As of June 27, 2025, a new law, Chapters 257 and 265, affects towns, cities, private organizations, and private property owners who wish to reduce or eliminate parking near a Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) designated public right of water to the shoreline. These entities must file a plan that will be reviewed by CRMC and the Rhode Island Department of Environment Management (DEM). The plan must include:
- Which parking spots/areas would be changed or eliminated.
- The reason for the proposed change.
- How the parking changes would affect public access to the shoreline.
- How the changes would affect anyone who is protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Stakeholders would be entitled to a 30-day public comment period. DEM and CRMC will also review the plan to make sure that it will not harm the public’s right to access the shoreline. CRMC and DEM will adopt regulations to enforce this law.
A town or city may impose a temporary ban or restriction on parking for 20 or fewer days if there is a legitimate public safety issue.
Penalties for eliminating parking without authorization include:
- A cease and desist order from CRMC or DEM;
- A maximum fine of $500 per day;
- Additional penalties issue by CRMC or DEM.
REALTORS®: For more information, contact the RIAR Legal Department at [email protected].