Non-conforming structures zoning amendment (Martino)
Summary
The town's rules currently block owners of legal non-conforming lots from seeking dimensional variances after voluntarily demolishing a house — a side effect of a recent Rhode Island Supreme Court decision. The board recommended a fix that restores the town's long-standing practice, with safeguards on rebuilds.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 3
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Mar 2, 2026.
Impact analysis
No direct town cost, but it shapes how much owners can rebuild on substandard shoreline lots.
Owners of legal non-conforming lots — especially near the shore — who want to rebuild or expand their homes.
Neighbors may face larger rebuilt structures on substandard lots, subject only to variance review.
Mentions & discussions (3)
Narragansett Town Council - Mar 2, 2026
A property owner's attorney proposed rewriting the town's rules on nonconforming uses and structures. After months of Planning Board review and revisions, the council gave it a first reading — it still needs a second reading to become law.
Planning Board - Feb 18, 2026
The town's rules currently block owners of legal non-conforming lots from seeking dimensional variances after voluntarily demolishing a house — a side effect of a recent Rhode Island Supreme Court decision. The board recommended a fix that restores the town's long-standing practice, with safeguards on rebuilds.
Planning Board - Jan 21, 2026
After a court decision limited relief for demolished non-conforming structures, attorneys proposed an ordinance fix. The board found the draft hard to follow and formed a subcommittee to clean it up.
Related development
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