TITLE 45

Towns and cities

CHAPTER 45-24.3

Housing Maintenance and Occupancy Code

SECTION 45-24.3-2



   § 45-24.3-2  Legislative findings. –

(a) It is found that there exists, and may in the future exist within the state

of Rhode Island, premises, dwellings, dwelling units, rooming units,

structures, or parts thereof, which by reason of their structure, equipment,

sanitation, maintenance, use, or occupancy, affect or are likely to adversely

affect the public health, including the physical, mental, and social well-being

of persons and families, safety, and general welfare. To correct and prevent

the existence of these adverse conditions, and to achieve and maintain levels

of residential environmental quality as will protect and promote health,

safety, and general welfare, it is further found that the establishment of

minimum housing standards for the state of Rhode Island is required.



   (b) It is further found that conditions existing on blighted

premises are dangerous to the public health, safety, morals, and general

welfare of the people, and that conditions existing on blighted premises

necessitate excessive and disproportionate expenditure of public funds for

public health and safety, crime prevention, fire protection, and other public

services, and that the conditions existing on blighted premises cause a drain

upon public revenue, impairing the efficient and economical exercise of

governmental functions in these areas.



   (c) It is further found that the elimination of blighted

premises, and the prevention of the recurrence of blighted premises, is in the

best interest of the public, and that the accomplishment of this end will be

fostered and encouraged by the enactment of this chapter. The enactment and

enforcement of this chapter is thereby declared to be essential to the public

interest. It is intended that the provisions of this chapter be liberally

construed to effectuate its previously stated purposes.



History of Section.

(P.L. 1970, ch. 325, § 1.)