Bolthole Index

Washington County, Rhode Island

Building permits, zoning and septic in the Town of Narragansett, RI

The Town of Narragansett, Rhode Island requires building permits for home construction, issued by the town Building Inspection Department.12 Narragansett administers its own zoning; septic systems need RIDEM approval alongside town requirements.34 Washington County has no county governmental structure, so county zoning is not the parcel-level answer here.5

At a glance

Building permits
Town Building Inspection issues building permits; apply through E-Permit26
Zoning
Town zoning applies inside Narragansett3
Septic approvals
RIDEM approval plus town review and local requirements4
Sewer service
Property-specific inquiry; extensions and connections depend on capacity7
Owner-builder
Qualifying owner/occupant registration exemption; building permits and inspections still required8
Accessory dwellings
Conditional statewide by-right pathways in residential zoning districts9

Who to call

Building permits

Town of Narragansett Building Inspection Department

Town building permits, inspections, zoning enforcement and flood-zone requirements

401-782-0619

25 Fifth Avenue Narragansett, RI 02882

Online permits →

Planning & zoning

Town of Narragansett Department of Community Development

Town planning, subdivision and land-development review, and zoning relief applications

401-782-0632

25 Fifth Ave. Narragansett, RI 02882

Septic permits

Rhode Island DEM Office of Water Resources OWTS Program

State septic approvals and OWTS records for Narragansett

(401) 222-3961

[email protected]

235 Promenade Street Providence, RI 02908-5767

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 11, 2026.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Town of Narragansett means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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Do you need a building permit in the Town of Narragansett, RI?

Home construction in the Town of Narragansett requires a building permit from the town Building Inspection Department.12 Rhode Island also generally requires building permits for enlargement, alteration, removal, demolition and occupancy changes, while ordinary repairs and specified minor work have exemptions.1 A building-permit exemption does not authorize a violation of zoning or other applicable law.1

A qualifying owner/occupant working on a single-family dwelling can use Rhode Island’s contractor-registration exemption, but must obtain the building permit, have the work inspected and receive approval before using the completed alteration; compensated assistance is excluded from that exemption.8

Who issues building permits in the Town of Narragansett?

Narragansett’s Building Inspection Department is the building-permit counter and also enforces town zoning and flood-zone requirements.10 Reach Building Inspection at 401-782-0619, at 25 Fifth Avenue, Narragansett, RI 02882.10 Use the department’s E-Permit application for building-permit submissions.6

Narragansett’s Department of Community Development handles town planning and land-development review, including subdivision proposals and zoning applications needing relief.11 Reach Community Development at 401-782-0632, at 25 Fifth Ave., Narragansett, RI 02882.11 Building inspections cannot be scheduled through the online system: call Building Inspection with the property address, inspection type and permit number.10

Does the Town of Narragansett have zoning, lot-size and setback rules?

The Town of Narragansett administers its own zoning ordinance; Washington County’s lack of county government does not remove town zoning.35 We could not confirm district-specific minimum lot sizes, setbacks, coverage limits, height limits or minimum dwelling sizes here; ask Community Development to identify the parcel’s district and applicable dimensional schedule before commissioning a design.311

Narragansett regulates subdivisions and land-development projects separately from the building-permit application.12 Projects needing variances, special-use approval, subdivision review or other specified land-development approvals require coordination with Community Development.6 Treat zoning review and construction approval as distinct checks when assessing whether a lot supports the home you want.36

How do septic permits work inside the Town of Narragansett?

Narragansett applies town requirements to onsite wastewater systems, while RIDEM approval is required for new systems and alterations or repairs.4 For construction requiring OWTS approval, Narragansett cannot issue the building permit until the required valid written DEM approvals have been presented.13 New sites require a licensed soil evaluator; new septic systems need a DEM-licensed designer and installer.14 The licensed designer is responsible for witnessing and inspecting installation of the designed system.15

Before pursuing septic design, use the town Sewer Inquiry Form to determine sewer availability for the property; sewer extensions and connections depend on treatment-facility capacity.7 Ask RIDEM’s OWTS Program about septic approvals and Building Inspection about the town’s ISDS requirements.164

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in the Town of Narragansett?

