Our Purpose

The Building & Zoning Department takes professional pride in judiciously seeking ethical compliance in the built community through life safety codes and standards. We do this by three principles:

• Listen: We strive to listen, not just hear.
• Learn: We thrive on learning so we constantly improve.
• Partnership: We see permits and inspections as a way to work with you.

Are Building Permits new to you?

• Is this your first time here?
• Are you not sure how to get started?
• Do you need to change your login info?

No problem. Take a look at our Online e-Permitting Guide for more information on how to get started!

Ready to apply for a building permit now?

 Click here to go directly to the Open Gov login page.  

Zoning Says...

There are common questions about Zoning that we receive. More questions are answered on the FAQ page, linked on this pages sidebar. But here are a few Zoning answers that may be of help to you right here. The answer for you may vary depending on the address, so call us to be sure the basic rules below apply to your situation. 

Q: We need to apply for a ZBR appeal, special  use, or variance. How long does the process take? Click here for a simplified flowchart. 

Q: We want to set a shed on our property. Where can it go? How big can it be? Click here to find out

Q: We want to build an addition but don't know how close it can be to the property line. Where can I find that answer? Click here

Q: We need to build an In-law suite (ADU, Accessory Dwelling Unit) but don't know if its allowed or what an ADU needs. Click here to find out

Q: We would like to post a sign, but we aren't sure where they can go or how big they can be. Click here  to see answers to those and more 

Zoning Agenda

November 6, 2024 Zoning Board of Review Agenda and Supporting Documents

• View the 2024 Zoning Meeting & Closing Dates for Applications HERE.

What’s New?

I want a swimming pool. What do I need to know?

If you want install a swimming pool or spa and you aren't sure what all is required to be sure its safe for your family to use, what permits may be needed, or aren't sure what inspections you will need, you can take a look at our brand new Typical Pool Detail for answers. For an example of a pool plan that should NOT be submitted because it will not pass code, please click here. 

What Needs To Be On My Plans?

Submitting a construction drawing seems scary, but if you have a little time, a ruler, some paper, and measuring tape, you can make a construction plan. See what needs to be on that plan at this link and remember: you don’t have to be an architect to make a construction plan. Para una traduccion al espanol, haga clic aqui.

Smithfield Permit Fee Estimator

Now you can estimate the permit fee for your project. The fee estimation does not include impact or other potential fees.

• Download the Permit Fee Estimator Tool.
• How does the State mandate permit fees?

I want to open up the walls before pulling a building permit. I want to take the shed down. I want to demolish some of my house, not all of it. Does any of that need a permit?

Sometimes you really want to know what's in the walls and ceilings before pulling that building permit. Or maybe you want to take down some walls, not all of them, but some of them. Or maybe you want to demolish the whole structure. If anything like that is your plan, you need a demolition permit. Our demolition permit handles partial, exploratory, and total demolition and here is what you need to apply for that permit.  

Coming attractions: The new energy code

The State legislature has passed S0855A and it was signed by the Governor on June 22, 2023. This means that not later than 3 months after release, the 2024 International Energy Code will be the Energy Code for Rhode Island. According to the International Code Councils webpage, the 2024 IECC will be released (published) at some point in the 1st quarter of 2024 and RI will not adopt the 2021 IECC. Want to know what we need to see when insulation is inspected? Click here to find out.

I need to submit a Manual J with my Mechanical permit. Where can I find one?

We now have an Excel form, courtesy of ACCA, which contains the Mechanical and Energy Code required Manual J, and you can download it here then submit the required information with your mechanical permit application. Please read the Manuals caveats before using. Please note it is an abridged version and is not a substitute for the full form; it does have limitations such as cooling for central, single zone, constant volume, SFR homes, dark shingle roofs, and more. Also, it has helpful instructions within the spreadsheet on how to fill it in. 

What’s a Plot Plan or Land Survey?

If someone said your project needs a site plan, plot plan, or land survey but you aren’t sure what one looks like or has on it. View a site plan, plot plan, or land survey.

What’s a Fence?

If you are ready to install a fence we want you to know what a fence is, how it can be built, and where it can go. We also want you to be aware of some of the laws that may apply to your fence. See what a fence actually is.

How to Make A Complaint

If you see or experience something that you are sure the Building or Zoning Department should deal with, you can download a Citizen Complaint form and then email it to us or give us a hard copy in person or by mail. Complaints can be anonymous unless the resolution involves litigation and the judicial system requires the complainant appear.

Ask Us Anything is here!

If you have any questions related to State building code, construction related questions, or want to know what we do as a department Ask Us Anything is where you can write us and we will do our best to answer your questions.

• Ask Us Anything!

128 Form : Engineers Affidavit : Who Needs It?

If you are a specialist in construction design, your part of the project might need an engineers or Registered Design Professional affidavit. What the affidavit is for and how often it needs submitted is detailed in the RI State Commercial Code SBC-1 in Chapter 17. Download that updated affidavit here.

Zoning Application? How long will that take?

Maybe you need to apply for a Variance to a Zoning Ordinance rule for your project? Or you need to file for a Special Use Permit for your project? Or maybe you want to file an Appeal to a Building Official, Planning Board, or Zoning Enforcement Officers Decision? How about an extension to your existing application? But you don’t know how long any of that will take. Click HERE to see a simplified timeline that will answer that for you.

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