Providence County setbacks are set by each municipality's zoning ordinance under RIGL §45-24 (Zoning Enabling Act). Providence R-1 zones require ~20 ft front, 8 ft side, 20 ft rear. Cranston, Warwick, and suburban towns generally require larger setbacks. RI triple-deckers often legal-nonconforming.
Under the Rhode Island Zoning Enabling Act (RIGL §45-24), each Providence County city and town adopts its own zoning ordinance with district-specific setbacks. Providence Zoning Ordinance (Ch. 27) sets R-1 residential setbacks around 20 ft front, 8 ft side, 20 ft rear, with tighter requirements in R-3/R-4 multi-family districts and urban zones. Cranston (Ch. 17.20) typical R-1: 25 ft front, 10 ft side, 25 ft rear. Warwick (Ch. 300) similar. Suburban Smithfield, Johnston, and North Providence often require 30-50 ft front setbacks in RA rural-residential districts. Pawtucket, Woonsocket, and East Providence have tighter urban setbacks reflecting historic density. Many Providence County lots contain legal-nonconforming triple-deckers and row houses predating zoning — these may continue but cannot expand beyond setback lines without variance. Corner lots typically require larger setbacks on both streets. Variances require hearing before the municipal Zoning Board of Review under RIGL §45-24-41. Historic districts (Benefit Street, College Hill, Armory, Pawtucket's Quality Hill) impose additional review by the Historic District Commission.
Building in setback without permit: stop-work order, fines $100-$1,000 under RIGL §45-24-61. Must apply for variance or remove structure. Continuing violation: daily accruing fine. Historic district violation: additional penalties through HDC.
Cranston, RI
Cranston regulates construction noise under Chapter 8.20. Construction activities must comply with the 55 dBA residential limit when measured at the property...
Cranston, RI
Cranston Title 6 (Animals) and noise ordinance Ch. 8.20 address animal noise. Habitual barking or howling constitutes a noise disturbance subject to the diso...
Cranston, RI
Cranston Code Title 8, Chapter 8.20 sets residential noise limits at 55 dBA between 7 AM and 10 PM measured at the property line. Amplified sound equipment m...
Cranston, RI
Cranston regulates amplified music and events. Permits required for public amplification. Residential areas must comply with local noise ordinances.
Cranston, RI
Cranston requires Residential Parking Permits for overnight street parking, limited to two permits per address. Only RI-registered vehicles qualify. All outs...
Cranston, RI
Cranston regulates RV and recreational vehicle storage through zoning (Title 17) and parking ordinances (Title 10). Extended on-street storage is restricted....
See how Cranston's setback rules rules stack up against other locations.
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