Town of West Warwick

Permits are required for most construction work including roofing, siding, sheds, pools, garages, decks, additions, windows, doors, temporary structures, electrical work, electrical repair, electrical service installation and repair, plumbing work, plumbing repair, mechanical work, mechanical repair, and retaining walls. If in doubt, contact the department.

• 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 not involving 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: Rhode Island State Building Code exemptions apply. Permit exemptions do not override zoning requirements. Contact the Building and Zoning Department to confirm before commencing work.

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 or if work is suspended or abandoned for 180 days.

Owner-builder

Homeowners may apply for permits on their primary residence. Confirm local owner-builder requirements with the Building and Zoning Department.

Contractor requirements

CRLB registration required for all contractors. Licensed electricians, plumbers, and mechanical contractors required for trade work.

Source: Town of West Warwick Building and Zoning Department ↗

1. 01
   Determine whether your project requires a permit. Review state building code or call (401) 822-9222.
2. 02
   Create an account at westwarwickri.viewpointcloud.com (or westwarwickri.portal.opengov.com).
3. 03
   Complete the online permit application for your project type.
4. 04
   Attach required supporting documents: construction plans, site plan, CRLB contractor registration certificate, trade contractor licenses as applicable.
5. 05
   Submit application and pay permit fee online. To avoid the online credit card convenience fee, drop a check in the payment box at the rear of Town Hall, 1170 Main Street.
6. 06
   Building and Zoning staff review the application and plans.
7. 07
   Permit is issued electronically upon approval. Print and post permit placard at the job site before commencing work.
8. 08
   Schedule required inspections by calling (401) 822-9222 during business hours. A minimum 24-hour notice is required.
9. 09
   All required inspections must be completed and passed. Final inspection is required before occupancy.
10. 10
    Certificate of occupancy or completion issued upon final approval.

Typical processing time: Not publicly stated. Contact the Building and Zoning Department for current review times.

Source: Town of West Warwick Building and Zoning Department ↗

Pay online via portal (credit card convenience fee applies) or drop check at the rear payment box at Town Hall to avoid the convenience fee. In-person payment also available.

Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective 2023) before budgeting.

• (401) 822-9222 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

A minimum 24-hour notice is required for all inspections.

Inspection hours

Plumbing and mechanical inspections between 8:30 AM and 12:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Building and electrical inspections scheduled during normal business hours.

Typical sequence: Typical sequence: Foundation/footing, framing, rough electrical/plumbing/mechanical, insulation, final inspection. Permit placard must be posted and accessible to inspectors throughout construction.

Source: Town of West Warwick Building and Zoning Department ↗