South Kingstown Land Use



 

Developed Land

Statistics (from South Kingstown Planning Department: 789-9331):

  • Percent developed: 22.2%
  • Percent water: 9.7%
  • Percent wetland: 18.7%
  • Percent vacant: 49.4%
  • Developable land area: 28.3%
  • Total acres developed land: 8,915
  • Developable acres: 11,386

Most of the land that is developable is residentially zoned. If all this land is developed, the population of South Kingstown would be about 50,000 people (Planning Dept. Build-out). This build-out assumes that 3.3 persons per built unit, and potentially 6,794 units. At the current growth rate, this would happen in 2035.

South Kingstown is absorbing the impacts of development more so than many of its neighboring towns.


The 2000 Census shows that South Kingstown is growing. Along with this growth in the population comes development. South Kingstown is currently trying to make sure that the development that occurs is in compliance with the goals set out by the comprehensive plan.


click map to enlarge [RIGIS]

This map shows developed and undeveloped land, wetlands, surface water and forests. It is possible that the undeveloped land and forests will be able to be developed in the future, although some of this land is protected. (see statistics for exact numbers).
Planning Documents
  • Comprehensive Plan (approved in 1996)
  • Fair Share Development fees: meant to offset debt service requirements that are caused with the cost of school expansions and some municipal costs
  • Residential Design Manual: addresses the visual component of new housing developments.

Risks of Development:

  • Waste from houses (septic tanks) and commercial development
  • Traffic congestion and accidents
  • Overcrowding in schools
  • Loss of openspace, threats to biodiversity and/or sensitive environments
  • Potential threats to South Kingstown's rural character

For more information about developed land, please visit the residential and commercial growth pages.
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   last updated may 7, 2001