Rhode Island has made it much easier for people to build a small second home, called an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). If you own a home, you can now build an ADU without asking for special permission—if it’s for a family member who is 62 years or older, or who has a disability. These new laws help families live together and give more people a place to live, especially with the cost of housing going up.
What Is an ADU?
An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a smaller home on the same land as your main house. It’s like having a second home in your backyard or inside your house.
ADUs can be:
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A finished basement with its own kitchen and bathroom
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A garage apartment above your existing garage
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A small home built in the backyard
These homes are private and come with their own entrance, kitchen, bathroom, and place to sleep.
Why Are ADUs a Big Deal in Rhode Island?
More people in Rhode Island are looking for safe, affordable places to live. At the same time, many families want to stay close to older parents or adult children.
ADUs help solve these problems because:
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Families can stay together but still have their own space
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Seniors can live safely near loved ones
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Homeowners can earn money by renting the ADU
Rhode Island has a housing shortage, and ADUs help fill that gap without needing to build big new buildings.
What Changed in the New Law?
Before the new law, it was hard to get approval to build an ADU. You needed a special permit from your town or city, and the process could take a long time.
Now, thanks to the new state law:
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You do not need a special use permit if the ADU is for a family member aged 62+ or one who has a disability
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You can build an ADU in any residential zone, not just in certain parts of town
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Towns must follow state law, even if they had stricter rules before
These changes make it much easier for families to plan and build ADUs.
Are There Still Rules You Have to Follow?
Yes, even though it’s easier, there are still some important rules.
Here’s what homeowners should check:
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Size limits – Most towns have a maximum size for ADUs (like 900 square feet)
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Setbacks – This means how far the ADU must be from the road or neighbor’s yard
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Parking – Some towns may ask you to add extra parking space
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Style and design – The ADU may need to match your main home in color or shape
It’s a good idea to talk to your town’s planning department before starting your project.
What Are the Benefits for Homeowners?
ADUs can be a smart choice for many homeowners.
You might build an ADU to:
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Take care of an aging parent or grandparent
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Give your adult child a place to live while saving for their own home
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Have a private guest space for friends and family
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Rent it out to earn extra income
Some people even plan to live in their ADU and rent the main home once they retire.
Where Can You Go to Learn More?
Some cities and towns have made guides that explain the steps and rules in a simple way. For example, Providence created a full ADU guide to help homeowners understand the process.
Helpful places to check:
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Your city or town’s website
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The local zoning or building department
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The Rhode Island Department of Housing
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A local contractor who knows ADU rules
If you’re not sure where to start, just call your town hall and ask about ADUs. They can point you in the right direction.
Final Thoughts
The new ADU laws in Rhode Island are a big win for families. Now it’s easier to build a space for a loved one or create an extra home on your land. With fewer rules and no need for a special permit in many cases, homeowners can save time and money.
To get started:
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Think about who you want to live in the ADU
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Check your town’s rules
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Talk to a builder or architect
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Ask your town if you qualify for the easier permit-free option
Whether you’re helping family or looking for rental income, now is a great time to explore ADUs in Rhode Island.
