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

The minimum permit fee is $66.00. Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based; calculated on the estimated cost of the project (labor and materials); uses the Rhode Island statewide tiered formula (510-RICR-00-00-21). Plan check fee: Fire Department plan review for new construction: $75.00 flat fee.

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

1. Determine project scope; confirm zoning compliance before applying. 2. Gather required documentation (site plans, construction drawings, flood zone documentation if applicable, other agency approvals). 3. Submit application online at https://portsmouthri.portal.opengov.com/categories/1072 or in person at Town Hall 2nd Floor. 4. Attach all supporting documents with the application; incomplete applications may be rejected. 5. Pay applicable fees (minimum $66.00). 6. Building Official reviews plans for code compliance. 7. For new construction: additional reviews by Fire Department ($75 plan review fee) and coordination of soil bond ($3,000+ refundable). 8. Permit issued; post permit card on job site. 9. Contact Building Inspection to schedule required inspections. 10. All inspections passed; final inspection completed; certificate of occupancy or completion issued.

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

The following work is generally exempt: Ordinary repairs per RI General Law section 23-27.3-102.0 that do not violate any provision of the building code; Interior painting and wallcoverings; Flooring replacement (no structural work); Cabinet installation; Fences under 6 feet in height; Landscaping (no structural grading or drainage alteration).

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: (401) 683-3611.

City Building Permits

Town of Portsmouth, RI - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Rhode Island Newport County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Covers the Town of Portsmouth only. Portsmouth occupies the northern portion of Aquidneck Island plus Prudence and Hog Islands in Narragansett Bay. Coastal Resource Management Council (CRMC) and RIDEM approvals are required for many projects near water. Flood zone elevation certificates required in FEMA-mapped flood zones.

Department: Building Inspection Department
Address: Town Hall, 2nd Floor, 2200 East Main Road, Portsmouth, RI 02871
Phone: (401) 683-3611
Email: mkent@portsmouthri.gov
Website: https://portsmouthri.gov/138/Building-Inspection

Online Permit Portal

Open OpenGov

Platform: OpenGov • Account required: No • Submission: Online only

Additional resources:

State Permitting Initiative

Application Process

Determine project scope; confirm zoning compliance before applying.
Gather required documentation (site plans, construction drawings, flood zone documentation if applicable, other agency approvals).
Submit application online at https://portsmouthri.portal.opengov.com/categories/1072 or in person at Town Hall 2nd Floor.
Attach all supporting documents with the application; incomplete applications may be rejected.
Pay applicable fees (minimum $66.00).
Building Official reviews plans for code compliance.
For new construction: additional reviews by Fire Department ($75 plan review fee) and coordination of soil bond ($3,000+ refundable).
Permit issued; post permit card on job site.
Contact Building Inspection to schedule required inspections.
All inspections passed; final inspection completed; certificate of occupancy or completion issued.

Typical processing time: Not officially published; contact (401) 683-3611 or mkent@portsmouthri.gov for current estimates

Source: Building Inspection Department

General Requirements

Per Rhode Island General Law section 23-27.3-113.1, a permit is required to construct, enlarge, alter, remove, or demolish any building or to change occupancy. Required for remodeling, roofing, siding, decks, swimming pools, sheds, detached garages, and temporary structures. Most electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work requires specialty permits.

Required Documents

Completed application
Site plan showing property location, dimensions, existing structures, proposed structures, erosion control, and septic system layout
Building plans (foundation, floor plans, elevations, cross sections, details)
Engineered calculations for beams and trusses when applicable
Flood zone documentation and elevation certificate for flood zone properties
RIDEM and CRMC approvals if in coastal or wetland areas
Contractor RICRLB registration number
Fire department approval for commercial projects

Permit validity: Permits expire if work is not commenced within six months of issuance or if work is suspended or abandoned for six months; check with the Building Inspection Department for renewal procedures
Building code: Rhode Island State Building Code (IBC-based with RI amendments); IECC 2024 for energy compliance including electric readiness provisions for EV chargers and solar
Owner-builder: Homeowners may obtain permits for their primary owner-occupied residence; must sign an affidavit accepting responsibility for the work and for arranging required inspections; owner-builder status does not apply to rental properties
Contractor requirements: General contractors must be registered with RICRLB (https://crb.ri.gov/); licensed electricians and licensed plumbers are required for those specialty permits statewide

