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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Tiverton
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.
- Exempt Ordinary repairs not involving structural, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical system changes
- Exempt Interior cosmetic work: painting, wallcovering, flooring, cabinet installation
- Exempt Fences not exceeding 6 feet 6 inches in height
- Exempt Detached accessory structures under 64 square feet
- Exempt Retaining walls under 32 inches in height
- Exempt 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
- 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
- Building code
- Rhode Island State Building Code (IBC-based with RI amendments); IECC 2024 energy code
- Permit validity
- Standard Rhode Island six-month commencement rule; permit lapses with six-month abandonment; contact buildingclerk@tiverton.ri.gov for renewal procedures
- 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
Source: Building / Code / Zoning Department (Code Enforcement) ↗
Application process
Typical processing: Not officially published; contact buildingofficial@tiverton.ri.gov or (401) 871-3316 for current times
- 01 Confirm zoning compliance and flood zone status for the property.
- 02 For coastal or wetland work, obtain CRMC and RIDEM approvals before submitting to the Building Department.
- 03 Create an account at https://tivertonri.portal.opengov.com/
- 04 Select the appropriate permit type: demolition, building construction, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, or solar.
- 05 Complete the online application and upload all required plans and documents.
- 06 Pay fees online.
- 07 Plans reviewed by Thomas Varatta (Building Official) or designated inspector.
- 08 Permit issued; post permit on job site.
- 09 Schedule inspections through the portal or by calling the department.
- 10 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) ↗
Fee schedule
Effective July 2, 2018
Online payment through the OpenGov portal
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective July 2, 2018) before budgeting.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- OpenGov portal (online)
- Contact department directly (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Town Hall business hours
Typical sequence: Reference the Inspection Sequence document available on the Building Department page at https://www.tiverton.ri.gov/227/Building
Source: Building / Code / Zoning Department (Code Enforcement) ↗
Frequently asked
Common questions about Tiverton permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Tiverton, RI? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in Tiverton, RI? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Tiverton, RI? ▸
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Tiverton, RI? ▸
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Tiverton, RI? ▸
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Tiverton, RI? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Building / Code / Zoning Department (Code Enforcement) before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.