Rhode Island § 46-23-27 - Coastal Resources Management Council

§ 46-23-27. Requirements for parking modifications near coastal resources management council rights-of-way.

(a) Any city, town, municipal agency, private entity, or other organization seeking to reduce, or restrict parking near designated CRMC rights-of-way shall:

(1) Submit a comprehensive parking plan which shall provide a detailed plan outlining the proposed changes, including:

(i) The specific parking areas affected;

(ii) The reasons for the proposed changes; and

(iii) An analysis of the potential impacts on shoreline access for the public, with a specific focus on ADA compliance.

(2) Demonstrate that the proposed changes shall not reduce access for individuals with disabilities and shall meet or exceed the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements for accessible parking spaces and pathways.

(3) Conduct a public comment period of no less than thirty (30) days to gather feedback from local residents, stakeholders, and advocacy groups.

(b) CRMC shall engage in collaboration with the department of environmental management (“DEM”) to ensure:

(1) The proposed plan does not conflict with DEM programs or projects or negatively interfere with compliance with state and federal accessibility standards;

(2) Achieves alignment with the goals of preserving and enhancing public shoreline access; and

(3) Provides mitigation measures to address any negative impacts identified during the review process.

(c) CRMC and/or DEM may promulgate any necessary rules and regulations to facilitate the implementation of this section within six (6) months of collaboration provided in subsection (b) of this section.

(d) Agencies or departments acting under the authority and expressed permission of the State of Rhode Island or any city or town shall be exempt from the provisions of this section, provided that any restrictions or reductions in parking near CRMC rights-of-way are temporary in nature and are implemented solely to address legitimate public safety concerns or to alleviate impediments to traffic flow. If the restrictions or reductions are to last more than twenty (20) calendar days, notice must be provided to the CRMC, which shall then make such notice available to the public.