We could not confirm a general rule allowing RV occupancy, temporary camping or standalone tiny-home occupancy on private land in Narragansett; ask Building Inspection about the proposed use and Community Development about the zoning pathway.1011

Rhode Island allows a qualifying ADU by right in residential zoning districts when the statutory conditions are met: a disability accommodation on owner-occupied property, a primarily residential lot of at least 20,000 square feet, or an ADU within an existing structure’s footprint without expanding that footprint.9 That ADU pathway requires an administrative building permit and does not establish permission to occupy an RV.9 Qualifying ADUs cannot be rented for tourist or transient use or through a hosting platform.9

What are the steps to build a home in the Town of Narragansett?

Start with Community Development to identify zoning constraints and any required land-development review; Narragansett’s building-permit process calls for coordination when specified planning or zoning approvals are needed.116 Next establish sewer availability, or secure the required RIDEM septic approvals before the building permit can be issued.713

Upload the stamped site plan, construction drawings and construction documents to Narragansett’s E-Permit application.6 For flood or coastal sites, include the required foundation and lowest-floor elevations using mean sea level datum.17 During construction, the contractor must request building inspections 24 hours ahead and keep the permit card, approved plans and engineering specifications onsite.18 Complete final inspections and certifications for the certificate of occupancy before occupying the new home.1019

What should you check before buying land in the Town of Narragansett?

Ask Narragansett Building Inspection about flood-zone requirements before committing to a coastal or flood-area design: the town requires elevation information in the building-permit site plan.17 For a proposed private well, ask Building Inspection whether Narragansett requires a local well permit; Rhode Island allows new wells only in areas not already served by public water and requires compliance with state construction rules.20

A composting toilet needs approval within an OWTS and a separate graywater system, so alternative sanitation still needs a wastewater plan.21 A driveway accessing a state highway requires a state access permit.22 For an address outside Narragansett, use the Washington County guide for orientation and identify the appropriate town office; Rhode Island has no unincorporated land.23

Watch-outs

  • Confirm the re-inspection fee trigger with Narragansett Building Inspection: the inspection guidance and published fee table describe different triggers for the $50 charge.1824
  • An owner-builder registration exemption still requires a building permit, inspections and approval.8
  • We could not confirm Narragansett’s private-land RV occupancy or standalone tiny-home rules; ask Building Inspection and Community Development before planning temporary housing.1011

Sources

  1. R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-27.3-113.1 — When permit is required (Rhode Island statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  2. Building Inspection (Town of Narragansett), quoted and re-checked
  3. narragansettri.gov (Town of Narragansett), quoted and re-checked
  4. narragansettri.gov (Town of Narragansett), quoted and re-checked
  5. R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-24-50 — Adoption — Power of council to adopt (Rhode Island statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  6. Building Permits (Town of Narragansett), quoted and re-checked
  7. Sewer Forms & Documents (Town of Narragansett), quoted and re-checked
  8. R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-27.3-113.3.2 — Applications for work requiring registered workers (Rhode Island statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  9. R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-24-73. Design standards required for accessory dwelling units (Rhode Island statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  10. Town of Narragansett Building Inspection Department (narragansettri.gov)
  11. Town of Narragansett Department of Community Development (narragansettri.gov)
  12. narragansettri.gov (Town of Narragansett), quoted and re-checked
  13. Rules Establishing Minimum Standards Relating to Location, Design, Construction and Maintenance of Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (Rhode Island statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  14. Obtaining a Permit for a New Home’s Septic System (Rhode Island statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  15. Rules Establishing Minimum Standards Relating to Location, Design, Construction and Maintenance of Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (Rhode Island statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  16. Rhode Island DEM Office of Water Resources OWTS Program (dem.ri.gov)
  17. Building Inspection (Town of Narragansett), quoted and re-checked
  18. Building Inspection (Town of Narragansett), quoted and re-checked
  19. R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-27.3-120.1 — New buildings (Rhode Island statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  20. Private Well Care, Repairs, and Construction (Rhode Island statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  21. Rules Establishing Minimum Standards Relating to Location, Design, Construction and Maintenance of Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (Rhode Island statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  22. Physical Alteration Permit Application Manual (Rhode Island statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  23. R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-27.3-100.1 — Short title — Applicability (Rhode Island statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  24. Forms/Permits/Plan Review/Fees (Town of Narragansett), quoted and re-checked

Written October 11, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

Answers from the rulebook for Town of Narragansett

Town of Narragansett’s own rules

  • Building code adoptedPartial

    Construction inside Narragansett town is reviewed for compliance with federal, state, and local building codes by the Town Building Inspection Department.

    • The official page identifies federal, state, and local codes but does not specify individual code editions.
    “The Building Inspection Department is responsible for the issuance of building permits and for performing field inspections to ensure compliance of Federal, State and Local Building Codes.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Building work requiring inspection inside Narragansett town.

