City Building Permits

Town of Barrington, RI - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Town of Barrington, Rhode Island. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Rhode Island Bristol County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All properties within the town limits of Barrington. The Building and Zoning Office has sole permitting authority. Coastal projects may also require Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) approval. The town participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

Department
Building and Zoning Office, Town of Barrington
Address
283 County Road, Lower Level, Town Hall, Barrington, RI 02806
Phone
401-247-1900 Ext. 325
Website
https://www.barrington.ri.gov/207/Building-and-Zoning-Office

Online Permit Portal

Open OpenGov Portal

Platform: OpenGov • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online only

Additional resources:

Application Process

  1. Determine whether the project requires a building permit, zoning permit, or both. Sheds under 200 sq ft use a Zoning Permit rather than a full building permit.
  2. Create an account or log in to the OpenGov portal at https://barringtonri.portal.opengov.com/.
  3. Select the appropriate permit type and complete the online application form. Upload all required supporting documents including construction drawings and contractor information.
  4. Submit the application electronically. Do not bring paper copies to the office.
  5. The Building Official reviews the application. Review and issuance takes up to 15 business days.
  6. If the application is deficient, the Building Official will communicate via email with required corrections or additional information.
  7. Once approved, pay the permit fee through OpenGov. Communications regarding approval and payment are sent to the email on file.
  8. Permit is issued electronically. Print and post the permit on the job site before beginning work.
  9. Schedule required inspections through OpenGov's inspection request feature at least one business day in advance.

Typical processing time: Up to 15 business days

Source: Building and Zoning Office, Town of Barrington

General Requirements

A building permit is required for any new construction, addition, alteration, repair, removal, or demolition of a structure. Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work also require separate trade permits.

Required Documents

  • Completed online application
  • Site plan showing property boundaries, setbacks, and proposed work
  • Construction drawings (stamped by a licensed architect or engineer for commercial or larger residential projects)
  • Contractor registration number from the RI Contractors' Registration and Licensing Board (CRLB)
  • Homeowner affidavit if owner is acting as general contractor
Permit validity
Rhode Island state code typically requires work to commence within 180 days of issuance and not be abandoned for more than 180 days. Confirm with the office.
Building code
2025 Rhode Island Building Codes, based on the 2021 International Building Code (IBC) and 2021 International Residential Code (IRC) with Rhode Island amendments, effective December 1, 2025. Energy code: 2024 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), effective February 14, 2025.
Owner-builder
Homeowners may pull their own permits. The homeowner must sign an affidavit accepting responsibility for all work and inspections. Owner-builders are not required to have a CRLB registration number but are responsible for ensuring all subcontractors are CRLB-registered.
Contractor requirements
All contractors and subcontractors must be registered with the Rhode Island Contractors' Registration and Licensing Board (CRLB). Registration requires a $20,000 surety bond, $500,000 per occurrence general liability insurance, workers compensation coverage if applicable, and completion of a 5-hour pre-registration course. New registration fee is $150; biennial renewal is $200.

Fees

Plan check fee
Included in permit fee under state schedule
Permit fee formula
Valuation-based, following the statewide Rhode Island permit fee schedule set under 510-RICR-00-00-21. Fees are calculated as a percentage of project valuation.
Payment note
Payment is processed through the OpenGov portal after permit approval. Do not bring payment to the office window.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

  • Ordinary minor repairs that do not involve structural work, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems
  • Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinet installation, countertops, and similar interior finish work
  • Portable heating and ventilation appliances
  • Fences not over 6 feet in height (zoning setback rules still apply; verify with the office)
  • Window awnings supported by an exterior wall that do not project more than 54 inches
  • Replacement window sash only (replacement of full frame and sash requires a permit)
  • Sheds under 200 sq ft may use a Zoning Permit rather than a building permit

Important: Exemption from permit requirements does not authorize work that violates the building code, zoning ordinance, or any other applicable law.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Scheduling deadline
At least one business day in advance. Same-day requests are typically unavailable.
Inspection hours
Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to noon. Administrative Assistant also available 1:00 to 4:30 PM Monday through Thursday for non-walk-up inquiries.

Typical inspection sequence: Footing/foundation inspection; framing inspection; rough-in inspections for electrical, plumbing, and mechanical; insulation inspection; final inspection. Specific sequence depends on project type.

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Building and Zoning Office, Town of Barrington before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Town of Barrington Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Town of Barrington, RI?
A building permit is required for any new construction, addition, alteration, repair, removal, or demolition of a structure. Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work also require separate trade permits.
How much does a building permit cost in Town of Barrington, RI?
Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based, following the statewide Rhode Island permit fee schedule set under 510-RICR-00-00-21. Fees are calculated as a percentage of project valuation.. Plan check fee: Included in permit fee under state schedule.
How do I apply for a building permit in Town of Barrington, RI?
1. Determine whether the project requires a building permit, zoning permit, or both. Sheds under 200 sq ft use a Zoning Permit rather than a full building permit. 2. Create an account or log in to the OpenGov portal at https://barringtonri.portal.opengov.com/. 3. Select the appropriate permit type and complete the online application form. Upload all required supporting documents including construction drawings and contractor information. 4. Submit the application electronically. Do not bring paper copies to the office. 5. The Building Official reviews the application. Review and issuance takes up to 15 business days. 6. If the application is deficient, the Building Official will communicate via email with required corrections or additional information. 7. Once approved, pay the permit fee through OpenGov. Communications regarding approval and payment are sent to the email on file. 8. Permit is issued electronically. Print and post the permit on the job site before beginning work. 9. Schedule required inspections through OpenGov's inspection request feature at least one business day in advance.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Town of Barrington, RI?
Typical processing time is Up to 15 business days.
What work is exempt from building permits in Town of Barrington, RI?
The following work is generally exempt: Ordinary minor repairs that do not involve structural work, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinet installation, countertops, and similar interior finish work; Portable heating and ventilation appliances; Fences not over 6 feet in height (zoning setback rules still apply; verify with the office); Window awnings supported by an exterior wall that do not project more than 54 inches; Replacement window sash only (replacement of full frame and sash requires a permit); Sheds under 200 sq ft may use a Zoning Permit rather than a building permit. Note: Exemption from permit requirements does not authorize work that violates the building code, zoning ordinance, or any other applicable law.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Town of Barrington, RI?
Inspections can be scheduled via: OpenGov portal inspection request feature. At least one business day in advance. Same-day requests are typically unavailable..

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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