Title 45
Towns and Cities

Chapter 24
Zoning Ordinances

§ 45-24-56.1. Administration — Authority to establish a combined review board. [Effective January 1, 2025.]

(a) A zoning ordinance may provide for the creation of a combined review board and for the appointment of members, including alternate members as set forth herein, and for the organization of the board, as specified in the zoning ordinance. Such board, if authorized and appointed, shall take the place of a separate planning board/commission and zoning board in the municipality. The board shall have the powers, authority, responsibilities, and duties attributable to the zoning board or planning board/commission as set forth in chapters 22, 22.2, 23, 24, 24.1, 32, and 53 of this title. A zoning ordinance may provide for remuneration to the board members and for reimbursement for expenses incurred in the performance of official duties. The board may engage legal, technical, or clerical assistance to aid in the discharge of its duties. The board shall establish written rules of procedure; a mailing address to which appeals and correspondence are sent; and an office where records and decisions are filed.

(b) The combined review board shall consist of at least five (5) members. A zoning ordinance shall provide for the length of term of each member, but shall not exceed five (5) years. The board shall also include at least two (2), or up to four (4) alternates to be designated as each respectively numbered alternate, their terms to be set by the ordinance, but not to exceed five (5) years. These alternate members shall sit and may actively participate in hearings. The first alternate shall vote if a member of the board is unable to serve at a hearing; the second shall vote if two (2) members of the board are unable to serve at a hearing; if there is a third alternate, such alternate shall vote if three (3) members of the board are unable to serve at a hearing; and if there is a fourth alternate, such alternate shall vote if four (4) members of the board are unable to serve at a hearing. In the absence of an alternate member or members, the next numbered alternate member or members shall serve in the position of the alternate or alternates. A minimum of four (4) members, which may include alternates, shall form a duly constituted quorum. No member or alternate may vote on any matter before the board unless they have attended all hearings concerning that matter. The zoning ordinance shall specify procedures for filling vacancies in unexpired terms of board members, and for removal of members for due cause.

(c) The agenda for a meeting of a combined review board shall state clearly which matters are to be reviewed pursuant to its local and statutory authority as the planning board.

(d) Nothing herein shall change or alter the application, procedure, voting, notice, or other requirements set forth in the chapter governing the underlying application before the board.