Hinckley Allen attorneys Thomas W. Madonna, Jr. and Robin L. Main are contributing authors to MCLE’s A Practical Guide to Land Use Law in Rhode Island: An Essential Guidance on Rhode Island Land Use. Read their respective chapters On Signage and Adult Uses–Chapter 9 by Tom Madonna–and Brownfields, Wetlands, and Municipal Regulations–Chapter 10 by Robin Main. A preview to each chapter is included. For the full Practice Guide to Land Use Law in Rhode Island, please visit MCLE.

CHAPTER 9: Signage and Adult Uses

Thomas W. Madonna  Jr., Hinckley, Allen & Snyder LLP, & Robert G. Flanders, Jr., Whelan, Corrente, Flanders, Kinder & Siket LLP

Scope Note: This chapter provides an analysis of First Amendment protections as applied to two areas of zoning law: signage and adult uses. The chapter begins by discussing basic First Amendment principles and how the courts have applied them to the regulation of signage and adult uses. It then examines the various types of signage and how the First Amendment protects such displays. Finally, the chapter looks at the zoning of adult uses and how the courts have applied First Amendment principles to various forms of such uses.

Chapter 10: Brownfields, Wetlands, and Municipal Regulations

Robin L. Main, Hinckley, Allen & Snyder LLP

Scope Note: This chapter reviews a number of environmental programs affecting Rhode Island land use. It begins with a discussion of the brownfields program, established to address contaminated properties considered for redevelopment. It then discusses the state’s uniform wetlands standards and local regulation of soil erosion, storm water, and groundwater. The chapter concludes by discussing the circumstances under which state law preempts municipal ordinances.

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