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Code Enforcement

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1. Do I need a permit?

You need a permit for all new construction, renovations, except minor repairs and including but not limited to the installation of shed, pools, fireplaces, wood stoves and chimneys. Reference the RI General Laws Chapter 23-27.3 State Building Code section 23-27.3-113.1, entitled "When a permit is required" - It shall be unlawful to construct, enlarge, alter, remove, or demolish a building, or change the occupancy of a building from one use group as defined in this code to another; or to install or alter any equipment for which provision is made or the installation of which is regulated by this code, without first filing an application with the building official in writing and obtaining the required permit thereof; except that ordinary repairs as defined in 23-27.3-102 which do not involve any violation of this code shall be exempt from this provision. 

23-27.3-102, entitled "Ordinary repairs" - Ordinary repairs to a building and structures may be made without application notice to the building official, but the repairs shall not include: the installation of any siding; the cutting away of any wall, partition or portion of the wall; the removal or cutting of any structural beam or bearing support; or the removal or change of any required means of egress; or rearrangement of parts of a structure affecting the exitway requirements; nor shall ordinary repairs include addition to, alteration of, replacement or relocation of any standard pipe, water supply, sewer, drainage, drain leader, gas, soil, waste, vent or similar piping; electrical wiring; or mechanical or other work affecting public health, safety, and welfare.  All work not classified as ordinary repair shall comply with the rules and regulations or ordinances of the municipality as to the procurement of a permit for the aforementioned repairs.

Sign Permits: Sign Permits are required by the RI Building Code and the by Zoning Ordinance. Please see additional information in the sign permit question.

2. Why do I need a permit?

The purpose of a permit is to protect and safeguard the public safety, health, and general welfare and to protect property from the hazards associated with construction.

3. What code does North Kingstown follow?

All thirty-nine communities in the State of Rhode Island are governed by the Rhode Island State Building Codes. The current version of the Rhode Island State Building Code is the 2021 code which includes the 2020 National Electrical Code.  

4. How do I apply for a permit?

1. Submit a completed permit application through the State of RI E-Permitting system.  Paper applications are no longer accepted.
2. North Kingstown's link can be found under the Residents and Business tabs of our website and at permits.ri.gov choosing North Kingstown.
3. Submit a site plan showing the location of the building on the lot with setbacks to all property boundaries, septic system, water line, and other structures located on the property.
4. For commercial projects submit 3 copies of construction plans drawn to scale, including elevations, floor plans, cross section with typical frame details, foundation, plumbing, electrical and smoke detector locations. For residential projects electronic plans generally can be submitted through the North Kingstown permit portal.
5. When applicable, submit originals of all approvals from federal, state or local government agencies such as Army Corp of Engineers, DOT, OWTS, CRMC, Wetlands, HDC (Historic District Commission), etc.
6. When applicable, submit a stamped flood elevation certificate.

5. How do I schedule an Inspection?

Contact the Building Official’s Office at 100 Fairway Drive, telephone 401-294-3331, ext.303 Monday through Friday 8:30 to 4:30 to schedule all inspections.  Inspection requests shall be made at least twenty-four hours before the requested inspection. Structural inspections/building inspections may be scheduled Monday through Friday. Electrical inspections may be scheduled Monday through Friday. Plumbing and Mechanical inspections are only scheduled for Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

6. Do I need a sign permit?

The Zoning Ordinance (Section 21-245) requires a sign permit through the Code Enforcement office to erect, relocate, or alter any sign except for exempt signage as listed in the Article X Signs. Please contact the Planning Department to discuss Article X Signs in the Zoning Ordinance for signage regulations and requirements.  Different Zoning Districts and Overlay Districts have separate requirements. Planning Department can be reached at 401-264-3331 extension 311 or the following link, https://northkingstown.org/190/Planning

7. What are the requirements for Commercial Building Permits (non 1 & 2 Family Dwellings), new construction or substantial improvements?

