Since I'm going to read Speaker Joe Shekarchi's 5th annual housing process reform package, I might as well tweet it. The first point is obvious: process is hard & takes a zillion little changes. Hence 5 packages, with no letup. 🐢🧵 - ThreadSky

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salimfurth.bsky.social • 28 days ago

Since I'm going to read Speaker Joe Shekarchi's 5th annual housing process reform package, I might as well tweet it. The first point is obvious: process is hard & takes a zillion little changes. Hence 5 packages, with no letup.
🐢🧵

Comments

salimfurth.bsky.social•28 days ago

Here's the press release & bill summary, although I find some of the summaries too vague to be helpful:
https://rilegislature.gov/pressrelease/_layouts/RIL.PressRelease.ListStructure/Forms/DisplayForm.aspx?List=c8baae31%2D3c10%2D431c%2D8dcd%2D9dbbe21ce3e9&ID=375110&Web=2bab1515%2D0dcc%2D4176%2Da2f8%2D8d4beebdf488

salimfurth.bsky.social•28 days ago

And here's what I wrote about the 2023 package (I didn't write about 2024).
https://marketurbanism.com/2023/06/26/rhode-islands-housing-process-package/

salimfurth.bsky.social•28 days ago

2025-H-5804 lowers the quorum for building code decisions to 10 of 25 seats (presumably, some are empty at any moment). This could cut either way: the typical building code update *increases* costs. It also moves the state bldg commissioner into the fire marshall's office.

salimfurth.bsky.social•28 days ago

2025-H-5803 follows up on a 2013 reform to standardize electronic permitting. It's not clear to me that this requires localities to adopt the uniform system. It does require state enviro agencies to adopt electronic systems.

salimfurth.bsky.social•28 days ago

2025-H-5794 shifts some subdivision into the "minor" category, easing approvals. It also disallows localities from requiring a pre-application meeting (although they can probably get around this easily). It also makes it clear what an 'incomplete' application is.

salimfurth.bsky.social•28 days ago

[This bill is a long one]
Most importantly, it shifts the timing of permits. Instead of requiring state & federal permits at the "preliminary plan" stage, statute would now require them at the "final plan" stage. This probably saves duplicative work.

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