RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- STATE BUILDING CODE -- RHODE ISLAND, INCLUSIVE HOME DESIGN ACT
Summary
S2473 creates the Rhode Island Inclusive Home Design Act by adding a new article to the state building code. The bill requires certain newly permitted housing built after July 1, 2027 to meet accessibility and adaptability standards from the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and ICC ANSI A117.1-2017. For new single-family homes, townhouses, and multifamily buildings without elevators, at least one level must comply with ANSI Type C “visitable” standards; for new multifamily buildings with elevators, all units must comply with those same Type C standards. For new multifamily construction with two or more units, at least one level must also comply with ANSI Type B “basic adaptability” standards.
The bill exempts manufactured housing, adaptive reuse within an existing building envelope, and redevelopment of existing buildings from these requirements. It also directs local permitting authorities not to issue building permits or certificates of occupancy for covered dwelling units that do not comply, unless a variance has been granted. The bill further states that its standards supplement, rather than replace, other accessibility laws, and that the most stringent applicable accessibility standard controls when requirements conflict. It includes a severability clause and takes effect upon passage.
Impact
This bill would amend Rhode Island’s State Building Code by adding enforceable accessibility and visitability requirements for certain new residential construction. It would affect builders, developers, local permitting authorities, and homeowners by requiring design features intended to improve accessibility for people with disabilities, older adults, and others who may benefit from adaptable housing. The bill also creates a compliance and enforcement framework tied to permitting and occupancy approvals, while preserving existing state and federal accessibility protections.
Sentiment
No committee transcript or vote record was provided, so there is no direct evidence of support or opposition in the available materials. Based on the bill text, the measure is framed as a housing accessibility and inclusive design initiative, suggesting a policy goal of expanding visitable and adaptable housing stock. The introduced sponsors indicate legislative interest in the issue, but the available record does not show whether the proposal was debated, amended, or advanced.
Contention
The main policy tension is between expanding accessibility in new housing and the added design, construction, and compliance obligations placed on builders and developers. Potential points of contention include the scope of covered projects, the requirement that all units in elevator-served multifamily buildings meet Type C standards, and the exclusion of manufactured housing and certain redevelopment projects. Another likely issue is the use of variances and how strictly local permitting authorities must enforce the new standards. No specific objections or supporters are documented in the provided record.
Establishes a new article in the state building code that provides that certain new housing construction contain at least one floor that meets the requirements for a Type C "ANSI'' Standards for Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities.
Establishes a new article in the state building code that provides that certain new housing construction contain at least one floor that meets the requirements for a Type C "ANSI'' Standards for Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities.
Defines a quorum of the building code standards committee be a majority of the current board members and amends the state building code to require that sections provide that dwelling units from one to four (4) units use the international residential code.
Defines a quorum of the building code standards committee be a majority of the current board members and amends the state building code to require that sections provide that dwelling units from one to four (4) units use the international residential code.
Amends the composition of the building code standards committee and would make several technical amendments relative to the building code office and would establish a state building code office within the office of state fire marshal.
Amends the composition of the building code standards committee and would make several technical amendments relative to the building code office and would establish a state building code office within the office of state fire marshal.