(a)  Notwithstanding any other provisions of the general or special laws to the contrary, the town council of the town of West Greenwich is authorized to annually fix the amount, if any, of a homestead exemption with respect to assessed value from local taxation on taxable real property used for residential purposes in the town of West Greenwich and to grant homestead exemptions to the owner or owners of residential real estate in an amount not to exceed forty percent (40%) of the assessed value. The exemption only applies to property used exclusively for residential purposes, and improved with a dwelling containing less than five (5) units. In order to determine compliance with the homestead exemption as outlined in this section, the town council shall provide by ordinance rules and regulations governing eligibility for the exemption established by this section.

Terms Used In Rhode Island General Laws 44-5-80

  • real estate: may be construed to include lands, tenements, and hereditaments and rights thereto and interests therein. See Rhode Island General Laws 43-3-10
  • Real property: Land, and all immovable fixtures erected on, growing on, or affixed to the land.
  • town: may be construed to include city; the words "town council" include city council; the words "town clerk" include city clerk; the words "ward clerk" include clerk of election district; the words "town treasurer" include city treasurer; and the words "town sergeant" include city sergeant. See Rhode Island General Laws 43-3-9
  • town council: include city council; the words "town clerk" include city clerk; the words "ward clerk" include clerk of election district; the words "town treasurer" include city treasurer; and the words "town sergeant" include city sergeant. See Rhode Island General Laws 43-3-9

(b)  In the event property granted an exemption under this section is sold or transferred during the year for which the exemption is claimed, the town council of the town of West Greenwich, upon approval of the town council, may provide for a proration of the homestead exemption in cases where title to property passes from those not entitled to claim an exemption to those who are entitled to claim an exemption.

History of Section.
P.L. 2005, ch. 35, § 1; P.L. 2005, ch. 84, § 1; P.L. 2005, ch. 414, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 179, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 363, § 1.