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Smithfield Town Hall
64 Farnum Pike
Smithfield, RI 02917

Phone: 401-233-1000
Fax: 401-233-1080

Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Monday through Friday


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Building & Zoning Official
 

Peter Scorpio
Building Inspector

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PHONE:
 
401-233-1039

FAX: 401-233-1091

LOCATION:  The Building & Zoning Official's  office is located in Town Hall, 64 Farnum Pike, on the lower level. 

Please note that 2006 ICC Codes are in effect.

Downloadable Forms & Documents

The above forms are for reference to give the user an idea of what is expected for these applications.  All forms need to be signed by the Building Official.  These forms are also available at the Building Official's office in Town Hall.

You will need Adobe Reader to open & print these forms and documents.  If you do not have Adobe Reader, it is free, and available online at  www.adobe.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is a building permit required?
A building permit is required when an owner or authorized agent intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish or change the occupancy of a structure or building.

What is the zoning of my property?
When requesting this information please have available the Assessors Plat & Lot and/or the current owner's name.  This will help in identifying the exact location of the property on the Zoning Maps.

Do I need a building permit for a swimming pool (above or in-ground), tool shed, gazebo, and vinyl siding or replacement windows?
When in doubt, call the Building Office at 401-233-1039 and the proper answer will be given.  The answer is "Yes" to all the above.

Can I operate a business from my home?
Always call or stop by the Building/Zoning Office with all of your information regarding the business that you are intending on operating from your house.  This information has to be evaluated by the Zoning Official to see if it is a permitted use or a use that would be allowed by a special use permit from the Zoning Board or not permitted at all.

What inspections are required after a building permit has been issued?
There are several inspections required and it depends on the project which ones become applicable.  For a new home or addition. a hole inspection is the first inspection required.  The hole shall not have any stone in it so the inspector can determine if the soil has the proper bearing capacity or that the hole is deep enough.  Second inspection will be a concrete for inspection prior to pouring, third is a prior to backfill inspection, fourth is a rough inspection and fifth is a final inspection.  Again, depending  on the project, some or all inspections may be required.

What can I do if I have a problem with a contractor?
The Rhode Island attorney general's office urges homeowners with building contractor problems to contact the state Contractors' Registration Board to make sure a contractor is licensed. The board can be reached at (401) 222-1270 or through its Web site at  www.crb.state.ri.us.  (The board also can tell you whether complaints have been filed against a contractor.)

Make sure the contractor is insured.  Make sure the contractor gives you references and contacts from previous jobs.  Once the work begins or is completed, if you believe that your contractor has done negligent work, breached a contract, or otherwise caused damage, you can file a complaint against the contractor with the Contractors' Registration Board.

If a claim is filed, the board can send an investigator to the site to look at the claim items and attempt to resolve the dispute. If the dispute continues, the board offers a hearing and appeals process.  The Contractors' Registration Board can help homeowners with both registered and unregistered contractors.  Claims must be filed within one year of completion of the work or within one year of the unfinished work being started.

What are the fees for the various permits and licenses issued by the Building & Zoning Official?

Click here for a complete list. 

 

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