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Deck permits in Rhode Island

A plain-English overview, not legal advice. Rules change and towns differ, so confirm with your local building office before you build.

1. The state code

Rhode Island uses a statewide building code. Decks on one- and two-family homes fall under RISBC-2, the Rhode Island State One and Two Family Dwelling Code, based on the International Residential Code with Rhode Island amendments.

2. Your city or town issues the permit

Permits and inspections are handled by the local building official. Applications typically ask for a site plan with setbacks and drawings of the deck. Examples of what towns publish:

• Cumberland's deck construction sheet: site plan with setbacks, piers 40" below grade, joist hangers, 36" minimum railing height, picket spacing under 4", and inspections at footings and final.
• Charlestown's accessory-structure requirements: contractor registration or owner affidavit, scaled plans, site plan, a listed frost depth of 3'-4", and a CRMC Assent if within 200 feet of a coastal feature.

3. Near the coast: CRMC

The RI Coastal Resources Management Council generally requires a permit (Council Assent) for construction on a coastal shoreline feature or within 200 feet of one. CRMC also sets setbacks from shoreline features. More on our coastal decks page.

4. Flood zones and wetlands

In a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area, towns may require design by a registered professional. Near freshwater wetlands, RI DEM may be involved. Your building office will tell you.

5. Hire a registered contractor

Contractors working on RI homes must register with the Contractors' Registration and Licensing Board. Look them up before signing.

Town websites