EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. - The City of East Providence is excited to announce that on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, the East Providence City Council passed legislation on an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) tax stabilization that will encourage the development of alternative housing opportunities throughout East Providence.
“Affordable housing continues to be a top priority of this administration, and I am grateful to have so many partners in local government who share a vision in creating innovative ways to make housing more obtainable,” Mayor Bob DaSilva said. “This new Accessary Dwelling Unit Tax Stabilization will build on that momentum, ensuring that those who want to call East Providence home, or those that already do are afforded the opportunity to do so,” DaSilva added.
This new stabilization measure will allow residents the opportunity to build an ADU and receive a five-year period of tax relief from the additional value that the ADU would add to their home’s assessment, starting at 100% exemption year one and scaling down 20% each year.
"ADUs show that some of our most impactful housing solutions don't have to be the biggest ones," Secretary of Housing Deborah Goddard said. "They create opportunities for young adults, aging parents, caregivers, and homeowners while preserving the character of existing neighborhoods. That's why Housing 2030 includes a goal of permitting 525 new ADUs by the end of 2030. East Providence's innovative ADU tax stabilization program is an outstanding example of local leadership removing barriers and making it easier for homeowners to create more housing. Coupled with initiatives like our recently launched +1 RI ADU Design Competition, we're partnering with municipalities to make ADUs more accessible, affordable, and achievable—and to help Rhode Island reach its Housing 2030 goals."
Across the United States, rising housing costs are forcing many young professionals to remain in their family homes longer. East Providence is continuing to lead the way, recently passing ordinances to make ADU’s available on lots that are at least 5,000 square feet, rather than the state’s baseline requirement of 20,000 and creating a 5-year relief for additional assessments from ADU construction.
“We want to maintain Townies living in East Providence,” said bill sponsor and council vice president Frank Rego. “This is a way of helping with the housing crisis in the city and the state, without having to build on land that we want to keep green throughout the city,” Rego added.
For many older adults, ADU’s provide an opportunity to downsize without leaving the communities they have called home for decades, offering seniors a more manageable and affordable living option while allowing them to remain close to the ones they love.
"Aging in community – where 87% of Rhode Islanders 45 and older have told AARP Rhode Island they wish to be – is possible if homes can be modified to accommodate changing needs,” Catherine Taylor, AARP Rhode Island State Director said . “Our cities and towns must have housing options that are suitable for differing incomes, ages and life stages. Accessory Dwelling Units are a fast and flexible way to accomplish this critical Age-Friendly goal. I’m thrilled that the City of East Providence is offering this powerful incentive to build ADUs, which will help so many families and caregivers in this community.”
