Comprehensive Plan

Based upon the requirements of RIGL 45-22.2 entitled “Rhode Island Comprehensive Planning and Land Use Act” (the Act), every municipality in Rhode Island is required to adopt a comprehensive plan for their community. The Town of Lincoln last updated its comprehensive plan in 2003.

Some of the key features of the Act include:

• All municipalities are to prepare and adopt a single comprehensive plan that are to be updated and re-adopted not less than every ten years
• Each plan is to include certain standard content, and that forecasts, goals, and policies must be formulated looking at a minimum 20-year planning horizon
• Public input and comment is required during the comprehensive planning process
• Comprehensive plans are to serve as the foundation for municipal zoning
• Plans are to be reviewed by the State to assure they are consistent with the provisions of the Act
• State agencies are to conform their programs and projects to municipal plans that have State approval

In 2023, the Town began the process of rewriting its Comprehensive Plan.  The intent is to clearly articulate the vision and goals of the community and provide the Town with a roadmap for accomplishing these items.  

The draft plan was submitted to RI Statewide Planning for preliminary review in August 2025.  Once comments are received and addressed, the Plan will move forward for public hearings with the Town Council and Planning Board.