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

Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based following the Rhode Island statewide tiered formula (510-RICR-00-00-21). Plan check fee: Tent permit: $60.00 flat fee (other plan check fees listed in the fee schedule PDFs).

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

1. Confirm zoning compliance and flood zone status for the property. 2. For coastal or wetland work, obtain CRMC and RIDEM approvals before submitting to the Building Department. 3. Create an account at https://tivertonri.portal.opengov.com/ 4. Select the appropriate permit type: demolition, building construction, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, or solar. 5. Complete the online application and upload all required plans and documents. 6. Pay fees online. 7. Plans reviewed by Thomas Varatta (Building Official) or designated inspector. 8. Permit issued; post permit on job site. 9. Schedule inspections through the portal or by calling the department. 10. Pass all required inspections; final inspection and project closeout.

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

The following work is generally exempt: Ordinary repairs not involving structural, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical system changes; Interior cosmetic work: painting, wallcovering, flooring, cabinet installation; Fences not exceeding 6 feet 6 inches in height; Detached accessory structures under 64 square feet; Retaining walls under 32 inches in height; Prefabricated pools under 24 inches in depth. Note: Coastal and flood zone areas may have additional requirements even for otherwise exempt work; consult the Building Official

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: OpenGov portal, Contact department directly.

City Building Permits

Town of Tiverton, RI - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Rhode Island Newport County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Covers the Town of Tiverton only. Tiverton is on the eastern shore of Narragansett Bay, bordering Massachusetts. The town administers coastal community floodplain services. Coordination with CRMC and RIDEM is required for work in coastal or wetland areas.

Department: Building / Code / Zoning Department (Code Enforcement)
Address: 343 Highland Road, Tiverton, RI 02878 (Town Hall)
Phone: (401) 625-6715
Email: buildingofficial@tiverton.ri.gov
Website: https://www.tiverton.ri.gov/223/Building-Code-Zoning

Online Permit Portal

Open OpenGov

Platform: OpenGov • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online only

Application Process

Confirm zoning compliance and flood zone status for the property.
For coastal or wetland work, obtain CRMC and RIDEM approvals before submitting to the Building Department.
Create an account at https://tivertonri.portal.opengov.com/
Select the appropriate permit type: demolition, building construction, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, or solar.
Complete the online application and upload all required plans and documents.
Pay fees online.
Plans reviewed by Thomas Varatta (Building Official) or designated inspector.
Permit issued; post permit on job site.
Schedule inspections through the portal or by calling the department.
Pass all required inspections; final inspection and project closeout.

Typical processing time: Not officially published; contact buildingofficial@tiverton.ri.gov or (401) 871-3316 for current times

Source: Building / Code / Zoning Department (Code Enforcement)

General Requirements

Per Rhode Island General Law, permits required for all construction, alteration, demolition, and change of occupancy. Tiverton requires permits for building construction, demolition, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and solar work.

Required Documents

Completed online application
Site plan with property dimensions, existing and proposed structures, setbacks, and lot coverage
Construction drawings and specifications
Flood zone documentation if applicable
Contractor RICRLB registration number
Any required CRMC, RIDEM, or fire marshal approvals

Permit validity: Standard Rhode Island six-month commencement rule; permit lapses with six-month abandonment; contact buildingclerk@tiverton.ri.gov for renewal procedures
Building code: Rhode Island State Building Code (IBC-based with RI amendments); IECC 2024 energy code
Owner-builder: Homeowners may obtain permits for owner-occupied primary residences; owner-builder affidavit required
Contractor requirements: RICRLB registration required (https://crb.ri.gov/); licensed electricians and plumbers for specialty work

Fees

Plan check fee: Tent permit: $60.00 flat fee (other plan check fees listed in the fee schedule PDFs)
Permit fee formula: Valuation-based following the Rhode Island statewide tiered formula (510-RICR-00-00-21)
Reinspection fee: $90.00
Payment note: Online payment through the OpenGov portal

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective July 2, 2018).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Ordinary repairs not involving structural, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical system changes
Interior cosmetic work: painting, wallcovering, flooring, cabinet installation
Fences not exceeding 6 feet 6 inches in height
Detached accessory structures under 64 square feet
Retaining walls under 32 inches in height
Prefabricated pools under 24 inches in depth

Important: Coastal and flood zone areas may have additional requirements even for otherwise exempt work; consult the Building Official

Inspections

How to Schedule

OpenGov portal (online)
Contact department directly (phone)

Inspection hours: Town Hall business hours

Typical inspection sequence: Reference the Inspection Sequence document available on the Building Department page at https://www.tiverton.ri.gov/227/Building

Additional Resources

Building code: Rhode Island State Building Code (IBC-based with RI amendments); IECC 2024 energy code
Verify contractor license: RICRLB Registration
Zoning information: View zoning info
Tiverton Code of Ordinances
State Building Code Commission
Statewide Fee Regulation
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 / Code / Zoning Department (Code Enforcement) before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Town of Tiverton Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Town of Tiverton, RI?: Per Rhode Island General Law, permits required for all construction, alteration, demolition, and change of occupancy. Tiverton requires permits for building construction, demolition, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and solar work.
How much does a building permit cost in Town of Tiverton, RI?: Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based following the Rhode Island statewide tiered formula (510-RICR-00-00-21). Plan check fee: Tent permit: $60.00 flat fee (other plan check fees listed in the fee schedule PDFs).
How do I apply for a building permit in Town of Tiverton, RI?: 1. Confirm zoning compliance and flood zone status for the property. 2. For coastal or wetland work, obtain CRMC and RIDEM approvals before submitting to the Building Department. 3. Create an account at https://tivertonri.portal.opengov.com/ 4. Select the appropriate permit type: demolition, building construction, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, or solar. 5. Complete the online application and upload all required plans and documents. 6. Pay fees online. 7. Plans reviewed by Thomas Varatta (Building Official) or designated inspector. 8. Permit issued; post permit on job site. 9. Schedule inspections through the portal or by calling the department. 10. Pass all required inspections; final inspection and project closeout.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Town of Tiverton, RI?: Typical processing time is Not officially published; contact buildingofficial@tiverton.ri.gov or (401) 871-3316 for current times.
What work is exempt from building permits in Town of Tiverton, RI?: The following work is generally exempt: Ordinary repairs not involving structural, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical system changes; Interior cosmetic work: painting, wallcovering, flooring, cabinet installation; Fences not exceeding 6 feet 6 inches in height; Detached accessory structures under 64 square feet; Retaining walls under 32 inches in height; Prefabricated pools under 24 inches in depth. Note: Coastal and flood zone areas may have additional requirements even for otherwise exempt work; consult the Building Official
How do I schedule a building inspection in Town of Tiverton, RI?: Inspections can be scheduled via: OpenGov portal, Contact department directly.

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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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