    • Inspection requests must be made by the contractor 24 hours in advance.
    • The permit card must be posted at the job site for all inspections.
    • Approved plans and engineering specifications must be on site.
    • A $50 re-inspection fee applies after failure to pass an inspection or failure to have required documents on site.

    advance notice: 24 hours · re-inspection fee: 50 USD (failure to pass an inspection or have required permit card and plans on site)

    “Any request for a building inspection must be made by the contractor 24 hours in advance. Please call the office at 401-782-0619 to schedule an inspection with address of property, type of inspection, and permit number. The building permit card must be posted on the job site for ALL inspections.”
  • Local zoningPresent

    Land inside Narragansett town limits; the Town administers its own zoning ordinance.

    “The purpose of the Zoning Ordinance (Appendix A) is to promote and protect public health, safety, and general welfare; to protect the character of the town and reflect current and expected future needs; to provide orderly growth and development; and to promote environmental and historical preservation, among many other factors.”
  • Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)

    On-site wastewater systems inside Narragansett town.

    • Town review and local requirements apply.
    • RIDEM approval is required for design and installation of a new system or alteration or repair of an existing ISDS.
    “This Department also enforces the Town Zoning Ordinance, minimum housing standards, flood zone requirements, ADA and ISDS regulations, as well as rental registrations within the Town.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    New sewer or water service and connections inside Narragansett town.

    • Sewer availability must be determined for the particular property using the Sewer Inquiry Form.
    • Sewer extensions and connections are regulated based upon available capacity of each wastewater treatment facility.
    • A completed application and appropriate fee are required for processing.
    • The official page does not establish a universal distance threshold or universal mandatory connection rule.
    “The Town of Narragansett has a sewer policy in place to regulate sewer extensions and connections. The policy was created to regulate such extensions and connections based upon the available capacity of each wastewater treatment facility.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision and land-development projects inside Narragansett town.

    • Administrative, minor, and major subdivision categories have different procedures.
    • Administrative subdivisions yield no additional lots and involve no creation or extension of streets.
    • Minor residential subdivisions may not propose more than nine lots or dwelling units and may not require waivers or modifications.
    • Major subdivisions are those not classified as administrative or minor.
    • Non-residential land-development projects are major land-development plans.

    minor subdivision maximum: <= 9 lots or dwelling units (must not require waivers or modifications to the Subdivision Regulations)

    “Site plan review and approval of subdivisions are governed by the Narragansett land subdivision regulations.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Building permit applications for sites in flood or coastal areas inside Narragansett town.

    • Site plans must include flood-zone elevation and lowest habitable floor information.
    • Coastal and flood-zone areas require mean sea level datum for foundation and lowest-floor elevations.
    • The Building Inspection Department enforces flood-zone requirements.
    “Show existing and proposed contours, annotate top of foundation and lowest floor elevation including basement (coastal & flood zone areas - require mean sea level datum).”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Town permit and plan-review fees inside Narragansett town.

    • The official fee page lists a $50 re-inspection fee when an inspection fails twice.
    • Other fees vary by permit type and project characteristics.

    re-inspection fee if failed twice: 50 USD

    “Re-inspection Fee (If failed twice) | 50.00”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Building permit applications inside Narragansett town.

    • Applications use the Town E-Permit system.
    • A stamped site plan and construction documents must be uploaded.
    • Additional coordination may be required for comprehensive permits, staff review, variances, special-use permits, subdivisions, land-development projects, condominiums, and historic districts.
    “A copy of all construction drawings and construction documents is required to be uploaded to the E-Permit application when applying for a building permit.”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission; ask Town of Narragansett or Washington County directly.

  • Owner-builder exemption — Owner-builder exemption for construction inside Narragansett town.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size inside Narragansett town.
  • Minimum lot size — Minimum lot size inside Narragansett town.
  • Setbacks — Required setbacks inside Narragansett town.
  • Lot coverage — Lot coverage inside Narragansett town.
11 more unanswered
  • Building height
  • Living in an RV
  • Camping on your land
  • Tiny homes
  • Manufactured homes
  • Accessory dwellings
  • Septic inspection
  • Off-grid sanitation
  • Well permit
  • Agricultural exemption
  • Driveway access

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Unanswered questions are usually a sign that Town of Narragansett publishes no rule on the point, not that none exists. Washington County’s page lists the county offices to call.

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