Browse another municipality →
City of East Providence
City of East Providence Zoning Ordinance
Read in full Download
§ 19-181

Accessory dwelling units (ADUs)

  • (a) Description. This section regulates the establishment of accessory dwelling units as allowed by G.L. 1956, § 45-24-37 and this chapter.

  • (b) General requirements and standards.

    • (1) An ADU is a permitted accessory use on the same lot where the principal use is a legally established residential use. Only one accessory dwelling unit shall be created on a lot.

    • (2) A minimum lot size of 5,000 square feet is required for either the construction of a detached ADU or the expansion of the footprint of an existing structure to accommodate an ADU.

    • (3) The ADU shall be no larger than two bedrooms:

      • a. A two bedroom ADU shall be no larger than 1,200 square feet, or 60 percent of the floor area of the principal dwelling, whichever is less.

      • b. A studio or one bedroom ADU of at least 900 square feet, or 60 percent of the floor area of the principal dwelling, whichever is less.

    • (4) The design and size of the accessory dwelling unit shall conform to all applicable standards, including health regulations, building code requirements, and all other federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations, including the provisions of this chapter.

    • (5) The utilities for both the principal unit and the accessory dwelling unit shall be common to both (i.e., one electric service, one gas service, one oil tank, one water connection, and one sewer hook-up).

    • (6) One additional off-street parking space shall be provided for any accessory dwelling unit that is greater than one bedroom in size, or that is located on a property that does not meet at least 50 percent of the minimum required parking standard for the existing use(s). All such required parking shall be provided on the premises.

(Ch. 944, § I(Att.), 9-2-25)