On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for East Greenwich
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.
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
- Exempt Fences not over 6 feet in height
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures with floor area not exceeding 200 square feet (no electrical, plumbing, or mechanical)
- Exempt Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
- Exempt Ordinary repairs that do not involve structural changes or trade work
- Exempt Playground equipment accessory to a one- or two-family dwelling
- Exempt 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.
Required documents
- Completed permit application
- Construction drawings and plans
- Site plan
- Contractor CRLB registration
- Energy compliance documentation for applicable projects
- Building code
- RISBC-1 (IBC 2018 with RI amendments) and RISBC-2 (IRC 2018 with RI amendments), effective February 1, 2022.
- 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.
- 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.
Source: Town of East Greenwich Building Department (Property, Building, Zoning and Taxes Division) ↗
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Not publicly stated. Contact the Building Department for current turnaround times.
- 01 Determine whether your project requires a permit. Review the Rhode Island State Building Code exemptions or contact the Building Department at (401) 886-8618.
- 02 For projects in a historic district, obtain any required Historic District Commission approval before applying for a building permit.
- 03 Create an account on the OpenGov portal at eastgreenwichri.portal.opengov.com.
- 04 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.
- 05 Submit the application and pay the applicable permit fee.
- 06 Plans are reviewed by the Building Department. Zoning compliance is verified. Additional departmental reviews (fire, health, planning) may apply for commercial or larger projects.
- 07 Permit is issued upon approval. Post permit placard at the job site before commencing work.
- 08 Schedule required inspections through the portal or by calling the department.
- 09 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) ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
East Greenwich building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Plan check fee
Not separately published; confirm with Building Department.
02
Permit fee formula
Valuation-based per state regulation 510-RICR-00-00-21. Contact the Building Department for the current local fee table.
03
Reinspection fee
$55. Late filing fee (commencing work without a permit) is $275 or 50% of the required permit fee, whichever is greater.
04
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.
Fees payable online via OpenGov portal or in person. Credit card convenience fees may apply online.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- OpenGov portal (online)
- (401) 886-8618 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Typical sequence: Typical sequence: Footing/foundation, framing, rough electrical/plumbing/mechanical, insulation, final inspection; certificate of occupancy upon passing.
Source: Town of East Greenwich Building Department (Property, Building, Zoning and Taxes Division) ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about East Greenwich permits
01 Do I need a building permit in 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in East Greenwich, RI? ▸
Building permit fees in East Greenwich, RI are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in East Greenwich, RI? ▸
To apply for a building permit in East Greenwich, RI, follow these steps: 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.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in East Greenwich, RI? ▸
Building permit processing times in East Greenwich, RI typically run Not publicly stated. Contact the Building Department for current turnaround times.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in East Greenwich, RI? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in East Greenwich, RI? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in East Greenwich, RI via: OpenGov portal, (401) 886-8618.
last verified April 2026
source Town of East Greenwich Building Department (Property, Building, Zoning and Taxes Division) ↗
entry id permits/rhode-island/kent/east-greenwich
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Town of East Greenwich Building Department (Property, Building, Zoning and Taxes Division) before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.