Fees

Minimum permit fee: $66.00
Plan check fee: Fire Department plan review for new construction: $75.00 flat fee
Permit fee formula: Valuation-based; calculated on the estimated cost of the project (labor and materials); uses the Rhode Island statewide tiered formula (510-RICR-00-00-21)
Penalty (no permit): Working Without a Permit (as of May 2025): $500 first offense (contractors or repeat homeowners); $1,000 second offense; $5,000 third offense; subsequent offenses double the prior amount. First-time homeowner violations complied with within one business day are exempt from the penalty.
Payment note: Online payment via the OpenGov portal; check payable to Town of Portsmouth for mail submissions; in-person payment at Town Hall

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Ordinary repairs per RI General Law section 23-27.3-102.0 that do not violate any provision of the building code
Interior painting and wallcoverings
Flooring replacement (no structural work)
Cabinet installation
Fences under 6 feet in height
Landscaping (no structural grading or drainage alteration)

Inspections

How to Schedule

(401) 683-3611 (phone)

Inspection hours: Monday-Wednesday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; Thursday 8:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.; Friday 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Typical inspection sequence: Footing and foundation; framing (before insulation or sheathing covers work); rough electrical, plumbing, and mechanical; insulation; final electrical, plumbing, mechanical; final building inspection; certificate of occupancy

Additional Resources

Building code: Rhode Island State Building Code (IBC-based with RI amendments); IECC 2024 for energy compliance including electric readiness provisions for EV chargers and solar
Verify contractor license: RICRLB Registration
Zoning information: View zoning info
Building FAQ
Online Permitting
State 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

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Building Inspection Department before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Town of Portsmouth Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Town of Portsmouth, RI?: Per Rhode Island General Law section 23-27.3-113.1, a permit is required to construct, enlarge, alter, remove, or demolish any building or to change occupancy. Required for remodeling, roofing, siding, decks, swimming pools, sheds, detached garages, and temporary structures. Most electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work requires specialty permits.
How much does a building permit cost in Town of Portsmouth, RI?: The minimum permit fee is $66.00. Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based; calculated on the estimated cost of the project (labor and materials); uses the Rhode Island statewide tiered formula (510-RICR-00-00-21). Plan check fee: Fire Department plan review for new construction: $75.00 flat fee.
How do I apply for a building permit in Town of Portsmouth, RI?: 1. Determine project scope; confirm zoning compliance before applying. 2. Gather required documentation (site plans, construction drawings, flood zone documentation if applicable, other agency approvals). 3. Submit application online at https://portsmouthri.portal.opengov.com/categories/1072 or in person at Town Hall 2nd Floor. 4. Attach all supporting documents with the application; incomplete applications may be rejected. 5. Pay applicable fees (minimum $66.00). 6. Building Official reviews plans for code compliance. 7. For new construction: additional reviews by Fire Department ($75 plan review fee) and coordination of soil bond ($3,000+ refundable). 8. Permit issued; post permit card on job site. 9. Contact Building Inspection to schedule required inspections. 10. All inspections passed; final inspection completed; certificate of occupancy or completion issued.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Town of Portsmouth, RI?: Typical processing time is Not officially published; contact (401) 683-3611 or mkent@portsmouthri.gov for current estimates.
What work is exempt from building permits in Town of Portsmouth, RI?: The following work is generally exempt: Ordinary repairs per RI General Law section 23-27.3-102.0 that do not violate any provision of the building code; Interior painting and wallcoverings; Flooring replacement (no structural work); Cabinet installation; Fences under 6 feet in height; Landscaping (no structural grading or drainage alteration).
How do I schedule a building inspection in Town of Portsmouth, RI?: Inspections can be scheduled via: (401) 683-3611.

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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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