Rhode Island § 45-23-45 - Subdivision of Land
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 45-23-45 — Subdivision of Land, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 45-23-45. Subdivision of Land
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-23-45
§ 45-23-45. General provisions — Public design and improvement standards.
(a) Public design and improvement standards for development projects shall be specified, through reasonable, objective standards and criteria, in the design and improvement standards section of the local regulations. Appropriate public improvement standards shall be specified for each area or district of the municipality. Standards may include, but are not limited to, specifications for rights-of-way, streets, sidewalks, lighting, landscaping, public access, utilities, drainage systems, fire protection, and soil erosion control.
(b) All public improvements required in a land development project or subdivision by a municipality shall reflect the physical character and design for that district that is specified by the municipality’s adopted comprehensive plan. Public improvement requirements and standards need not be the same in all areas or districts of a municipality. The technical details of the improvement standards may be contained in an appendix to the local regulations but shall be considered part of the regulations.
(c) A town or city that requires the installation of a common cistern or any other water reservoir for fire protection purposes in a residential subdivision may, by ordinance, provide the developer the option in lieu thereof to require the installation of code-compliant residential sprinkler systems in structures for human habitation.
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 385, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 179, § 2; P.L. 2018, ch. 212, § 1; P.L. 2018,
ch. 268, § 1.
Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 45-23-45
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 45-23-45 cover?
Section 45-23-45 ("Subdivision of Land") is part of the Rhode Island General Laws, the codified statutory law of Rhode Island. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Rhode Island § 45-23-45?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 45-23-45" (Rhode Island). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Rhode Island law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Rhode Island official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Rhode Island attorney.
How does Rhode Island § 45-23-45 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Rhode Island can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Rhode Island.