Rhode Island Bill H 8387 Caps Minimum Lot Sizes at 5,000 Square Feet for 1-4 Unit Residential Buildings with Public Water and Sewer

Original title: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- ZONING ORDINANCES (Requires all municipal zoning ordinances be amended to provide that any lot with access to public water/sewer services, not establish or enforce a minimum lot area that exceeds 5,000 sq.ft. for a residential building with between one and 4 dwelling units.)

Last action · April 15, 2026: Committee recommended measure be held for further studySponsors: Cruz and 8 others

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What This Bill Proposed

Rhode Island bill H 8387 requires all municipal s to be amended so that any residential building with one to four dwelling units and access to public water and sewer services cannot be subjected to a requirement exceeding 5,000 square feet.

Why it matters

The measure directly alters local land-use authority, affecting how densely property owners and developers can build residential units on parcels served by municipal water and sewer utilities.

Background

House Bill 8387 was introduced in the 2026 legislative session in the Rhode Island House of Representatives and was recommended to be held for further study by committee. context

Who It Would Have Affected

Groups the bill's text would have affected, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.

Directly affected

municipalities

Municipalities must amend their local zoning ordinances to comply with the 5,000 square-foot lot area cap for qualifying residential properties.

Directly affected

residential developers

Developers gain the ability to build residential buildings with one to four units on serviced lots as small as 5,000 square feet regardless of stricter local minimums.

Key Facts

You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does House Bill 8387 change about local zoning?

It requires municipalities to cap minimum lot sizes at 5,000 square feet for residential buildings with one to four units if the lot has access to public water and sewer services.

Which properties are affected by this requirement?

Properties containing one to four residential dwelling units that are connected to public water and sewer systems.

What else do you want to know?

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Where This Stands

This bill did not become law - Died at adjournment · in House committee.

Procedural history

3 actions

Apr 15, 2026
Committee recommended measure be held for further study
Apr 10, 2026
Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (04/15/2026)
Apr 1, 2026Introduced
Introduced, referred to House Municipal Government & Housing

Version history

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