On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Narragansett
All new construction, additions, alterations, demolitions, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, pools, decks, fences (where applicable), sheds, and all work requiring code compliance.
One-story detached accessory structures not exceeding 200 square feet
Fences not over 6 feet high
Retaining walls not over 32 inches
Ordinary repairs not involving code violations
Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
Replacement window sash installations
Clearing stoppages or repairing leaks in pipes/fixtures without rearrangement
Portable heating, ventilation, and cooling appliances
Lamp, receptacle, device, or fixture replacements at permanently installed receptacles
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures not exceeding 200 square feet
- Exempt Fences not over 6 feet high
- Exempt Retaining walls not over 32 inches
- Exempt Ordinary repairs not involving code violations
- Exempt Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
- Exempt Replacement window sash installations
- Exempt Clearing stoppages or repairing leaks in pipes/fixtures without rearrangement
- Exempt Portable heating, ventilation, and cooling appliances
- Exempt Lamp, receptacle, device, or fixture replacements at permanently installed receptacles
Required documents
- Completed application
- Two copies of site plan stamped by registered land surveyor (drawn to scale, showing lot dimensions, building location, assessor's plat/lot, parking, drives, setbacks, intended use)
- Construction drawings
- Contractor registration
- Trade licenses
- Payment
- Building code
- Rhode Island State Building Code (2018 IBC/IRC with RI amendments); 2020 NEC; 2024 IECC.
- Permit validity
- Permits expire if work is not commenced within 180 days of issuance or suspended for 180 consecutive days.
- Owner-builder
- Owner/occupant of single-family dwelling may pull own permits per RI General Law 23-27.3-113.3.2.
- Contractor requirements
- RI contractor registration required; trade licenses for electrical, plumbing, mechanical.
Source: Building Inspection Department ↗
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Review permit requirements at narragansettri.gov/324/Building-Permits.
- 02 Create account or log in at narragansettri.portal.opengov.com.
- 03 Select permit type and complete application form online.
- 04 Upload required documents: two copies of site plan stamped by a registered land surveyor; construction drawings; contractor registration; payment.
- 05 Building Official reviews submitted application and plans.
- 06 Permit issued upon approval; download/print permit.
- 07 Post permit card on site.
- 08 Schedule inspections by calling (401) 782-0619 at least one day in advance with property address and permit number.
- 09 Inspections conducted per required phases.
- 10 Certificate of Occupancy issued after final inspection; $50 CO fee applies.
Source: Building Inspection Department ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Narragansett building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Plan check fee
Not separately detailed on public pages; contact department.
02
Permit fee formula
Valuation-based; follows RI statewide permit fee regulation 510-RICR-00-00-21; separate fee downloads available for mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and building permits.
03
Reinspection fee
$30.00 reinspection fee for failed inspections or missing permit card/plans on site; $50.00 Certificate of Occupancy fee.
Online payment through OpenGov portal.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- (401) 782-0619 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- At least one business day in advance; provide property address and permit number.
- Inspection hours
- Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Time windows
- Electrical inspections: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday; Plumbing and mechanical inspections: Tuesday and Thursday; Building inspections: contact for schedule.
Source: Building Inspection Department ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Narragansett permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Narragansett, RI? ▸
All new construction, additions, alterations, demolitions, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, pools, decks, fences (where applicable), sheds, and all work requiring code compliance.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Narragansett, RI? ▸
Building permit fees in Narragansett, RI are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based; follows RI statewide permit fee regulation 510-RICR-00-00-21; separate fee downloads available for mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and building permits.. Plan check fee: Not separately detailed on public pages; contact department..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Narragansett, RI? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Narragansett, RI, follow these steps: 1. Review permit requirements at narragansettri.gov/324/Building-Permits. 2. Create account or log in at narragansettri.portal.opengov.com. 3. Select permit type and complete application form online. 4. Upload required documents: two copies of site plan stamped by a registered land surveyor; construction drawings; contractor registration; payment. 5. Building Official reviews submitted application and plans. 6. Permit issued upon approval; download/print permit. 7. Post permit card on site. 8. Schedule inspections by calling (401) 782-0619 at least one day in advance with property address and permit number. 9. Inspections conducted per required phases. 10. Certificate of Occupancy issued after final inspection; $50 CO fee applies.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in Narragansett, RI? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Narragansett, RI. The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures not exceeding 200 square feet; Fences not over 6 feet high; Retaining walls not over 32 inches; Ordinary repairs not involving code violations; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work; Replacement window sash installations; Clearing stoppages or repairing leaks in pipes/fixtures without rearrangement; Portable heating, ventilation, and cooling appliances; Lamp, receptacle, device, or fixture replacements at permanently installed receptacles. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in Narragansett, RI? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Narragansett, RI via: (401) 782-0619. At least one business day in advance; provide property address and permit number..
last verified April 2026
source Building Inspection Department ↗
entry id permits/rhode-island/washington/narragansett
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Building Inspection Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.