ADU Laws in Rhode Island (2026)

Key Provisions

• 1

  Requires municipalities to allow ADUs by right on all owner-occupied single-family residential lots · Source

• 2

  ADUs must receive ministerial approval — no discretionary review, public hearing, or variance required · Source

• 3

  Municipalities may establish reasonable dimensional standards but cannot effectively prohibit ADUs · Source

• 4

  Owner-occupancy of either the primary or accessory unit may be required by municipal ordinance · Source

• 5

  ADUs may be attached, detached, or internal (basement/attic conversions) · Source

• 6

  Maximum ADU size may be regulated locally but cannot be set below 750 sq ft · Source

• 7

  Off-street parking requirements may not be imposed for ADUs within 0.5 miles of transit · Source

• 8

  Building permit review must follow standard ministerial standards — no special zoning approval required · Source

Legislative History

Official Sources