Zoning Board of Review: FAQs

How to petition the Zoning Board of Review?
Request a Zoning Board of Review package from the Boards of Revewi (401-421-7740 ext. 309), which includes instructions, applications and sample radius plan or click on the links for your convenience. Zoning Board of Review Instructions, Zoning Board Application, Sample Radius Plan

What documentation is needed at a preliminary review?
Two signed applications, Three complete sets of plans (scaled drawings, parking plans landscaping plans etc.), Ten Radius Plans, Two Mailing List, Two Sets of mailing Labels, Copy of Deed and a Check made payable to the Providence City Collector in the appropriate amount.

After the preliminary review and the application is accepted, how long is the wait to appear before the Board?
Generally it takes one to two months after filling to appear before the board.

What should be expected at the hearing?
The Chair will announce the subject address on the application and invite everyone to come forward who has an interest in the petition. Everyone will be sworn in and the owner or the representative of the owner will present the petition. After everyone has been heard by the board, the chair will close the hearing on that particular case and the board will deliberate and render a decision.

The board has approved/denied the application, what happens next?
The decision of the Board on every petition or appeal shall be in written form and shall include the reasons for the decision, findings of fact, and any special conditions attached thereto. The decision shall be filed in the office of the Board and of the Director within forty-five (45) days of the Board's vote, and shall be open to public inspection. Notice of such decision shall be mailed to each party in interest, including the applicant and the Associate Director of the Division of Planning of the Rhode Island Department of Administration. Any decision evidencing the granting of a variance or special use permit shall also be recorded in the Land Evidence Records of the City.

Does the variance expire?
Any variance or special use permit granted or authorized by the Board shall expire six months after the date of the filing of the resolution in the Office of the Board unless the applicant shall, within the six months, obtain a legal, complete building permit for the project and proceed with construction of the proposed improvements (for purposes of this section, demolition permits and foundation permits shall not be construed to be building permits); or, within the six months, obtain a legal building permit and a certificate of occupancy when no construction is required.

The Board may, upon written request and for cause shown prior to the expiration of the initial six-month period, renew the variance or special use permit for a second six-month period. Said request for an extension need not be advertised.

Should an applicant fail to obtain a legal building permit within the second six month period, the Board may upon written request prior to the end of the second six month period, renew the variance or special use permit for a third six month period provided that the applicant can demonstrate due diligence in proceeding and substantial financial commitment in promoting the subject of the variance or special use permit since the date of the filing of the resolution.

The request for the third six-month period shall be advertised and notice given in accordance with Section 902 and a hearing shall be held on the request. None of the six month periods shall run during the pendency of any Superior or Supreme Court actions concerning the grant.

Is there any recourse if my application is denied?
Yes, any person or persons, jointly or severally aggrieved by a decision of the Board may appeal said decision to the Superior court within twenty (20) days after such decision is field in the office of the Board.