Town of East Greenwich, RI - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All permits for the incorporated Town of East Greenwich. The town is the ceremonial county seat. Significant historic districts and waterfront areas require Historic District Commission review and coastal/floodplain compliance in addition to building permits.

Department

Town of East Greenwich Building Department (Property, Building, Zoning and Taxes Division)

Address

111 Peirce Street, Lower Level, East Greenwich, RI 02818

Phone

(401) 886-8618

Website

http://www.eastgreenwichri.gov/164/Property-Building-Zoning-Taxes

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Determine whether your project requires a permit. Review the Rhode Island State Building Code exemptions or contact the Building Department at (401) 886-8618.
2. For projects in a historic district, obtain any required Historic District Commission approval before applying for a building permit.
3. Create an account on the OpenGov portal at eastgreenwichri.portal.opengov.com.
4. Complete the online permit application. Attach required documents: construction plans (two sets for most projects), site plan with property lines and setbacks, contractor CRLB registration certificate, energy compliance forms as required.
5. Submit the application and pay the applicable permit fee.
6. Plans are reviewed by the Building Department. Zoning compliance is verified. Additional departmental reviews (fire, health, planning) may apply for commercial or larger projects.
7. Permit is issued upon approval. Post permit placard at the job site before commencing work.
8. Schedule required inspections through the portal or by calling the department.
9. Final inspection is required upon project completion. Certificate of occupancy or completion issued if all inspections pass.

Typical processing time: Not publicly stated. Contact the Building Department for current turnaround times.

Source: Town of East Greenwich Building Department (Property, Building, Zoning and Taxes Division)

General Requirements

All new construction, additions, alterations, repairs involving structural or trade work, demolition, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical projects. Roofing, siding, pools, decks, and sheds over 200 sq ft require permits.

Required Documents

• Completed permit application
• Construction drawings and plans
• Site plan
• Contractor CRLB registration
• Energy compliance documentation for applicable projects

Permit validity

Rhode Island State Building Code standard: permits expire if work does not commence within 180 days of issuance or if work is suspended or abandoned for 180 days.

Building code

RISBC-1 (IBC 2018 with RI amendments) and RISBC-2 (IRC 2018 with RI amendments), effective February 1, 2022.

Owner-builder

Homeowners may obtain permits on their primary residence for work they personally perform or directly supervise.

Contractor requirements

CRLB registration required for all contractors. Licensed tradespeople required for electrical (Class A/B), plumbing (master/journeyperson), and mechanical work.

Fees

Plan check fee

Not separately published; confirm with Building Department.

Permit fee formula

Valuation-based per state regulation 510-RICR-00-00-21. Contact the Building Department for the current local fee table.

Reinspection fee

$55. Late filing fee (commencing work without a permit) is $275 or 50% of the required permit fee, whichever is greater.

Penalty (no permit)

Historic district fee waiver available: fees waived (up to $750 per property) for reconstruction/restoration of buildings in historic districts or for listed historic structures; permit requirements and code compliance still apply.

Payment note

Fees payable online via OpenGov portal or in person. Credit card convenience fees may apply online.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Fences not over 6 feet in height
• One-story detached accessory structures with floor area not exceeding 200 square feet (no electrical, plumbing, or mechanical)
• Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
• Ordinary repairs that do not involve structural changes or trade work
• Playground equipment accessory to a one- or two-family dwelling
• Small prefabricated pools less than 24 inches deep and under 5,000 gallons capacity accessory to a one- or two-family dwelling

Important: Exemptions follow the Rhode Island State Building Code. Work within East Greenwich's historic districts may require Historic District Commission review even if a building permit is not required.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• OpenGov portal (online)
• (401) 886-8618 (phone)

Inspection hours

Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence: Footing/foundation, framing, rough electrical/plumbing/mechanical, insulation, final inspection; certificate of occupancy upon passing.

Additional Resources

• Building code: RISBC-1 (IBC 2018 with RI amendments) and RISBC-2 (IRC 2018 with RI amendments), effective February 1, 2022.
• Verify contractor license: CRLB Contractor Registration
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Planning Department
• Building Permits and Information
• Rhode Island Building Code Commission
• License lookup guide: Rhode Island Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Rhode Island Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Rhode Island hub: Rhode Island Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Town of East Greenwich Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Town of East Greenwich, RI?

All new construction, additions, alterations, repairs involving structural or trade work, demolition, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical projects. Roofing, siding, pools, decks, and sheds over 200 sq ft require permits.

How much does a building permit cost in Town of East Greenwich, RI?

Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based per state regulation 510-RICR-00-00-21. Contact the Building Department for the current local fee table.. Plan check fee: Not separately published; confirm with Building Department..

How do I apply for a building permit in Town of East Greenwich, RI?

1. Determine whether your project requires a permit. Review the Rhode Island State Building Code exemptions or contact the Building Department at (401) 886-8618. 2. For projects in a historic district, obtain any required Historic District Commission approval before applying for a building permit. 3. Create an account on the OpenGov portal at eastgreenwichri.portal.opengov.com. 4. Complete the online permit application. Attach required documents: construction plans (two sets for most projects), site plan with property lines and setbacks, contractor CRLB registration certificate, energy compliance forms as required. 5. Submit the application and pay the applicable permit fee. 6. Plans are reviewed by the Building Department. Zoning compliance is verified. Additional departmental reviews (fire, health, planning) may apply for commercial or larger projects. 7. Permit is issued upon approval. Post permit placard at the job site before commencing work. 8. Schedule required inspections through the portal or by calling the department. 9. Final inspection is required upon project completion. Certificate of occupancy or completion issued if all inspections pass.

How long does it take to get a building permit in Town of East Greenwich, RI?

Typical processing time is Not publicly stated. Contact the Building Department for current turnaround times..

What work is exempt from building permits in Town of East Greenwich, RI?

The following work is generally exempt: Fences not over 6 feet in height; One-story detached accessory structures with floor area not exceeding 200 square feet (no electrical, plumbing, or mechanical); Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work; Ordinary repairs that do not involve structural changes or trade work; Playground equipment accessory to a one- or two-family dwelling; Small prefabricated pools less than 24 inches deep and under 5,000 gallons capacity accessory to a one- or two-family dwelling. Note: Exemptions follow the Rhode Island State Building Code. Work within East Greenwich's historic districts may require Historic District Commission review even if a building permit is not required.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Town of East Greenwich, RI?

Inspections can be scheduled via: OpenGov portal, (401) 886-8618.

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