Rhode Island Accessory Dwelling Unit State Law

R.I. Gen. Laws Section 45-24-73, strengthened by the 2024 housing laws, requires every municipality to allow at least one ADU by right where the lot is owner-occupied and the ADU accommodates a family member with a disability, the lot is 20,000 square feet or larger, or the ADU fits within the existing footprint of the primary or an accessory structure. Municipalities must permit a one-bedroom ADU of at least 900 square feet (or 60% of the principal dwelling) and cannot restrict tenants by family relationship or age, charge fees exceeding those for a new single-family home, or require separate utility connections. Section 45-24-37 lists ADUs among permitted uses.

Municipal denial of a compliant ADU application is appealable to the zoning board and Superior Court; courts have invalidated local rules that conflict with Section 45-24-73.