Rhode Island § 45-23-72 - Subdivision of Land
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 45-23-72 — Subdivision of Land, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 45-23-72. Subdivision of Land
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-23-72
§ 45-23-72. Appeals to the superior court — Enactment of or amendment of local regulations.
(a) Any appeal of an enactment of or an amendment of local regulations may be taken to the superior court for the county in which the municipality is situated by filing a complaint, as stated in this section, within thirty (30) days after the enactment, or amendment has become effective. The appeal may be taken by any legal resident or landowner of the municipality or by any association of residents or landowners of the municipality. The appeal does not stay the enforcement of the local regulations, as enacted or amended, but the court may, in its discretion, grant a stay on appropriate terms, which may include the filing of a bond, and make any other orders that it deems necessary for an equitable disposition of the appeal.
(b) The complaint shall state with specificity the area or areas in which the enactment or amendment is not consistent with the Comprehensive Planning Act, chapter 22.2 of this title; the Rhode Island Zoning Enabling Act of 1991, § 45-24-27 et seq.; the municipality’s comprehensive plan; or the municipality’s zoning ordinance.
(c) The review shall be conducted by the court without a jury. The court shall consider whether the enactment or amendment of the local regulations is consistent with the Comprehensive Planning Act, chapter 22.2 of this title; the Rhode Island Zoning Enabling Act of 1991, § 45-24-27 et seq.; the municipality’s comprehensive plan; or the municipality’s zoning ordinance. If the enactment or amendment is not consistent, then the court shall invalidate the enactment or the amendment, or those parts of the enactment or amendment which are not consistent. The court shall not revise the local regulations to be consistent, but may suggest appropriate language as part of the court decision.
(d) The court may in its discretion, upon motion of the parties or on its own motion, award reasonable attorney’s fees to any party to an appeal, as stated herein, including a municipality.
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 385, § 1.
Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 45-23-72
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 45-23-72 cover?
Section 45-23-72 ("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 § 45-23-72?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 45-23-72" (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 § 45-23-72 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.