As used in this chapter:

(1)  “Coordinating committee” means the Rhode Island housing resources coordinating committee established pursuant to § 42-128-2(2).

(2)  “Eligible locations” means an area designated by the coordinating committee as a suitable site for a housing incentive district by virtue of its infrastructure, existing underutilized facilities, or other advantageous qualities, including (i) Proximity to public transit centers, including commuter rail, bus, and ferry terminals; or (ii) Proximity to areas of concentrated development, including town and city centers or other existing commercial districts.

(3)  “Eligible student” means an individual who (i) Lives in a newly constructed dwelling unit within a housing incentive district, to the extent that the unit could not have been realized under the underlying zoning; and (ii) Attends a school in the city or town.

(4)  “Housing incentive district” means an overlay district adopted by a city or town pursuant to this chapter. A housing incentive district is intended to encourage residential development and must permit minimum residential uses. A housing incentive district may accommodate uses complementary to the primary residential uses, as deemed appropriate by the adopting city or town; however, the majority of development on lots within a housing incentive district must be residential. Land development plans within a housing incentive district shall be treated as minor land development plans, as defined by § 45-23-32, unless otherwise specified by ordinance.

(5)  “School impact offset payments” means a payment to a city or town to help offset increased municipal costs of educating eligible students.