(a)  The comprehensive plan is a statement (in text, maps, illustrations, or other media of communication) that is designed to provide a basis for rational decision making regarding the long-term physical development of the municipality. The definition of goals and policies relative to the distribution of future land uses, both public and private, forms the basis for land use decisions to guide the overall physical, economic, and social development of the municipality.

Terms Used In Rhode Island General Laws 45-22.2-5

  • Amendment: A proposal to alter the text of a pending bill or other measure by striking out some of it, by inserting new language, or both. Before an amendment becomes part of the measure, thelegislature must agree to it.
  • Chief: means the highest-ranking administrative officer of the division of planning as established by §? 42-11-10(g). See Rhode Island General Laws 45-22.2-4
  • Goals: means those goals stated in § 45-22. See Rhode Island General Laws 45-22.2-4
  • Land: means real property including improvements and fixtures on, above, or below the surface. See Rhode Island General Laws 45-22.2-4
  • land capacity: means the suitability of the land, as defined by geology, soil conditions, topography, and water resources, to support its development for uses such as residential, commercial, industrial, open space, or recreation. See Rhode Island General Laws 45-22.2-4
  • Maintain: means to evaluate regularly and revise as needed or required in order to ensure that a comprehensive plan remains consistent with the goals and guidelines established by this chapter. See Rhode Island General Laws 45-22.2-4
  • Open space: means any parcel or area of land or water set aside, dedicated, designated, or reserved for public or private use or enjoyment or for the use and enjoyment of owners and occupants of land adjoining or neighboring the open space; provided that the area may be improved with only those buildings, structures, streets, and off-street parking, and other improvements that are designed to be incidental to the natural openness of the land. See Rhode Island General Laws 45-22.2-4
  • Zoning: means the reservation of certain specified areas within a community or city for building and structures, or use of land, for certain purposes with other limitations as height, lot coverage, and other stipulated requirements. See Rhode Island General Laws 45-22.2-4

(b)  There is established a program of local comprehensive planning to address the findings and intent and accomplish the goals of this chapter. Rhode Island’s cities and towns, through the exercise of their power and responsibility pursuant to the general laws, applicable articles of the Rhode Island Constitution, and subject to the express limitations and requirements of this chapter, shall prepare, adopt, amend, and maintain comprehensive plans, including implementation programs, that relate development to land capacity, protect our natural resources, promote a balance of housing choices, encourage economic development, preserve and protect our open space, recreational, historic and cultural resources, provide for orderly provision of facilities and services and are consistent with the goals, findings, intent, and other provisions of this chapter and the laws of the state.

(c)  Each municipality shall ensure that its zoning ordinance and map are consistent with its comprehensive plan.

(d)  Each municipality shall submit to the chief, as provided for in § 45-22.2-9 and § 45-22.2-12 and the rules promulgated by the state planning council:

(1)  Its locally adopted comprehensive plan;

(2)  Any amendment to its comprehensive plan;

(3)  An informational report on the status of its implementation programs; and

(4)  Its zoning ordinance text and generalized zoning map or maps.

History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 601, § 1; P.L. 1991, ch. 112, § 1; P.L. 1991, ch. 307, § 6; P.L. 1999, ch. 354, § 49; P.L. 2011, ch. 215, § 1; P.L. 2011, ch. 313, § 1.