Occupancy Limits: Cranston vs Foster Center
How do occupancy limits rules compare between Cranston, RI and Foster Center, RI?
Cranston and Foster Center have similar restriction levels.
Cranston, RI
Providence County
Cranston does not set a fixed numeric guest cap in its STR rules. Instead, the city requires owners to post a notice inside the unit that states the property's dwelling occupancy limits along with rules for noise, pets, trash, parking, and snow removal. Rentals under 30 days are zoned as a hotel/motel use, which is not allowed in every district.
View full Cranston rules →Foster Center, RI
Providence County
Rhode Island sets no statewide STR occupancy limits. Providence County has no county government. Occupancy limits for short-term rentals are regulated by individual municipalities based on building code capacity, fire code, and local zoning. The Rhode Island Fire Safety Code (RIGL Title 23, Ch. 28.1-28.39) establishes maximum occupancy standards for habitable spaces that apply statewide.
View full Foster Center rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Cranston | Foster Center |
|---|---|---|
| City Guest Cap | None numeric in code | - |
| STR Threshold | Under 30 days = hotel/motel use | - |
| Zoning Authority | Cranston Code Title 17 | - |
| State Registration | RI DBR (RIGL 42-63.1-14) | - |
| ADU as STR | Prohibited (RIGL 42-24-73(b)(8)) | - |
| Required Posting | Occupancy, noise, parking, trash, snow | - |
| State Lodging Tax | RIGL Ch. 44-18 applies | - |
| County Limit | - | None — no county government |
| State Occupancy Limit | - | Per fire/building code |
| Regulation Level | - | Municipal only |
| Fire Code | - | RI Fire Safety Code applies |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Cranston FAQ
How many guests can stay at a Cranston short-term rental?
Cranston does not publish a numeric guest cap. Owners must post the dwelling's occupancy limit inside the unit, and renting a single-family home for under 30 days is treated as a hotel/motel use, which is only allowed in certain zoning districts.
Do I have to register with the state in addition to the city?
Yes. Under R.I. Gen. Laws Section 42-63.1-14, any STR listed on a third-party platform such as Airbnb or Vrbo must register annually with the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation. The state fee is separate from any Cranston rental-registration fee.
Can I run a short-term rental from my ADU in Cranston?
No. As of June 25, 2024, R.I. Gen. Laws Section 42-24-73(b)(8) prohibits accessory dwelling units from being offered or rented for tourist or transient use, including through a hosting platform.
Foster Center FAQ
How many guests can stay in my short-term rental?
Typically 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional guests. Check Providence County municipal code for exact limits.
What happens if guests exceed the occupancy limit?
The host is responsible. Violations can result in fines and potential permit revocation in Providence County.
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