Who needs a zoning certificate, building permits and certificate of occupancy in Rhode Island?
Issued by Your city or town zoning enforcement officer and building official (state building code), at step 3 of 6 in the opening sequence: approve the space.
Every kind of business in Rhode Island
The Rhode Island table lists this for every kind of business.
Ask the zoning officer for a zoning certificate confirming the use is allowed before signing; a change of use or a build-out needs building, electrical, plumbing and mechanical permits under the state building code, and the certificate of occupancy comes after the final inspections. The Department of Health, the licensing board and the pet shop application all ask for proof the zoning allows the use.
Checked Oct 21, 2026 against the agency’s page.
Step 3 of 6: Approve the space
1Set up the business
2Register for tax
3Approve the space
4Get the permits for your kind of business
5Alcohol permits
6Before the first hire
Issued by Your city or town zoning enforcement officer and building official (state building code).
Sources and dates
R.I. Gen. Laws 45-24-31 (zoning certificate); municipal building and zoning offices. Checked against the agency’s page on the date shown; cities add their own fees.
Questions about opening here.
Yes. Ask the zoning officer for a zoning certificate confirming the use is allowed before signing; a change of use or a build-out needs building, electrical, plumbing and mechanical permits under the state building code, and the certificate of occupancy comes after the final inspections.
Yes. Ask the zoning officer for a zoning certificate confirming the use is allowed before signing; a change of use or a build-out needs building, electrical, plumbing and mechanical permits under the state building code, and the certificate of occupancy comes after the final inspections.
Yes. Ask the zoning officer for a zoning certificate confirming the use is allowed before signing; a change of use or a build-out needs building, electrical, plumbing and mechanical permits under the state building code, and the certificate of occupancy comes after the final inspections.
Yes. Ask the zoning officer for a zoning certificate confirming the use is allowed before signing; a change of use or a build-out needs building, electrical, plumbing and mechanical permits under the state building code, and the certificate of occupancy comes after the final inspections.
Yes. Ask the zoning officer for a zoning certificate confirming the use is allowed before signing; a change of use or a build-out needs building, electrical, plumbing and mechanical permits under the state building code, and the certificate of occupancy comes after the final inspections.
Yes. Ask the zoning officer for a zoning certificate confirming the use is allowed before signing; a change of use or a build-out needs building, electrical, plumbing and mechanical permits under the state building code, and the certificate of occupancy comes after the final inspections.
Yes. Ask the zoning officer for a zoning certificate confirming the use is allowed before signing; a change of use or a build-out needs building, electrical, plumbing and mechanical permits under the state building code, and the certificate of occupancy comes after the final inspections.
Yes. Ask the zoning officer for a zoning certificate confirming the use is allowed before signing; a change of use or a build-out needs building, electrical, plumbing and mechanical permits under the state building code, and the certificate of occupancy comes after the final inspections.
Yes. Ask the zoning officer for a zoning certificate confirming the use is allowed before signing; a change of use or a build-out needs building, electrical, plumbing and mechanical permits under the state building code, and the certificate of occupancy comes after the final inspections.
Yes. Ask the zoning officer for a zoning certificate confirming the use is allowed before signing; a change of use or a build-out needs building, electrical, plumbing and mechanical permits under the state building code, and the certificate of occupancy comes after the final inspections.
Yes. Ask the zoning officer for a zoning certificate confirming the use is allowed before signing; a change of use or a build-out needs building, electrical, plumbing and mechanical permits under the state building code, and the certificate of occupancy comes after the final inspections.
Yes. Ask the zoning officer for a zoning certificate confirming the use is allowed before signing; a change of use or a build-out needs building, electrical, plumbing and mechanical permits under the state building code, and the certificate of occupancy comes after the final inspections.
Yes. Ask the zoning officer for a zoning certificate confirming the use is allowed before signing; a change of use or a build-out needs building, electrical, plumbing and mechanical permits under the state building code, and the certificate of occupancy comes after the final inspections.
Yes. Ask the zoning officer for a zoning certificate confirming the use is allowed before signing; a change of use or a build-out needs building, electrical, plumbing and mechanical permits under the state building code, and the certificate of occupancy comes after the final inspections.
Yes. Ask the zoning officer for a zoning certificate confirming the use is allowed before signing; a change of use or a build-out needs building, electrical, plumbing and mechanical permits under the state building code, and the certificate of occupancy comes after the final inspections.
Yes. Ask the zoning officer for a zoning certificate confirming the use is allowed before signing; a change of use or a build-out needs building, electrical, plumbing and mechanical permits under the state building code, and the certificate of occupancy comes after the final inspections.
Yes. Ask the zoning officer for a zoning certificate confirming the use is allowed before signing; a change of use or a build-out needs building, electrical, plumbing and mechanical permits under the state building code, and the certificate of occupancy comes after the final inspections.
Yes. Ask the zoning officer for a zoning certificate confirming the use is allowed before signing; a change of use or a build-out needs building, electrical, plumbing and mechanical permits under the state building code, and the certificate of occupancy comes after the final inspections.
Yes. Ask the zoning officer for a zoning certificate confirming the use is allowed before signing; a change of use or a build-out needs building, electrical, plumbing and mechanical permits under the state building code, and the certificate of occupancy comes after the final inspections.
Yes. Ask the zoning officer for a zoning certificate confirming the use is allowed before signing; a change of use or a build-out needs building, electrical, plumbing and mechanical permits under the state building code, and the certificate of occupancy comes after the final inspections.
Your city or town zoning enforcement officer and building official (state building code).
Step 3 of 6, approve the space. The steps before it: set up the business and register for tax.
Who needs a zoning certificate in Rhode Island? | DoorWorthy
