New Shoreham Town Council explores tax benefits for year-round ADU rentals
December 18, 2024 | New Shoreham, Washington County, Rhode Island
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The New Shoreham Housing Board is actively exploring innovative strategies to tackle the island's housing challenges, with a focus on encouraging year-round rentals and the development of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). During a recent meeting, board members discussed the potential for tax benefits aimed at homeowners who create ADUs for year-round rental purposes. This initiative aims to incentivize property owners to contribute to the limited rental market, which is currently dominated by vacation rentals.
Millie Scott, a member of the town council, highlighted that the council is considering legislation to implement these tax benefits, which could provide much-needed relief for homeowners willing to rent their properties year-round. The discussion underscored the difficulty in finding motivated owners, as many prefer to use their properties for personal enjoyment during peak seasons.
The board also examined zoning regulations surrounding ADUs, noting that current laws restrict their placement primarily to commercial zones. There is a growing sentiment that expanding the range of zones where ADUs can be built could alleviate summer housing shortages, particularly for seasonal workers.
Experts at the meeting emphasized the need for New Shoreham to adapt its zoning regulations in line with recent state legislation that has simplified the process for establishing ADUs. They proposed exploring options such as allowing ADUs to be subdivided, effectively doubling the housing units available on a single property.
Additionally, the board is looking into successful housing programs from other regions, such as a rental back program from Martha's Vineyard, which compensates homeowners for renting their properties year-round. However, funding remains a significant hurdle, as securing financial resources for such initiatives has proven challenging.
As the Housing Board continues to refine its strategies, the focus remains on creating a sustainable housing framework that meets the needs of both residents and seasonal workers, with the hope of fostering a more vibrant year-round community on Block Island.
Millie Scott, a member of the town council, highlighted that the council is considering legislation to implement these tax benefits, which could provide much-needed relief for homeowners willing to rent their properties year-round. The discussion underscored the difficulty in finding motivated owners, as many prefer to use their properties for personal enjoyment during peak seasons.
The board also examined zoning regulations surrounding ADUs, noting that current laws restrict their placement primarily to commercial zones. There is a growing sentiment that expanding the range of zones where ADUs can be built could alleviate summer housing shortages, particularly for seasonal workers.
Experts at the meeting emphasized the need for New Shoreham to adapt its zoning regulations in line with recent state legislation that has simplified the process for establishing ADUs. They proposed exploring options such as allowing ADUs to be subdivided, effectively doubling the housing units available on a single property.
Additionally, the board is looking into successful housing programs from other regions, such as a rental back program from Martha's Vineyard, which compensates homeowners for renting their properties year-round. However, funding remains a significant hurdle, as securing financial resources for such initiatives has proven challenging.
As the Housing Board continues to refine its strategies, the focus remains on creating a sustainable housing framework that meets the needs of both residents and seasonal workers, with the hope of fostering a more vibrant year-round community on Block Island.
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