Rep Roberts: 2026 H7447 - Affordable Housing Permit Procedures - House Mun. Gov & Housing (4726)
On April 7, 2026, State Representative Sherry Roberts (R District 29 - Coventry, West Greenwich) and West Greenwich Town Administrator Greg Coutcher presented collaborative testimony before the House Committee on Municipal Government and Housing in support of 2026 House Bill 7447.
This legislation proposes targeted amendments to Rhode Island's statutory framework governing low- and moderate-income housing development. The primary objective of H 7447 is to enhance transparency, accountability, and local municipal oversight within the comprehensive permit process.
During the hearing, Rep. Roberts and Town Administrator Greg Coutcher highlighted the real-world impact of the bill on local communities. Specifically, the legislation restores the mandate requiring local review boards to issue formal, documented findings of fact when denying a comprehensive permit application. Furthermore, it provides essential clarification regarding municipal housing inventories, stipulating that affordable housing units must be officially counted toward a municipality's quota at the time the building permits for those respective units are issued. This measure ensures accurate tracking and reinforces the ability of local leaders to effectively manage community planning and development.
House Bill No. 7447
BY Roberts, Chippendale
ENTITLED, AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- LOW AND MODERATE INCOME HOUSING -- PROCEDURE FOR APPROVAL OF CONSTRUCTION (Restores the requirement that a local review board issue findings for denial in reviewing a comprehensive permit request and clarifies that affordable housing units shall be included in each town and city when the building permits for units are granted.)
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» http://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H7447.pdf
Deputy Minority Leader Sherry Roberts
» https://www.rihousegop.org/deputyroberts.html
Rhode Island House Republicans
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