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Newport adopts ADU ordinance that narrows state defaults; council splits over parking and neighborhood impacts
Summary
The City Council voted to adopt an ordinance implementing the state's accessory dwelling unit (ADU) mandate but limited unit sizes and bedroom counts and prohibited ADUs from short-term renting. Councilors split over parking, neighborhood character and whether ADUs will meaningfully increase affordable housing.
The Newport City Council voted to adopt a local ordinance implementing the Rhode Island law that requires municipalities to allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs), while using the local discretion the statute allows to set narrower limits.
Nick Armour, the city zoning officer, briefed the council on the state requirements and local options. He told the council the state permits new ADUs on lots of at least 20,000 square feet or, for smaller lots, conversion within an existing footprint; the state requires municipalities to permit studios and one-bedroom units of at least 900 square feet…
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