Structures and Zoning: FAQs
When is a permit required?
See the Code governing the type of construction, e.g.
For Residential Buildings see SBC-2-2010 (IRC 2009 with RI amendments Chapter 1 Admin §R105 Permits:
R105.2 Work exempt from permit. Permits shall not be required for the following. Exemption from the permit requirements of this code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this code or any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction.
1. One-story detached accessory structures provided the floor area does not exceed 64 square feet (18.58 2)
2. Fences not over 6 feet (1829 mm) high.
3. Retaining walls that are not over 32" in height measured from the lower finished grade to the top of the Wall, unless supporting a surcharge. However, there are Exceptions:
a. All cast-in-place concrete retaining walls greater that 24" in height shall require a permit.
b. All engineered masonry retaining wall systems shall be installed in accordance with manufacturer's Installation instructions.
4. Water tanks supported directly upon grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallon (18 927L) and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2 to 1.
5. Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches (762 mm) above adjacent grade and not over any basement or story below.
6. Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar finish work.
7. Prefabricated swimming pools that are less than 24 inches (610 mm) deep, and man-made landscape ponds of any depth.
8. Swings and other playground equipment, and play structures less that 64 square feet.
9. Window awnings supported by an exterior wall.
10. Replacement window sash installations. Exception: Replacement window installations that include a frame and sash(es) require a permit.
For commercial buildings see SBC-1-2007 (IBC 2009 with RI amendments) Chapter 1 Admin. §105 Permits
1. One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet (11 m2).
2. Fences not over 6 feet (1829 mm) high.
3. Oil derricks.
4. Retaining walls that are not over 4 feet (1219 mm) in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II or IIIA liquids.
5. Water tanks supported directly on grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons (18 925L) and the ration of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2:1.
6. Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches (762 mm) above adjacent grade, and not over any basement or story below and are not part of an accessible route.
7. Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar finish work.
8. Temporary motion picture, television and theater stage sets and scenery.
9. Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a Group R-3 occupancy that are less than 24 inches (610 mm) deep, do not exceed 5,000 gallons (18 925L) and are installed entirely above ground.
10. Shade cloth structures constructed for nursery or agricultural purposes, not including service systems.
11. Swings and other playground equipment accessory to detached one and two family dwellings.
12. Window awnings supported by an exterior wall that do not project more than 54 inches (1372 mm) from the exterior wall and do not require additional support of Groups R-3 and U occupancies.
13. Nonfixed and movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches (1753 mm) in height.
Exemption from the permit requirements of this code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in violation of the provisions of this code or any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction.
Residential work see SBC-2-2007(IRC 2006 with RI amendments) Chapter 1 Admin. §105 Permits
What inspections are required?
See the Code governing the type of construction, e.g.
For building see SBC-1-2010 (IBC 2009 with RI amendments) Chapter 1 Admin. §109 Inspections,
For Plumbing work see SBC-3-2010 (IPC 2009 with RI amendments) Chapter 1 Admin. §107 Inspections,
For Electrical work see SBC-5-2006 (NEC 2008) Appendix H 80.17 (f) Inspections
For Mechanical work see SBC-4-2010 (IMC 2009 with RI amendments) Chapter 1 Admin. §107 Inspections,
For Residential work see SBC-2-2010 (IRC 2009 with RI amendments) Chapter 1 Admin. §109 Inspections
How much will the permit cost?
See the fee schedule for Building, Plumbing, Mechanical, and Plumbing.(see attachment) Also see fee schedules for other departments that may be required (see permitting hand book matrix)
When is a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) required?
See RI State Building Code Administrative Section §23-27.3-120.1-6 Certificate of Use and Occupancy.
§ 23-27.3-120.1 New buildings.
§ 23-27.3-120.2 Buildings hereafter altered.
§ 23-27.3-120.3 Existing buildings.
§ 23-27.3-120.4 Changes in use and occupancy.
§ 23-27.3-120.5 Temporary occupancy.
§ 23-27.3-120.6 Contents of certificate.
How long does it take to issue a permit?
For minor repairs e.g. re-roof, new siding, etc. a permit can often be applied for and pick up the same day. For interior renovations or tenant build-out, the permit and/or plan review will typically be ready in no more than 15 business days. For larger projects; the permit and/or plan review will be ready in no more than 30 business days.
For further information see the Permit Handbook:
Where are plans submitted for permit and/or plan review?
All plans for all city departments required to preform review for building permit applications, shall be submitted at the Department of Inspection and Standards. city departments include but are not limited to: Structural, Fire Prevention, Fire Alarm, Plumbing, Mechanical, Electrical, Forestry, DPW and Providence Water. (other non-City departments may also require submittal e.g. Narragansett Bay, State Fire Marshal, Etc. see the Permit Handbook for further information. )
How many sets of plans do I need?
See the Permit Handbook.