H 7375

2026 -- H 7375
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 LC004323
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  STATE  OF  RHODE  ISLAND
  IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
  JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026
  ____________
  AN ACT
  RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- ZONING ORDINANCES
  Introduced By: Representatives Place, Hopkins, Santucci, and Chippendale
  Date Introduced: January 28, 2026
  Referred To: House Municipal Government & Housing
 It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:
1SECTION 1. Chapter 45-24 of the General Laws entitled "Zoning Ordinances" is hereby
2 amended by adding thereto the following section:
345-24-37.1. Home-based businesses.
4Notwithstanding any zoning or other municipal ordinance to the contrary, any individual
5 operating a home-based business which meets the criteria provided by the Internal Revenue Code
6 for a home office tax deduction, may operate without securing any approvals from their
7 municipality; provided, that the home-based business does not store chemicals, other hazardous
8 materials, or park heavy equipment on the premises, and not more than ten percent (10%) of the
9 premises are used for parking in connection with the operation of the home-based business.
10SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.
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 LC004323
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  EXPLANATION
  BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
  OF
  AN ACT
  RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- ZONING ORDINANCES
  ***
1This act would allow the operation of a home-based business, as long as it meets the criteria
2 for a home office IRS income tax deduction, without securing any approvals from the municipality.
3 The business may not store chemicals or other hazardous materials, may not park heavy equipment
4 and not more than ten percent (10%) of the premises is used for parking, notwithstanding any
5 contrary zoning law or ordinance.
6This act would take effect upon passage.
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LC004323
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