2009 Rhode Island Code
Title 45 - Towns and cities
CHAPTER 45-22.2 - Rhode Island Comprehensive Planning and Land Use Act
§ 45-22.2-7 - Coordination of municipal planning activities.

SECTION 45-22.2-7

   § 45-22.2-7  Coordination of municipal planning activities. – (a) A municipality shall exercise its planning authority over the total land and inland water area within its jurisdiction.

   (b) Any combination of contiguous municipalities may, upon formal adoption of an official comprehensive planning and enforcement agreement by the municipal legislative bodies, conduct joint planning and regulatory programs to fulfill the responsibilities established under this chapter. The municipalities shall agree:

   (1) On procedures for joint action in the preparation and adoption of comprehensive plans and land use regulations;

   (2) On the manner of representation on any joint land use body;

   (3) On the amount of contribution from each municipality for any costs incurred in the development of the plan and land use ordinances; and

   (4) On the zoning designation for those areas in contiguous municipalities which border upon each other. The zoning designations for these border areas must be consistent and compatible with the adjacent area in the neighboring community.

   (c) All agreements between municipalities shall be in writing, approved in appropriate official action by the municipal legislative bodies, and forwarded to the director. All joint plans adopted by contiguous municipalities must be submitted to the director for approval.

   (d) All municipalities shall provide for coordinating land uses with contiguous municipalities, other municipalities, and other agencies, as appropriate, including the management of resources and facilities that extend beyond municipal boundaries as rivers, aquifers, transportation facilities, and others. The comprehensive plan shall demonstrate consistency with the comprehensive plans of contiguous municipalities and other municipalities as appropriate.