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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Barrington
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.
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
- Exempt Ordinary minor repairs that do not involve structural work, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems
- Exempt Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinet installation, countertops, and similar interior finish work
- Exempt Portable heating and ventilation appliances
- Exempt Fences not over 6 feet in height (zoning setback rules still apply; verify with the office)
- Exempt Window awnings supported by an exterior wall that do not project more than 54 inches
- Exempt Replacement window sash only (replacement of full frame and sash requires a permit)
- Exempt 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.
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Up to 15 business days
- 01 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.
- 02 Create an account or log in to the OpenGov portal at https://barringtonri.portal.opengov.com/.
- 03 Select the appropriate permit type and complete the online application form. Upload all required supporting documents including construction drawings and contractor information.
- 04 Submit the application electronically. Do not bring paper copies to the office.
- 05 The Building Official reviews the application. Review and issuance takes up to 15 business days.
- 06 If the application is deficient, the Building Official will communicate via email with required corrections or additional information.
- 07 Once approved, pay the permit fee through OpenGov. Communications regarding approval and payment are sent to the email on file.
- 08 Permit is issued electronically. Print and post the permit on the job site before beginning work.
- 09 Schedule required inspections through OpenGov's inspection request feature at least one business day in advance.
Typical processing time: Up to 15 business days
§ 04
Fee schedule
Barrington building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Plan check fee
Included in permit fee under state schedule
02
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 is processed through the OpenGov portal after permit approval. Do not bring payment to the office window.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
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 sequence: Footing/foundation inspection; framing inspection; rough-in inspections for electrical, plumbing, and mechanical; insulation inspection; final inspection. Specific sequence depends on project type.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Barrington permits
01 Do I need a building permit in 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Barrington, RI? ▸
Building permit fees in Barrington, RI are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Barrington, RI? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Barrington, RI, follow these steps: 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.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Barrington, RI? ▸
Building permit processing times in Barrington, RI typically run Up to 15 business days. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Barrington, RI? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Barrington, RI? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Barrington, RI via: OpenGov portal inspection request feature. At least one business day in advance. Same-day requests are typically unavailable..
last verified April 2026
source Building and Zoning Office, Town of Barrington ↗
entry id permits/rhode-island/bristol/barrington
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Building and Zoning Office, Town of Barrington before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.