if there is nowhere else to park on the street in that neighborhood. This helps make sure that the people living in these new homes have a safe place to put their cars.

Who & Where It Applies

Impacted groups

Housing developersLow-income rentersSmithfield residentsTown plannersConstruction companies

Impacted communities

Smithfield

Constitutional & Fiscal Check

None Likely

Estimated cost

None

Estimated revenue

None

Bill Analysis

Both viewpoints

For Progressives

Ensures that low-income residents living in areas without public transportation have guaranteed access to parking, preventing logistical barriers to employment and daily needs.
Protects vulnerable tenants from the financial burdens of parking tickets or towing fees that often occur in areas with insufficient street parking.
Acknowledges the current lack of public transit infrastructure in specific areas, ensuring housing is practical for residents until better transit options are established.
Increases the cost of construction for affordable housing projects, which may result in fewer total units being built for those in need.
Reinforces car dependency and discourages the use or expansion of public transportation, contributing to environmental concerns and carbon emissions.
Creates a regulatory barrier that could be used to delay or block low-income housing developments by imposing strict land-use requirements.

For Conservatives

Empowers the local municipality to make zoning and planning decisions that best fit the specific needs and infrastructure of their community.
Protects existing neighborhoods from street congestion and overcrowding by ensuring new developments provide adequate off-street parking.
Ensures that developers bear the responsibility of providing necessary infrastructure for their tenants, rather than burdening the surrounding public streets.
Imposes additional government regulations and mandates on private property owners and developers, restricting their freedom to design projects as they see fit.
Increases the financial burden on builders and developers, potentially stifling economic activity and construction within the town.
Interferes with the free market by dictating specific amenities that must be provided, rather than letting the market determine the demand for parking.

Votes

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Full Bill Text

Changes to existing Rhode Island law · 5 additions

SECTION 1. Chapter 45-53 of the General Laws entitled "Low and Moderate Income Housing" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section: 45-53-17. Smithfield low- or moderate-income housing parking spaces. The town of Smithfield may require two (2) parking spaces for each studio, one-bedroom, or two (2) bedroom low- or moderate-income housing unit upon the municipality's determination that there is limited or no local public transportation or off-street parking availability within a reasonable proximity to these low- or moderate-income housing units.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.