Mayor Angel Taveras signs the new zoning ordinance into law accompanied by City Council President Michael Solomon. Photo by Andrew Augustus WPRO News
WPRO News
Providence Mayor Angel Taveras’ pen met paper Monday afternoon as he signed into law a new zoning ordinance to streamline and spur real estate growth in the Capital City.
The new ordinance is the result of the city’s Planning Department conduct interviews with residents and business leaders and holding public hearings for 18-months. The city also hired the national consulting firm Camiros to help draft the ordinance. The final ordinance was passed by the City Council on November 20.
“While we did use a bunch of best practices from around the country, this is really an ordinance that’s tailored specifically to Providence because it’s a unique place, it’s a place that has character; we don’t want to lose that,” said Director of City Planning Robert Azar.
Mayor Taveras said he hopes the new ordinance makes the process more approachable.
“Hopefully anyone who needs to do anything with zoning will find it a bit easier and streamlined,” said Taveras.
One notable change is the provision which reduces the amount of required parking space on new developments. The old ordinance stated residential buildings must require 1.5 spaces of parking per resident. The ordinance signed into law reduces the amount to one space in most areas. Long-Term Planning Director Bonnie Nickerson said the changes to parking will open up more space to development.
“So we’ve taken away the requirement to dedicate a third or more of your lot to parking, so that hopefully that can grow a more significant development,” said Nickerson.
The ordinance becomes effective December 24.
