Definitions
The following words or phrases shall have the following meaning when used in this Chapter:
A. Adjustment – Request or requests by the applicant to seek relief from the literal use and dimensional requirements of the municipal zoning ordinance and/or the design standards or requirements of the municipal land development and subdivision regulations. The standard for the local review board’s consideration of adjustments is set forth in § 45-53-4(d)(2)(iii)(E)(II).
(Ord. dated 5-21-24)
B. Approved affordable housing plan. -- An approved affordable housing plan is a plan to address housing needs that is part of the comprehensive community plan’s housing element, has been prepared in accordance with state planning council guidelines, and has been approved by the director of the department of administration.
(Ord. dated 3-21-23; Ord. dated 5-21-24)
C. Infeasible - Any condition brought about by any single factor or combination of factors, as a result of limitations imposed on the development by conditions attached to the approval of the comprehensive permit, to the extent that it makes it financially or logistically impracticable for any applicant to proceed in building or operating low- or moderate-income housing within the limitations set by the subsidizing agency of government or local review board, on the size or character of the development, on the amount or nature of the subsidy, or on the tenants, rentals, and income permissible, and without substantially changing the rent levels and unit sizes proposed by the applicant.
(Ord. dated 5-21-24)
D. Letter of eligibility -- A letter issued by the R. I. housing and mortgage finance corporation pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-55-5.3(a) stating that the project as proposed satisfies the regulatory criteria for a comprehensive permit.
(Ord. dated 3-21-23; Ord. dated 5-21-24)
E. Low or moderate-income housing -- Housing subsidized by a federal, state, or municipal government subsidy that is affordable to low or moderate income households, as defined in R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-128-8.1(d)(1), and will remain affordable through a land lease or deed restriction for at least 30 years from initial occupancy. Also called affordable housing.
(Ord. dated 5-21-24)
F. Municipal government subsidy -- Assistance made available through a town program sufficient to make housing affordable, as affordable housing is defined in R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-42-128-8.1(d)(1), including but not limited to direct financial support, abatement of taxes, waiver of fees and charges, density increases, internal subsidies, zoning incentives, adjustments, or any combination of forms of assistance.
(Ord. dated 9-21-04 (part), ord. dated 1-16-07; Ord. dated 9-7-10; Ord. dated 3-21-23; Ord. dated 5-21-24)
G. Rehabilitation -- Substantial upgrade or modification of the interior or exterior of a structure, correction of substandard conditions, or replacement of major housing systems in danger of failure.
(Ord. dated 3-21-23; Ord. dated 5-21-24)