On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Charlestown
All new construction, additions, alterations, renovations, demolitions, moves, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, pools, decks, sheds, and similar structural or utility work.
One-story detached accessory structures with floor area not exceeding 200 square feet
Fences not over 6 feet high
Retaining walls not over 32 inches in height (measured from lower finished grade to top of wall)
Ordinary repairs that do not involve any violation of the building code
Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
Replacement window sash installations
Clearing of stoppages or repairing leaks in pipes/valves/fixtures (no rearrangement of pipes or fixtures)
Portable heating, ventilation, and cooling appliances
Replacement of lamps, receptacles, devices, or fixtures connected to permanently installed receptacles
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures with floor area not exceeding 200 square feet
- Exempt Fences not over 6 feet high
- Exempt Retaining walls not over 32 inches in height (measured from lower finished grade to top of wall)
- Exempt Ordinary repairs that do not involve any violation of the building code
- Exempt Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
- Exempt Replacement window sash installations
- Exempt Clearing of stoppages or repairing leaks in pipes/valves/fixtures (no rearrangement of pipes or fixtures)
- Exempt Portable heating, ventilation, and cooling appliances
- Exempt Replacement of lamps, receptacles, devices, or fixtures connected to permanently installed receptacles
Note: Exemption from permit does not authorize work that violates any code or ordinance.
Required documents
- Completed application
- Copy of active state-issued driver's license
- Active state contractor registration card or trade license
- Site plan (stamped by registered land surveyor where applicable)
- Construction drawings
- Applicable fees
- Building code
- Rhode Island State Building Code (based on 2018 IBC/IRC with RI amendments); 2020 National Electrical Code; 2024 IECC effective February 2025.
- Permit validity
- Permits expire if work is not commenced within 180 days of issuance, or if work is suspended for 180 consecutive days.
- Owner-builder
- Owner/occupant of a single-family dwelling may obtain permits without a contractor registration or trade license for work on their own residence, per RI General Law 23-27.3-113.3.2.
- Contractor requirements
- RI contractor registration required prior to permit issuance per RI General Law 23-27.3-113.3.2. Trade licenses (electrical, plumbing, mechanical) required per RI General Law 23-27.3-113.31.
Source: Building/Zoning Department ↗
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Determine whether a permit is required for the scope of work.
- 02 Create an account or log in at permits.ri.gov.
- 03 Select Charlestown as the jurisdiction and choose the permit type (building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, demolition, etc.).
- 04 Complete the online application form and upload required documents (site plan, construction drawings, contractor registration, etc.).
- 05 Pay applicable fees online.
- 06 Application is reviewed by the Building/Zoning Official. Plan review may be required for projects requiring stamped drawings.
- 07 Permit is issued electronically once approved.
- 08 Post permit card on site during construction.
- 09 Call or email to schedule required inspections at each phase.
- 10 Final inspection completed; Certificate of Occupancy or Certificate of Completion issued.
Source: Building/Zoning Department ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Charlestown building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Plan check fee
Not separately listed; included in permit fee.
02
Permit fee formula
Valuation-based: $1.00 per $1,000 (or fraction thereof) of construction value; this fee applies to building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits.
03
Reinspection fee
$25.00 reinspection fee for failed inspections; $40.00 for demolition and moving permits; radon fee of $0.02 per square foot under-roof floor area for new residential construction.
Payment required at time of application submission; contact office regarding accepted payment methods.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- (401) 364-1215 (phone)
- cnelle@charlestownri.org (email)
- Inspection hours
- Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Typical sequence: Footing/foundation; framing; rough electrical/plumbing/mechanical; insulation; final building; final trades; Certificate of Occupancy inspection.
Source: Building/Zoning Department ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Charlestown permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Charlestown, RI? ▸
All new construction, additions, alterations, renovations, demolitions, moves, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, pools, decks, sheds, and similar structural or utility work.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Charlestown, RI? ▸
Building permit fees in Charlestown, RI are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based: $1.00 per $1,000 (or fraction thereof) of construction value; this fee applies to building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits.. Plan check fee: Not separately listed; included in permit fee..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Charlestown, RI? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Charlestown, RI, follow these steps: 1. Determine whether a permit is required for the scope of work. 2. Create an account or log in at permits.ri.gov. 3. Select Charlestown as the jurisdiction and choose the permit type (building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, demolition, etc.). 4. Complete the online application form and upload required documents (site plan, construction drawings, contractor registration, etc.). 5. Pay applicable fees online. 6. Application is reviewed by the Building/Zoning Official. Plan review may be required for projects requiring stamped drawings. 7. Permit is issued electronically once approved. 8. Post permit card on site during construction. 9. Call or email to schedule required inspections at each phase. 10. Final inspection completed; Certificate of Occupancy or Certificate of Completion issued.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in Charlestown, RI? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Charlestown, RI. The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures with floor area not exceeding 200 square feet; Fences not over 6 feet high; Retaining walls not over 32 inches in height (measured from lower finished grade to top of wall); Ordinary repairs that do not involve any violation of the building code; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work; Replacement window sash installations; Clearing of stoppages or repairing leaks in pipes/valves/fixtures (no rearrangement of pipes or fixtures); Portable heating, ventilation, and cooling appliances; Replacement of lamps, receptacles, devices, or fixtures connected to permanently installed receptacles. Note: Exemption from permit does not authorize work that violates any code or ordinance. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in Charlestown, RI? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Charlestown, RI via: (401) 364-1215, cnelle@charlestownri.org.
last verified April 2026
source Building/Zoning Department ↗
entry id permits/rhode-island/washington/charlestown
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Building/Zoning Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.