Rhode Island General Laws Title 8. Courts and Civil Procedure--Courts § 8-2-40. Land use calendar

(a)Findings and declarations. The general assembly finds and declares that:

(b)Establishment. To accomplish this purpose in an effort to minimize delay in the processing of land use matters in superior court, effective January 1, 2024, there shall be established a separate calendar for the administration and determination of all land use matters.

(c)Land use calendar. The presiding judge of the superior court shall create a land use calendar in superior court and shall assign personnel to the extent warranted to exclusively hear and decide all eligible land use matters, and the calendar shall be referred to as the “land use calendar.” Cases eligible for the land use calendar shall include appeals under §§ 45-22.2-9.1, 45-23-71, 45-23-72, 45-24-69, 45-24-71; 45-24.4-16, 45-24.6-9, 45-53-5; and 45-53-5.1. Any party may request a conference to seek assignment to the land use calendar, and acceptance of any matter in addition to the sections listed above shall be at the discretion of the judge(s) assigned to the calendar.

(d)Timing. All matters assigned to the land use calendar shall be expedited. All memoranda from all interested parties in an appeal assigned to the calendar shall be completed within sixty (60) days of the filing of the certified record. No continuances or postponements shall be granted except for good cause shown. Such continuances as are necessary shall be granted for the shortest practicable time.

(e)Use of section. Under no circumstances shall any party be permitted to utilize this section as a basis for dismissal of an action, as this section is enacted for the benefit and convenience of the superior court.