Providence Takes Steps Toward Solidifying its New Housing-Forward Comprehensive Plan

The proposed ordinance changes reflect the city’s vision for increased housing density. The City Plan Commission is set to discuss more contentious topics at a meeting in early 2025

The proposed ordinance changes reflect the city’s vision for increased housing density. The City Plan Commission is set to discuss more contentious topics at a meeting in early 2025

Share
Providence Takes Steps Toward Solidifying its New Housing-Forward Comprehensive Plan
Copy

The Providence City Plan Commission voted unanimously Tuesday night to adopt some zoning ordinance changes based on the city’s new comprehensive plan. Broadly speaking, the zoning changes would allow greater density in most neighborhoods in Providence, except Blackstone and some pockets of the West side.

While the comprehensive plan is a general guide for Providence’s growth that the city creates every 10 years, the zoning ordinances crystallize that growth into law and specify exact building requirements.

The updates approved by the commission still need to be adopted by the City Council and mayor before they become law.

This story was reported by The Public’s Radio. You can read the entire story here.

Despite new taxes and fees on drivers, property owners, and nicotine pouches, the fiscal 2026 budget passed with minimal opposition and includes boosts for health care and schools — but RIPTA funding still falls short
With more than 100 bridges rated in poor condition and urgent repairs lagging, new reporting by Rhode Island PBS and The Public’s Radio reveals the deeper infrastructure risks across the state — and the lack of clear accountability for fixing them
From Senate President Val Lawson’s dual roles to stalled ethics reforms and lobbying imbalances, Common Cause RI’s John Marion joins ‘Political Roundtable’ to assess where democracy stands—and how everyday Rhode Islanders can still make a difference
Every year, the James Beard Foundation recognizes exceptional restaurants and chefs throughout the country, one of the highest honors in the culinary field. Earlier this week, they announced this year’s winners. Sky Haneul Kim, the chef at Gift Horse in Providence, won ‘Best Chef Northeast’
Rhode Islanders and others nationwide are urged to take precautions as high heat and humidity raise the risk of illness, especially for children, seniors, and outdoor workers
2 high-profile environmental bills get taken down a notch, or two, or three