Providence, RI Building Setbacks & Zoning: Setback Rules (2026)

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.