2020 -- S 2252

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LC003794

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2020

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- ZONING ORDINANCES

     Introduced By: Senators Cano, Euer, Murray, Pearson, and Quezada

     Date Introduced: February 04, 2020

     Referred To: Senate Judiciary

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Section 45-24-54 of the General Laws in Chapter 45-24 entitled "Zoning

Ordinances" is hereby amended to read as follows:

     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 from an

applicant, issue or deny a zoning certificate or provide a written determination regarding the

proposed use 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. Any aggrieved party may appeal the decision regarding the zoning certificate or

written determination regarding the proposed use to the zoning board of review pursuant to § 45-

24-57(1)(i).

     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 -- ZONING ORDINANCES

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     This act would require that upon a written request from an applicant, a zoning

enforcement officer would provide a written determination regarding the proposed use. This act

would allow an aggrieved party to appeal the decision regarding zoning or written determination

to the zoning board of review.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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