Callers to the Department of Inspection and Standards frequently have questions about building permits, vacant buildings, zoning issues or substandard housing.

To assist you, the answers to the most Frequently Asked Questions have been organized under the appropriate division.

All issues relating to building permits, including mechanical, electrical, and plumbing, building codes, plans and plan review, and contractors would be addressed by the Structures and Zoning division.

Vacant and abandoned buildings and buildings in disrepair also fall under the jurisdiction of the division of Structures and Zoning. Staff of this division can also check the last permitted use of a property, as well as the history of use of a property.

The Department of Inspection and Standards provides inspection services for new construction, structural renovations, all mechanical, electrical, and plumbing work, and all residential structures for compliance with the State Building Code. A new code went into effect July 1, 2020 and is not available on-line. (See Structures and Zoning for more information.)

The building division also process applications for various permits, reviews plans, and works closely with other City departments including Fire, DPW, Engineering, Forester, and Water in reviewing plans for new construction projects.

Concerns about substandard housing are addressed by the Code Enforcement Division. Property owners who receive a Notice of Violation should contact their Code Enforcement Inspector.

Outstanding violations are addressed through the Housing Court by the Department of Inspection and Standards Prosecution Division.

The staff of the Boards of Review provide support for the Zoning Board of Review and the Building Board of Review.

Department of Inspection and Standards

444 Westminster Street, Providence, RI 02903

Telephone: 401-680-5201