[Amended 1-13-1997 by Ord. No. 96-14; 6-2-2003 by Ord. No. 2003-7; 2-6-2012 by Ord. No. 2012-1]
An accessory apartment interior to a principal single-family dwelling unit shall be allowed as of right in the R-40, R-25, R-10 and NB Zoning Districts, provided that it is reserved for rental occupancy by individuals or a family whose annual income does not exceed the income limits for low- and moderate-income housing as defined by the State of Rhode Island. An accessory apartment may also be allowed by special use permit in the R-40, R-25, R-10 and NB Zoning Districts as a detached accessory structure on the same lot as a principal single-family dwelling unit. Such accessory structures may only be permitted in the R-10 District if the lot on which the structure will be built has at least 15,000 square feet of area. All accessory apartments shall be subject to development plan review.
[Amended 12-4-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-12]
The establishment of this municipal government subsidy program furthers the purposes set forth in § 185-3 of this chapter and implements the goals of the Housing and Neighborhoods Element of the Barrington Comprehensive Plan. This chapter is intended to provide an affordable housing choice, particularly for the region's elderly and special needs population, by promoting independent living in a safe, economical and familiar setting. In furtherance of this purpose, before a certificate of occupancy for the accessory apartment may be issued by the Building Official, the property owner shall record a deed restriction in the Land Evidence Records that acknowledges and covenants that the accessory apartment is subject to the requirements and restrictions of this article and that such restrictions run with the property.
The following standards and requirements shall apply to an accessory apartment and may not be varied unless specifically noted.
A. 
The accessory apartment shall be designed and constructed in such a way as to maintain the appearance of the use of the lot as a single-household residence, and there shall be no change to the front façade of the house.
B. 
The accessory apartment shall contain no more than 800 square feet or 40% of the gross floor area of the principal building, whichever is less. Said square footage shall be calculated using the exterior measurements of the structure excluding any covered porch areas, stairs providing access to the accessory apartment and areas designed exclusively for HVAC and utilities. Where the Zoning Board finds that special circumstances exist that are peculiar to the lot or parcel in question, relief from this requirement shall be available by special use permit.
C. 
The lot or parcel of land on which the residence containing an accessory apartment sits shall have the minimum area, width and frontage prescribed for the district in which the dwelling is located. The Zoning Board of Review may grant relief from this section by special use permit; provided, however, that no lot or parcel, regardless of the district in which it is located, shall be less than 10,000 square feet. If subject to development plan review, the Planning Board may grant relief from this section by special use permit.
[Amended 12-4-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-12]
D. 
The accessory apartment shall be connected to the sewer system of the Town of Barrington, and to the water system of the Bristol County Water Authority, or the successor thereto, when accessible or available to the original dwelling.
E. 
One parking space for the accessory apartment shall be provided in addition to the minimum required for the original dwelling. No new driveway or curb cut shall be created to service the accessory apartment.
F. 
An accessory apartment shall be reserved for rental occupancy by individuals or a family whose annual income does not exceed the region's income limits for low- and moderate-income housing as defined by the State of Rhode Island and is monitored and restricted to such occupancy for a minimum of 30 years, unless specifically reserved for one or more members of the family of the owner-occupant of the principal residence.
G. 
Not more than one accessory apartment shall be permitted in a single-family home.