A. 
Permitted use. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this chapter, an accessory dwelling unit ("ADU") that meets the requirements of R.I.G.L §§ 45-24-31 and 45-24-73(a) shall be a permitted use in all residential zoning districts. An ADU which meets the requirements of R.I.G.L. §§ 45-24-31 and 45-24-73(a) shall be permitted through an administrative building permit process only.
A. 
Eligibility. One ADU per lot is allowed under the following circumstances:
(1) 
On an owner-occupied property as a reasonable accommodation for family members with disabilities; or
(2) 
On a lot with a total lot area of 20,000 square feet or more for which the primary use is residential; or
(3) 
Where the proposed ADU is located within the existing footprint of the primary structure or existing accessory attached or detached structure and does not expand the footprint of the structure.
B. 
Dimensional requirements.
(1) 
All ADU's shall comply with the dimensional standards for an accessory structure in the same zoning district.
(2) 
The maximum unit size for an ADU is as follows:
(a) 
A studio or one-bedroom ADU of 900 sq. ft. or 60% of the floor area of the principal dwelling, whichever is less.
(b) 
A two-bedroom ADU of at least 1,200 sq ft or 60% of the floor area of the principal dwelling, whichever is less.
(c) 
ADU's in excess of two bedrooms shall be prohibited.
C. 
Use standards.
(1) 
ADUs cannot be offered or rented for tourist or transient use (defined as occupancy less than 30 days) or through a hosting platform.
D. 
Procedural requirements.
(1) 
ADUs shall be allowed as part of applications for new primary dwelling units or subdivisions. For proposed ADUs that are part of a larger development proposal, such ADUs shall not be counted toward density of the proposal.
(2) 
Any application that includes ADUs may be considered through a unified development review process.
(3) 
All ADU's shall be subject to local utility assessment and/or tie-in fees.
(4) 
An ADU shall provide all required approvals from the appropriate state agencies that the ADU complies with the building code requirements or addresses capacity or upgrades necessary to accommodate the ADU.
(5) 
All ADU's shall provide a minimum of one additional parking space located on the lot dedicated exclusively to the ADU.