Rep. John G. Edwards has introduced a package of 10 bills aimed at giving Tiverton more local control over how new housing is built, arguing the state’s recent housing laws have not accounted for the town’s geography or demographics.
Edwards, D-Tiverton, testified on the bills before the House Committee on Municipal Government and Housing.
“The more than 60 bills that have been introduced addressing the housing laws have taken a one-size-fits-all approach,” Edwards said. “It’s hurt zoning, planning and local laws. These bills would simply amend the existing housing laws for the town of Tiverton and other small towns that have been affected by the housing bills.”
The legislation, sponsored or co-sponsored by Edwards, would adjust how comprehensive permit projects, affordable housing thresholds, parking requirements, tax rates and approval timelines apply in Tiverton.
2026-H 7124 would let Tiverton enact a short-term emergency moratorium on comprehensive permit projects of 500 or more units until permit laws are amended.
2026-H 7125 would authorize Tiverton to require that 50% of units in any new development be affordable if the town’s affordable housing stock is below 10%.
2026-H 7293 would give Tiverton a half-credit toward its affordable housing inventory for manufactured homes in age-restricted communities.
2026-H 7294 would prohibit comprehensive permit applications in Tiverton from including accessory dwelling units.
2026-H 7295 would let Tiverton require developers to conduct and pay for testing to ensure construction would not affect nearby private or public wells.
2026-H 7296 would let Tiverton require two parking spaces for each studio, one-bedroom or two-bedroom low- or moderate-income unit where transit or off-street parking is limited.
2026-H 7297 would set timelines for approval and permits for new construction in Tiverton, including one year for final approval and two years for building permits.
2026-H 7298 would let Tiverton apply different tax rates to different property classes.
2026-H 7372 would let Tiverton determine density bonuses based on its underlying zoning ordinance.
2026-H 7492 would exclude land not connected to public water or sewer from building land calculations for comprehensive permit projects.
“While the state desperately needs more housing, one path to that solution is not sufficient for the diverse cities and towns that will end up living with these developments,” Edwards said. “What works in Providence, Warwick or Newport might not work in Tiverton, Foster or West Greenwich. Each community in this state has its own unique needs — demographics, infrastructure, traffic concerns and property taxes. With this legislation, Tiverton would be able to develop housing that fits its comprehensive plan, and the geography that makes Tiverton the great place to live that it is.”
