ADU Laws in Rhode Island (2026)
Rhode Island state ADU law details, key provisions, preemption status, and recent legislative changes for accessory dwelling units.
Law Name
Rhode Island H 7637 — Relating to Zoning: Accessory Dwelling Units (2024)
Effective Date
2024-07-01
Preempts Local Ordinances
Yes — state law overrides local restrictions
Has State Law
Yes
Key Provisions
Requires municipalities to allow ADUs by right on all owner-occupied single-family residential lots
ADUs must receive ministerial approval — no discretionary review, public hearing, or variance required
Municipalities may establish reasonable dimensional standards but cannot effectively prohibit ADUs
Owner-occupancy of either the primary or accessory unit may be required by municipal ordinance
ADUs may be attached, detached, or internal (basement/attic conversions)
Maximum ADU size may be regulated locally but cannot be set below 750 sq ft
Off-street parking requirements may not be imposed for ADUs within 0.5 miles of transit
Building permit review must follow standard ministerial standards — no special zoning approval required
Legislative History
2024 — H 7637
Rhode Island enacted ADU reform requiring municipalities to allow ADUs by right on single-family residential lots. Part of Rhode Island's broader housing supply initiative. Effective July 1, 2024. Municipalities required to update local ordinances to comply.
Official Sources
What Does Preemption Mean for Local Cities?
Because Rhode Island law preempts local ordinances, individual cities cannot impose restrictions stricter than the state standard. A city may still have additional administrative requirements, but cannot deny ADU applications that comply with state minimums.
Learn about Rhode Islandzoning preemption →Source: Rhode Island H 7637 — Relating to Zoning: Accessory Dwelling Units (2024). Last verified April 5, 2026. View source