Occupancy Limits: East Providence vs Foster Center
How do occupancy limits rules compare between East Providence, RI and Foster Center, RI?
East Providence and Foster Center have similar restriction levels.
East Providence, RI
Providence County
East Providence's Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 19 of the City Code) requires owner-occupancy for short-term rentals under 28 days but does not set a numeric per-bedroom guest cap. Operators are bound by the household definition in Sec. 19-1 (no more than four unrelated persons), the dwelling-unit standards of the Rhode Island State Building Code (SBC-1), and the maximum occupancy declared on the Section 19-103 Temporary Use Permit application.
View full East Providence 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 | East Providence | Foster Center |
|---|---|---|
| Local Code Section | Sec. 19-103 Temporary Use | - |
| STR Definition | Less than 28 days | - |
| Owner Occupancy | Required (full time) | - |
| Household Cap | 4 unrelated persons (Sec. 19-1) | - |
| State Registry | RIGL 42-63.1-14 | - |
| 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.
East Providence FAQ
How many guests can stay in an East Providence short-term rental?
East Providence has not adopted a per-bedroom occupancy formula in Chapter 19. The enforceable cap is the maximum occupancy declared on the Section 19-103 Temporary Use Permit application, subject to the Sec. 19-1 household definition limiting unrelated occupants to four and the Rhode Island State Building Code sleeping-room standards.
Do I need to live in my East Providence Airbnb full time?
Yes. The May 2020 amendment to Section 19-103 requires owner-occupancy for any rental of less than 28 days. The owner must live in the property full time and obtain an annual Temporary Use Permit that automatically expires January 1 each year.
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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