Rhode Island courts prioritize land cases and housing permits follow one process

The law provides for a separate Superior Court calendar to hear eligible land use cases on an expedited basis. The calendar covers listed land use appeals and other matters accepted by the assigned judges. A party may ask the court to assign another matter to the calendar, but the assigned judges decide whether to accept it. A party cannot use these calendar rules as a reason to dismiss a case. For assigned cases, an order must set a briefing schedule that aims, as far as possible, to have all parties file their written arguments within 60 days after the certified record is filed.

The law provides a single local permit process for some low- and moderate-income housing projects. Eligible applicants may seek one comprehensive permit instead of separate local applications for qualifying housing projects. The project must include at least 25% low- or moderate-income homes. In towns where those homes exceed 10% of year-round housing, the process is generally unavailable if the town has a qualifying inclusionary zoning ordinance, unless the town allows it. Starting January 1, 2027, some towns may receive a 12-month exception after approval by the Executive Office of Housing; the text sets additional eligibility limits. The section states that it takes effect January 1, 2026. A qualifying town's temporary exception may begin January 1, 2027, only after state approval, and lasts 12 months.

The law provides for yearly public reporting on comprehensive permit activity. The duties cover the Executive Office of Housing and each municipality. The report must be available on the state housing office's website for at least three years and is a public record. Municipalities must provide information by February 1 each year. The state report is due by March 15.