Rhode Island RIGL §21-28.11 allows cities to opt out of cannabis retail by ballot referendum. Providence allows dispensaries in commercial zones with 500-1000 ft school buffers. Cranston approved retail by referendum; several towns opted out.
Under RIGL §21-28.11-17 each municipality may prohibit retail cannabis only through a referendum passed on or before the November 2022 election. Towns that failed to opt out (majority of Providence County) must allow at least one licensed retailer per ~30,000 residents within the state's 33-license framework administered by the Cannabis Control Commission. Providence Zoning Ordinance Art. 14 Section 1404 designates cannabis retail as allowed by special use permit in C-2 (General Commercial), C-3 (Heavy Commercial), M-1, and M-2 zones, with a 500-foot buffer from schools and youth facilities. Cranston Zoning §17.92 requires a 1,000-foot buffer from schools, churches, and parks. Pawtucket and East Providence follow state minimum 500-foot school buffer. Dispensaries must have security cameras covering all entry/exit points, alarm systems, and licensed security personnel per 230-RICR-80-05-1. Hours are limited by state rule to 9 AM-9 PM. Annual state license fee is $30,000; local host agreements vary.
Operating without RI Cannabis Control Commission license: criminal charges and civil fines up to $25,000 per day under 230-RICR-80-05. Buffer or zoning violation: permit revocation. Sales to minors: felony under RIGL §21-28.11-21 and immediate license forfeiture.
Pawtucket, RI
Pawtucket Code Chapter 286 (adopted 1972, Ord. No. 1369) prohibits noise exceeding the ambient base level by more than 5 dBA at the property line, or sound p...
Pawtucket, RI
Pawtucket's noise ordinance Chapter 286 covers animal noise under its general prohibition on unnecessary noise that disturbs the peace. Habitual barking cons...
Pawtucket, RI
Pawtucket regulates construction noise through Chapter 286 general noise provisions. Construction activities must comply with the 5 dBA above ambient standar...
Pawtucket, RI
Pawtucket regulates amplified music and events. Permits required for public amplification. Residential areas must comply with local noise ordinances.
Pawtucket, RI
Pawtucket's zoning ordinance allows storage of recreational vehicles in private garages and sheds. Tractor trailers are prohibited in residential zones. RVs ...
Pawtucket, RI
Pawtucket regulates driveway construction through building permits and zoning. Vehicles must not block sidewalks. Off-street parking requirements vary by lan...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Providence County.
See how Pawtucket's dispensary zoning rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.