Council votes to advertise temporary farmworker housing ordinance for April 24 public hearing

The Little Compton Town Council voted to advertise a proposed ordinance that would create temporary farmworker housing under the town building code and scheduled a public hearing for April 24.

Councilors said the proposal is a targeted building-code measure rather than a change to zoning. The draft places the new rules in chapter 7 of the town code (building regulations) rather than chapter 14 (zoning) and limits the housing to employees working on the farm, requires proof of employment, and includes building-code requirements for potable water and sanitation.

Supporters said the rules are aimed at seasonal agricultural employers who need short-term worker housing and that the ordinance attempts to prevent commercial short-term rentals or conversions by requiring documentation that the dwelling houses farm employees. Council discussion focused on definitional questions — how to determine who qualifies as a farmer and what evidence satisfies the town — and on whether the building official or the planning board should play a role in vetting applications.

The draft ordinance also includes administrative controls: certified payroll must be filed with the building official monthly, the permitted use is limited to nine months of occupancy followed by a required three-month vacancy, and compliance paperwork is to be approved by the building official. Council members noted the language is intended to prevent misuse (for example, establishing a de facto rental using trailers or similar structures).

After discussion the council moved to advertise the ordinance and to hold a public hearing at the council meeting on April 24. The motion passed on a voice vote.