Permit Requirements and Construction Guidelines

Permit Posting

Once issued, permits may be printed directly from your online OpenGov permit application. The printed permit must be posted on-site and clearly visible from the street throughout the duration of the project.

Approved Plans

One set of stamped, approved plans (including the site plan) must remain on the job site for the duration of the project.

Site Identification

All job sites must have visible and accurate street numbers or appropriate signage identifying the project location.

Property Boundaries

Property boundaries must be clearly marked prior to beginning any work involving additions or expansion of a structure.

Note: Failure to comply with the above requirements may result in denied inspection services and the assessment of re-inspection fees.

Permit Expiration

A permit shall become invalid, unless reasonable cause is shown, if work has not commenced within six (6) months of issuance. An extension of up to 90 days may be requested in writing and must be approved by the Building Official.

Inspections

Required inspections must be scheduled through the Building Official's Office by calling 401-294-3331, ext. 301 or 303. Inspection requests must be made at least 24 hours in advance.

Note: Same-day inspection requests will not be accommodated.

  • Building & Electrical Inspections: Monday – Friday
  • Plumbing & Mechanical Inspections: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday only

Foundations & Footings

All excavation and form work must be complete prior to inspection. No concrete shall be poured without prior approval by the Building Inspector.

Inspection(s) may be required after form removal, depending on the work taking place inspections may be needed to review such things as damp-proofing, insulation, anchor bolts, drainage systems, and any required openings. No backfilling may occur until the inspection(s) have been approved by the inspector.

Framing

Rough framing inspections must be completed prior to insulation being installed. These inspections are to be scheduled only after any associated rough electrical, plumbing, and mechanical inspections are completed and after any rough inspections required by the Fire Marshal's Office (if applicable) have been completed.

Fireplaces & Chimneys

A separate building permit is required for the construction or installation of all zero-clearance fireplaces, masonry chimneys, and similar structures.

  • Interior Fireplaces: Inspections must be completed prior to insulation or interior wall covering, and again following installation through all floors and ceilings before roof penetration.
  • Exterior Fireplaces: A rough inspection is required after construction of the smoke chamber and before chimney installation or enclosure.
  • Final Inspection: Required upon full completion.

Insulation

Insulation must be inspected prior to the installation of wallboard.

Electrical, Plumbing, and Mechanical

Rough inspections are required before any associated work is covered. Final inspections must be scheduled before occupancy is granted.

Final Inspection

A final inspection is required prior to the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy or a Letter of Completion. This inspection should only be scheduled once all permitted work and related inspections including all final MEP inspections and any final inspections required by the Fire Marshal's Office (if applicable) have been completed.

  • House numbers must be permanently affixed before the Final Certificate of Occupancy inspection.
  • All plumbing, mechanical, and electrical systems must be fully operational and connected to utilities.

Fire Marshal Inspections

The applicant is responsible for scheduling all required Fire Marshal inspections directly through the Fire Marshal's Office at 401-294-3346, ext. 7201. These inspections are required prior to the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy for any project that involves fire protection systems.