Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the changes to the Providence Zoning Ordinance
The City of Providence proposes to make zoning changes in all of Downtown and the I-195 surplus land in Fox Point formerly occupied by Interstate 195. This collection of frequently asked questions provides brief answers to many common questions about the proposed zoning changes.

What are the proposed areas for rezoning?
The City of Providence proposes to revise the zoning regulations for all of Downtown and the I-195 surplus land in Fox Point. Zoning maps for Downtown and Fox Point showing the proposed zoning district boundaries can be found in the final section of the proposed zoning ordinances. Please click here for the revised Downtown regulations and click here for the revised regulations for the I-195 surplus land in Fox Point.

Why is the City proposing to rezone Downtown and the I-195 surplus land in Fox Point?
The City has undergone a planning process to rezone Downtown and the I-195 surplus land in Fox Point with the aim of streamlining the development process, supporting the development of the Knowledge Economy, promoting high-quality design standards, preserving historic structures, and ensuring that new development complements the City's existing urban fabric. In addition, the relocation of Interstate 195 was a major impetus for the rezoning, as it created many acres of newly available land for redevelopment in Downtown and Fox Point. Certain zoning map changes are proposed to reflect the new street pattern and the development potential of this land.

What are the major proposed zoning changes?
The following are the major proposed zoning changes for Downtown to apply to new construction and alterations to existing buildings:

Zoning District Boundaries:

• Rezone the Downtown D-2 zone to D-1.
• Adjust the zoning district boundaries to conform to new streets created within the former I-195 right-of-way.
• Adjust the Downcity District (DD) boundary.

Uses:

• Permit new uses related to the Knowledge Economy, including Research and Development (R & D).
• Permit Healthcare Institutions in the D-1 zone by special use permit.
• New sections on sustainable development and interim land uses.

Building Height:

• Establish new height subdistricts within the D-1 zone and increase height allowances in several existing D-1 height subdistricts.

Urban Design:

A & B streets:

• Establish new "A Street" and "B Street" designations in Downcity and the Jewelry District.

Building facades:

• Establish a "build-to" zone in which new building facades must be constructed.
• Establish new building frontage requirements.

Transparency:

• New transparency standards for the ground-floor and upper floors of new buildings.

Building materials:

• Expand list of permitted building materials.

Parking:

• New surface parking permitted by waiver only.
• Establish new setback and landscaping requirements for surface parking along an A Street.
• New design standards for parking garages, including building proportions and concealment requirements.

View corridors:

• Restrict height of new structures and landscaping within designated view corridors.

Signs & Awnings:

• New sign illumination standards. New awning standards.

Design Review Process:

• Design review to be conducted by city staff or the Downtown Design Review Committee (DRC), depending on what is proposed and the property's location.
• Projects within the modified Downcity District (DD) boundary in Downtown will undergo a more rigorous review by the DRC due to the historic nature of the district.

Demolition:

• Permit demolition of existing buildings only by waiver by the DRC and according to new criteria.

Development Incentives:

• Establish new development incentives, including height bonuses for the provision of publicly-accessible open space, parking garages, and active ground-floor uses.

The following are the major proposed zoning changes to apply to new construction on the I-195 surplus land in Fox Point:

• Adjust zoning district boundaries to conform to the new street pattern.
• Create the East Side I-195 Overlay District (ESOD) to delineate the area in which the design of new buildings is regulated.
• Create a development review process for new construction within the ESOD.
• Establish new development incentives, including height bonuses for the provision of publicly-accessible open space, parking garages, active ground-floor uses, and mixed-use development.

What is the role of the I-195 District Redevelopment Commission?
The proposed zoning regulations will apply within and outside of the former I-195 right-of-way. The I-195 District Redevelopment Commission will abide by the City's zoning regulations when considering development proposals for the surplus land.

If you should have any further questions, please contact: Robert E. Azar, AICP at razar@providenceri.com, 401.680.8524 or Christopher Riale, AICP at criale@providenceri.com, 401.680.8523