Rhode Island building departments
Find local permit offices, inspection services, and official resources across Rhode Island.
Search the Rhode Island directory
How permitting works in Rhode Island
Statewide codes, local building officials. Rhode Island's statewide codes are based on the 2021 International Codes and include town-by-town snow, wind, and frost-depth values. Local building officials issue permits and inspect.
A county name is only a geographic starting point. Depending on the address, a city, town, borough, township, or county office may issue your permit. How to check who issues your permit.
Rhode Island building codes and licensing
- Residential code
- Rhode Island One and Two Family Dwelling Code (SBC-2): 2021 IRC with RI amendments, current version effective December 1, 2025
- Commercial code
- Rhode Island Building Code (SBC-1): 2021 IBC with RI amendments, current version effective December 1, 2025
What is different in Rhode Island
- Rhode Island's permit exemptions are narrower than the IRC's: only one-story detached accessory structures up to 64 sq ft, fences up to 6 ft and retaining walls up to 32 inches are exempt.
- The code sets ground snow load, design wind speed and frost depth town by town (for example, a 4-foot frost depth in Barrington, Bristol and Burrillville).
- Areas within one mile of the coastal mean high water line where wind speed is 140 mph or more are wind-borne debris regions.
Rhode Island department guides
Browse Rhode Island counties
Planning a project in Rhode Island?
Start with what the model codes say, then confirm local rules with the department that serves your address.