Building/Inspection/Zoning FAQs

What is the zoning of my property?

When requesting this information please have available the Assessors Plat & Lot number and/or the current owner's name. This will help in identifying the exact location of the property on the Plat Maps.

Can I operate a business from my home?

Always call or stop by the Building/Zoning Office with all of your information regarding the business that you are intending on operating from your house. This information has to be evaluated by the Zoning Official to see if it is a permitted use or a use that would be allowed by a special use permit from the Zoning Board or not permitted at all.

When is a building permit required?

A building permit is required when an owner or authorized agent intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move or demolish a structure or building.

Do I need a building permit for a swimming pool (above or in-ground), tool shed, gazebo, and vinyl siding or replacement windows?

When in doubt, call the Building Office at 401-767-2207 (ext.309) and consult with the Building Official.  The answer is "Yes" to all the above.

Do I bring my plans to the fire department?

No. Bring two sets of plans to Building Inspection. At that time, you will complete a permit; it is logged in and then sent to the Fire Department.

What inspections are required after a building permit has been issued?

There are several inspections required and it depends on the project which ones become applicable.  For a new home or addition. a hole inspection is the first inspection required.  The hole shall not have any stone in it so the inspector can determine if the soil has the proper bearing capacity or that the hole is deep enough.  Second inspection will be a concrete for inspection prior to pouring, third is a prior to backfill inspection, fourth is a rough inspection and fifth is a final inspection.  Again, depending  on the project, some or all inspections may be required.

Do you have plans showing the location of my septic system?

Whether we have your Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (OWTS) plans on file depends upon the age of the system.  Systems more than 25 years old will probably not be in our file.

What can I do if I have a problem with a contractor?

The Rhode Island attorney general's office urges homeowners with building contractor problems to contact the state Contractors' Registration Board to make sure a contractor is licensed. The board can be reached at (401) 222-1270 or through its Web site at  www.crb.state.ri.us.  (The board also can tell you whether complaints have been filed against a contractor.)

Make sure the contractor is insured.  Make sure the contractor gives you references and contacts from previous jobs.  Once the work begins or is completed, if you believe that your contractor has done negligent work, breached a contract, or otherwise caused damage, you can file a complaint against the contractor with the Contractors' Registration Board.

If a claim is filed, the board can send an investigator to the site to look at the claim items and attempt to resolve the dispute. If the dispute continues, the board offers a hearing and appeals process.  The Contractors' Registration Board can help homeowners with both registered and unregistered contractors.  Claims must be filed within one year of completion of the work or within one year of the unfinished work being started.