2009 Rhode Island Code
Title 45 - Towns and cities
CHAPTER 45-22.4 - Rhode Island Development Impact Fee Act
§ 45-22.4-3 - Definitions.

SECTION 45-22.4-3

   § 45-22.4-3  Definitions. – As used in this chapter, the following words have the meanings stated in this section:

   (1) "Capital improvements" means improvements with a useful life of ten (10) years or more, which increases or improves the service capacity of a public facility;

   (2) "Capital improvement program" means that component of a municipal budget that sets out the need for public facility capital improvements, the costs of the improvements, and proposed funding sources. A capital improvement program must cover at least a five (5) year period and should be reviewed at least every five (5) years;

   (3) "Developer" means a person or legal entity undertaking development;

   (4) "Governmental entity" means a unit of local government;

   (5) "Impact fee" means the charge imposed upon new development by a governmental entity to fund all or a portion of the public facility's capital improvements affected by the new development from which it is collected;

   (6) "Proportionate share" means that portion of the cost of system improvements which reasonably relates to the service demands and needs of the project; and

   (7) "Public facilities" means:

   (i) Water supply production, treatment, storage, and distribution facilities;

   (ii) Wastewater and solid waste collection, treatment, and disposal facilities;

   (iii) Roads, streets, and bridges, including rights-of-way, traffic signals, landscaping, and local components of state and federal highways;

   (iv) Storm water collection, retention, detention, treatment, and disposal facilities, flood control facilities, bank and shore projections, and enhancement improvements;

   (v) Parks, open space areas, and recreation facilities;

   (vi) Police, emergency medical, rescue, and fire protection facilities;

   (vii) Public schools and libraries; and

   (viii) Other public facilities consistent with a community's capital improvement program.