Warren council opens discussion on combining zoning and planning boards; schedules workshop

The Warren Town Council agreed at Tuesday’s meeting to begin a public process to evaluate a state‑authorized option to combine the town’s zoning board and planning board into a single review body.

Town Solicitor Joe DeSisto briefed councilors on the statutory framework that permits consolidated review under Rhode Island General Laws, and explained that implementing the change would likely require amendments to the charter, zoning ordinance and subdivision regulations. DeSisto recommended extensive public participation before any charter or ordinance changes are drafted.

Council members expressed mixed views. Some said a unified board could streamline major development review and speed project timelines; others warned the change could concentrate power and remove a layer of independent review. Councilors asked the solicitor to draft potential ordinance language and to summarize the experience of other communities. The council directed the town clerk to set a public workshop in October that will include input from planning and zoning board members, the public and the solicitor. The council asked the solicitor to return with draft language and examples ahead of that meeting.

Why it matters: combining review functions would change procedural and substantive checks in local land use permitting. If the council chooses to proceed, a charter amendment (likely for the 2026 ballot) and ordinance updates would be required, making this a multistage process.

Speakers quoted: "This is a straight policy consideration. Legally, can you do it? Yes. You can," Town Solicitor Joe DeSisto said. Councilor John Hanley said he was concerned a single board "would have too much power" compared with the current structure.