Town of Johnston, RI - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Town of Johnston only. The Building Division enforces Building and Fire Safety Codes through inspections and permit processing.

Department

Building Division, Department of Development and Public Service

Address

100 Irons Avenue, Johnston, RI 02919

Phone

401-231-4000

Email

dpwoffice@johnstonri.gov

Website

https://www.johnstonri.gov/1192/Department-of-Development-Public-Service

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Create account at johnstonri.portal.opengov.com
2. Select permit type (building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical)
3. Complete application and upload required documents including drawings and site plan
4. Plan review fee paid at time of initial permit application
5. Building permit fee paid at permit issuance
6. Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permit fees paid at issuance
7. Permit issued; post on job site
8. Schedule required inspections through portal or by calling 401-231-4000
9. Pass all inspections
10. Obtain certificate of occupancy

Typical processing time: Not publicly specified; contact 401-231-4000.

Source: Building Division, Department of Development and Public Service

General Requirements

Per Rhode Island State Building Code (SBC-1 through SBC-9 as adopted by Town of Johnston); construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, demolition, removal, or change of occupancy of any building or structure.

Required Documents

• Permit application
• Scaled drawings
• Site plan
• Contractor registration

Permit validity

Per Rhode Island state code; contact department.

Building code

Rhode Island State Building Code (SBC-1 through SBC-9) -- Town of Johnston formally adopted the State Building Code.

Owner-builder

Confirm with department at 401-231-4000.

Contractor requirements

Licensed or registered with Rhode Island Contractors Registration and Licensing Board.

Fees

Plan check fee

Paid separately at time of initial permit application (not at issuance).

Permit fee formula

Valuation-based; plan review fees, building permit fees, and trade permit fees each paid separately at different stages per Johnston's permit procedure.

Reinspection fee

Contact department at 401-231-4000 or dpwoffice@johnstonri.gov.

Payment note

Online via OpenGov portal; office hours: Labor Day to Memorial Day: Mon-Thu 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM, Fri 7:00 AM - 2:30 PM; Memorial Day to Labor Day: Mon-Thu 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Fri 7:00 AM - 2:30 PM.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Ordinary repairs per Rhode Island General Law 23-27.3-102 that do not include: siding; structural modifications; means-of-egress changes; piping additions or alterations; electrical wiring; mechanical work

Important: Verify exemptions with the Building Division before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• 401-231-4000 (phone)
• OpenGov portal (online)

Inspection hours

Labor Day to Memorial Day: Mon-Thu 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM, Fri 7:00 AM - 2:30 PM; Memorial Day to Labor Day: Mon-Thu 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Fri 7:00 AM - 2:30 PM

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence: footing/foundation, rough frame, rough trades, insulation, wallboard, finals per trade, building final, certificate of occupancy.

Emergency/after-hours issues: Johnston Police Department at 401-231-4210.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Rhode Island State Building Code (SBC-1 through SBC-9) -- Town of Johnston formally adopted the State Building Code.
• Verify contractor license: RI Contractors Registration
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• RI State Building Code Commission
• Code of Ordinances
• License lookup guide: Rhode Island Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Rhode Island Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Rhode Island hub: Rhode Island Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Town of Johnston Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Town of Johnston, RI?

Per Rhode Island State Building Code (SBC-1 through SBC-9 as adopted by Town of Johnston); construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, demolition, removal, or change of occupancy of any building or structure.

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

Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based; plan review fees, building permit fees, and trade permit fees each paid separately at different stages per Johnston's permit procedure.. Plan check fee: Paid separately at time of initial permit application (not at issuance)..

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

1. Create account at johnstonri.portal.opengov.com 2. Select permit type (building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical) 3. Complete application and upload required documents including drawings and site plan 4. Plan review fee paid at time of initial permit application 5. Building permit fee paid at permit issuance 6. Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permit fees paid at issuance 7. Permit issued; post on job site 8. Schedule required inspections through portal or by calling 401-231-4000 9. Pass all inspections 10. Obtain certificate of occupancy

How long does it take to get a building permit in Town of Johnston, RI?

Typical processing time is Not publicly specified; contact 401-231-4000..

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

The following work is generally exempt: Ordinary repairs per Rhode Island General Law 23-27.3-102 that do not include: siding; structural modifications; means-of-egress changes; piping additions or alterations; electrical wiring; mechanical work. Note: Verify exemptions with the Building Division before proceeding.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: 401-231-4000, OpenGov portal.

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