Rhode Island General Laws

R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-22.2-5 (2026)

Formulation of comprehensive plans by cities and towns

✓ current as of July 2026
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(a) The comprehensive plan is a statement (in text, maps, illustrations, or other media of communication) that is designed to provide a basis for rational decision making regarding the long-term physical development of the municipality. The definition of goals and policies relative to the distribution of future land uses, both public and private, forms the basis for land use decisions to guide the overall physical, economic, and social development of the municipality.

(b) There is established a program of local comprehensive planning to address the findings and intent and accomplish the goals of this chapter. Rhode Island’s cities and towns, through the exercise of their power and responsibility pursuant to the general laws, applicable articles of the Rhode Island Constitution, and subject to the express limitations and requirements of this chapter, shall prepare, adopt, amend, and maintain comprehensive plans, including implementation programs, that relate development to land capacity, protect our natural resources, promote a balance of housing choices, encourage economic development, preserve and protect our open space, recreational, historic and cultural resources, provide for orderly provision of facilities and services and are consistent with the goals, findings, intent, and other provisions of this chapter and the laws of the state.

(c) Each municipality shall ensure that its zoning ordinance and map are consistent with its comprehensive plan.

(d) Each municipality shall submit to the chief, as provided for in §§ 45-22.2-9 and 45-22.2-12 and the rules promulgated by the state planning council:

(1) Its locally adopted comprehensive plan;

(2) Any amendment to its comprehensive plan;

(3) An informational report on the status of its implementation programs; and

(4) Its zoning ordinance text and generalized zoning map or maps.

Notes of Decisions
Cited in 4 cases, 2011–2020 · leading case: Generation Realty, LLC. v. Catanzaro, 21 A.3d 253 (R.I. 2011).
Generation Realty, LLC. v. Catanzaro, 21 A.3d 253 (R.I. 2011). · cites it 2× “” Section 45-22.2-5(a)(2) and (3). 8 . Even if we look only at those amendments that deal with the open space change, as plaintiffs urge us to do, it is undisputed that plaintiffs’ property was not the only one affected by this change.”
West v. McDonald, 18 A.3d 526 (R.I. 2011). · cites it 4× “Section 45-22.2-5(a)(3); G.L.1956 §§ 45-24-29(b)(2); 45-24-34; 45-24-50.”
Town of Exeter, by & through its Solicitor, James P. Marusak v. State of Rhode Island Town of Richmond, Rhode Island v. State of Rhode Island, 226 A.3d 696 (R.I. 2020). “-9- (defining “zoning”); § 45-22.2-5(c) (requiring each municipality to ensure that its zoning ordinance and map are consistent with its comprehensive plan); § 45-22.”
Town of Exeter, by & through its Solicitor, James P. Marusak v. State of Rhode Island Town of Richmond, Rhode Island v. State of Rhode Island, 226 A.3d 696 (R.I. 2020). “-9- (defining “zoning”); § 45-22.2-5(c) (requiring each municipality to ensure that its zoning ordinance and map are consistent with its comprehensive plan); § 45-22.”
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-22.2-5(a)(2): 1 case
Generation Realty, LLC. v. Catanzaro, 21 A.3d 253 (R.I. 2011). “” Section 45-22.2-5(a)(2) and (3). 8 . Even if we look only at those amendments that deal with the open space change, as plaintiffs urge us to do, it is undisputed that plaintiffs’ property was not the only one affected by this change.”
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-22.2-5(a)(3): 1 case
West v. McDonald, 18 A.3d 526 (R.I. 2011). “Section 45-22.2-5(a)(3); G.L.1956 §§ 45-24-29(b)(2); 45-24-34; 45-24-50.”
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-22.2-5(c): 2 cases
Town of Exeter, by & through its Solicitor, James P. Marusak v. State of Rhode Island Town of Richmond, Rhode Island v. State of Rhode Island, 226 A.3d 696 (R.I. 2020). “-9- (defining “zoning”); § 45-22.2-5(c) (requiring each municipality to ensure that its zoning ordinance and map are consistent with its comprehensive plan); § 45-22.”
Town of Exeter, by & through its Solicitor, James P. Marusak v. State of Rhode Island Town of Richmond, Rhode Island v. State of Rhode Island, 226 A.3d 696 (R.I. 2020). “-9- (defining “zoning”); § 45-22.2-5(c) (requiring each municipality to ensure that its zoning ordinance and map are consistent with its comprehensive plan); § 45-22.”
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