A new Rhode Island law changes how businesses lease state tidal lands—and it could affect your expansion plans.
Most Rhode Island gym and fitness studio owners don't realize that if they ever plan to expand onto state tidal lands, a new state law has fundamentally changed the approval process they'll face.
Senate Bill 3148, which took effect upon passage, introduced a significant shift in how Rhode Island handles leases and licenses for state submerged lands. Here's what you need to know.
Previously, businesses seeking to lease or license state tidal lands worked through the Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC)—an administrative agency. Under S3148, any lease or license covering 25 acres or more of state tidal lands now requires approval directly from the Rhode Island General Assembly, not just CRMC.
This means the approval pathway is no longer purely administrative. Instead of moving through agency review, your application must go through the full legislative process, requiring a vote by state representatives and senators.
While most traditional gyms operate on land, this provision matters if your business model involves waterfront operations. This includes:
• Fitness facilities planning waterfront locations or expansions onto tidal lands
• Studios considering dock or water-access amenities
• Operators exploring aquatic fitness programs requiring tidal-land infrastructure
• Any fitness business leasing or licensing state submerged lands at 25 acres or larger
It also affects related waterfront commercial operators—marina developers, aquaculture businesses, and other water-dependent enterprises—who may partner with or support fitness operations.
If you're planning a waterfront expansion involving 25 acres or more of state tidal land, expect a longer timeline. Legislative approval adds a full session cycle to your permitting process. You'll need to work with both CRMC and legislative sponsors to move your proposal through the General Assembly.
For leases or licenses under 25 acres, the CRMC approval process remains in place—no change.
The practical impact: budget additional time for legislative coordination, engage early with state representatives and senators in your district, and factor in legislative calendars when planning project timelines.
S3148 amends Rhode Island General Law 46-23-1(f)(2)(i) (see Page 4 of the bill). The key provision states that the General Assembly becomes the negotiating body on behalf of the state for all activities occurring in, on, and over state submerged land extending beyond 25 acres. The law took effect upon passage (Section 2, Page 14).
If you're currently planning or considering any waterfront expansion, review your project scope against the 25-acre threshold. If your plans involve state tidal lands at or above that size, consult with legal counsel and your state legislative delegation early. The earlier you engage, the better you can plan for the legislative approval timeline.
For a more detailed, business-specific resource on how S3148 affects your operations, contact your local chamber of commerce or trade association—many have prepared guidance tailored to Rhode Island small business.