Requirements are same as stated above in "How do I apply for a permit" with the following exceptions: All plans and supporting data shall be stamped by a Rhode Island registered Architect and or Engineer.

8. What are the requirements for a Change of Use?

Building permit applications shall be submitted for a Change of Use with supporting plans and data as maybe required by the Building Official. Change of use and occupancy may require obtaining pertinent permits, the submission of additional supporting data and approval by appropriate local, state and federal boards and agencies prior to the change of use and occupancy.

9. What is the permit review process?

Completed building permit applications and supporting data for new construction and substantial improvements are circulated to the appropriate municipal departments for review and comment to determine if the proposed project is in compliance with federal, state and local ordinances and laws. There shall be no amendments or revisions to the approved plans or scope of work specified on the permit application until proposed amendments or revisions have been filed with the approval of the Building Official.

10. Do I need to be a registered or licensed contractor to do work on my own dwelling?

RI General Law 23-27.3-113.3.2 requires a contractor to be registered prior to the approval of a permit issued for work that requires a permit.

RI General Law 23-27.3-113.31 requires a person to be licensed prior to the approval of a permit issued for work that requires a permit for plumbing, mechanical, electrical, and fire alarm work.

Both sections of the RI General Law have a provision that the owner/occupant of a single family dwelling may obtain permits for all work being completed by them on their residence without the need for a contractors registration or professional trade license.

11. How long does it take to get a permit?

Permit applications are reviewed when a complete set of documents have been submitted and in the order that they were applied for. Review time depends on the complexities of the proposed project. Permits for sheds, pools, minor renovations, etc. are usually issued within 7 to 10 days following the submission of a complete application.  A permit for a new home, commercial and more complex projects may require more time, generally up to 14 days to process from the time a complete application is submitted.

12. What is the procedure with permits?

Work shall not commence without the issuance of a permit.  For a permit to be issued the following steps must be completed; applying for a permit, receiving approval for the application, and making payment for the permit.  A late filing fee will be assessed for work that begins prior to the issuance of permits. When in doubt if a permit is required please call 401-294-3331, ext. 301 or 302.

13. What is the cost of a permit?

Permit fees are based on the estimated cost of labor and material for a project.  Contact the Building Official's Office at 100 Fairway Drive for the fee schedule or call 401-294-3331 ext 301/303.

14. Where can I find information about permitted uses, zoning, set-backs, etc.?

You can find this by contacting the Planning Department at 401-294-3331, ext. 311.

15. Where can I find information about my septic system?

The Building Official's Office property files may have septic information that has been supplied by the RI Department of Environnmental Management.

RI Department of Environmental Management is the agency that approves all septic systems. RI DEM septic division can be reached at 401-222-3961 or 401-222-4700. 

16. Where can I find information about the change of use and or tenancy of an existing building?

You can find this information from:

• The Building Official's Office at 401-294-3331, ext. 301 and 303
• The Fire Marshall's Office, telephone 401-294-3346, ext. 7201
• The Planning Department, 401-294-3331, ext. 311.

17. Where can I find the permit history for property?

You can get this from the Building Official's Office, 100 Fairway Drive.  Property files are public record.

 Call for more information at 401-294-3331, ext. 301 and 303.

18. Where can I find information about locating a new business in town?

You can access this from:

• The Planning Department, at 401-294-3331, ext. 311
• The Economic Development Adminstator, at 401-294-3331 ext. 314
• The Building Official's Office, at 401-294-3331, ext. 301 and 303
• The Fire Marshall's Office, at 401-294-3346, ext. 7201,
• The Town Clerk's Office, at 401-294-3331, ext. 120.

19. What do I do if I feel that I can not comply with building code requirements?

Consult with the Building Official to determine the extent of the relief necessary. Following that determination you may file an appeal with the North Kingstown Building Code Board of Appeal. The Board will meet the first Wednesday of each month to hear appeals of the State Building Code and the Rhode Island Property Maintenance Code. Applications are available in the Building Official's Office.