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Council debates limited moratorium on building permits in PFAS‑affected area; solicitor cites 120‑day legal cap
Summary
Councilor Camino urged a moratorium on new building in the affected zone until water access is resolved; the town solicitor said state law allows temporary emergency limits of up to 120 days and may exempt low/moderate‑income housing, so a townwide halt is unlikely.
Councilors debated whether to impose a moratorium on new building permits in the area served by North Tiverton/North Riverton Water until PFAS and water supply issues are resolved. Councilor Camino urged slowing all building in the affected area "until we get this area straightened out with water."
The Solicitor, identified in discussion and referencing Rhode Island General Laws 45‑22.2‑13, told the council a municipality may impose a temporary limitation on building permits in a dire emergency but that such limitations are limited to 120 days and may not apply to low‑ and moderate‑income housing. "It does say ... a municipality may impose a limitation ... provided that such limitation is reasonably necessary to alleviate the emergency, and is limited to the time reasonably necessary to alleviate the emergency, but in no event shall such limitation [exceed] 120 days," the solicitor said.
Councilors acknowledged the legal and practical constraints. Administrator Jones and water staff said they are limiting connections to the system for the impacted area and that any preapproved projects with allocated water would be treated according to where they are in the approval process. The council agreed the question is substantial and requested it be added to a future agenda for fuller consideration and any legally required findings before any moratorium action.
