Building permit/certificate of occupancy

Before a building permit or certificate of occupancy is issued for the construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, demolition, removal, enlargement or occupancy of any building or structure or use of premises, a site plan shall be submitted to the ZEO indicating the intended use and its conformity in all respects to the provisions of this chapter.

• • (1) Site plan required. An application (three copies) for a building permit for an addition, erection or enlargement, under the provisions of the Rhode Island Building Code shall be accompanied by a site plan, drawn to scale, showing the following:

    • a. Accurate dimensions of the lot;

    • b. The building site;

    • c. The location, use and size of existing buildings on the lot;

    • d. All proposed construction;

    • e. All front, side and rear yard dimensions;

    • f. Proposed parking areas;

    • g. Conformance with the Soil Erosion, Runoff and Sediment Control Ordinance; and

    • h. Such other information as may be necessary to enforce the provisions of this chapter as the ZEO may require.

Plans shall be approved by the ZEO, planning board administrative officer, public works director, wastewater superintendent, fire chief, historic district commission representative, or their designee using the signature form provided by the building inspector prior to submittal of a building permit application.

• • (2) Site plan not required. A site plan shall not be required with an application for a permit involving the alteration of an existing building(s), where the use and exterior dimensions of the buildings are not changed or enlarged in any manner, unless such alteration would increase the need for required on-site parking.

  • (3) Foundation verification for structures. Prior to issuance of a foundation or building permit for any commercial development and any residential development located in at or within five feet of the yard setback, the owner shall submit a stamped plan prepared by a registered land surveyor verifying that the foundation location will comply with all required setbacks as stipulated by the zoning ordinance and/or the planning or zoning boards; and, the corners of the foundation shall be staked at the site. After the foundation walls are in place, the surveyor shall re-measure and submit a certified record plan to the building official for approval prior to proceeding with additional construction.