Building under construction

Welcome

Greetings and welcome to the Rhode Island Rehabilitation Code website.

The Rhode Island Rehabilitation Code was developed and is available for the repurposing and rehabilitation of many existing buildings in the state and can be viewed on this site under the "Rehabilitation Code" tab.  In many instances, both Fire Safety Code and Building Code issues can be addressed concurrently and if relief is required, heard jointly before the Rehabilitation Code Board.

Note: The Rehabilitation Code only applies to buildings in existence for at least ten (10) years prior to the application for a permit under this code (Section 101.1).

The following uses are NOT covered by the Rehabilitation Code (Section 101.1.1):

Uses not covered: All repairs, renovations, alterations, reconstruction, additions and/or conversions (changes of occupancy) to

  1. Health Care Facilities
  2. Nursing Homes
  3. Day Care Centers
  4. Residential Board and Care Facilities
  5. Educational Occupancies
  6. Detention and Correctional Occupancies
  7. High Hazard Occupancies
  8. One-, Two- and Three-Family Dwellings

Here's what you'll find on the Rehabilitation Building and Fire Code website:

We welcome the opportunity to provide you with this information and will update this site as the need arises. If you should have any comments, questions or require additional information or assistance, please submit your request to us via the "Contact Us" tab.

W. Keith Burlingame, Esq.
Executive Secretary

Rehabilitation Code News

Appeals and Variances

The Board is in the process of converting to an online electronic filing format -- stay tuned!

Application forms for appeals/variances are available from the Rehabilitation Code / Fire Safety Code Board**, the State Fire Marshal's Office, the State Building Commissioner's Office or your local city or town building or fire authority. All applications must be completely filled out, signed by the Applicant (property owner or authorized representative) and the state or local building or fire authority and accompanied by the appropriate filing fee. Click here to view the filing fee schedule currently in effect.

** The Board is now accepting Application forms that can be downloaded here, however they still must be submitted to the Board with the appropriate filing fee, any supporting documents and the Applicant's signature.

IF YOU ARE SEEKING RELIEF UNDER THE REHABILITATION CODE, BE SURE TO LIST THE REHABILITATION CODE SECTIONS IN QUESTION!

Appeal Scheduling Protocols

The Board will make every effort to schedule a request for an appeal hearing on the next available meeting date (See the BOARD MEETINGS page for tentative meeting dates) provided that a COMPLETE application is RECEIVED AND FILED at least seven (7) business days prior to the meeting (close of business on Friday, two weeks prior). In order for the appeal to be filed and scheduled for a hearing, the application form must be filled out completely and signed by the Applicant (property owner, authorized representative or attorney for the owner) and include any relevant documents and approvals or disapprovals from the building and/or fire officials, and the submittal of the appropriate filing fee.

DO NOT ASSUME THAT ANY MATERIAL(S) SENT TO THE BOARD VIA US MAIL, FACSIMILE OR EMAIL HAS BEEN RECEIVED WITHOUT VERIFICATION.

You will receive notification from the Board once your application has been processed and a hearing date scheduled.

You can add supplemental information and/or documents to an appeal application that has already been filed by clicking here (via the Fire Safety Code website).

Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) Directory

Contact Information

Proposed Regulatory Rulemaking

The Joint Committee is currently reviewing the following possible changes for incorporation into the Rehabilitation Code:

  • Replacing the "building" [B] elements with the provisions of the ICC 2021 International Existing Building Code (SBC-15).
  • Replacing the "fire" [F] elements with the provisions of the NFPA 2021 Life Safety Code, Chapter 43 - Building Rehabilitation.

As this process advances, important dates, comment periods and other relevant information may be accessed here.

 

Main Page Photograph

Existing building undergoing rehabilitation.

[Photo: US Fire Administration / FEMA]