General

• A. Findings. It is a public purpose of the Town of Exeter to achieve and maintain a diverse and balanced community with housing opportunities for residents of all income levels. Through its affordable housing plan, the town has formally committed itself to meeting the 10 percent affordable housing goal established by Title 45, Chapter 53 of the General Laws, the Low and Moderate Income Housing Act (G.L. ch. 45-53) and has specified the strategies and means by which the goal is to be achieved. This section sets forth a regulatory framework that is designed to ensure an adequate supply of housing to serve these needs.

• B. Intent. The affordable housing provisions of this article are intended:

  • 1. To promote affordable housing production in accordance with the goals and policies of the town comprehensive plan's housing element and affordable housing plan;

  • 2. To encourage the development and availability of housing that qualifies as low or moderate income housing as mandated by the Rhode Island Low and Moderate Income Act, and the Rhode Island Comprehensive Housing Production and Rehabilitation Act of 2004, as amended; and

  • 3. To maintain and enhance the socio-economic diversity of the community through the development of housing for all populations within the Town, including, but not limited to, housing for the resident workforce and housing for special needs populations.

(Ord. of 9-4-07, § 2; Ord. of 12-4-2023(1))