ADU Permits: Foster Center vs Providence
How do adu permits rules compare between Foster Center, RI and Providence, RI?
Foster Center, RI
Providence County
No data available yet for Foster Center.
Providence, RI
Providence County
Providence permits Accessory Dwelling Units by-right on residentially zoned lots under Rhode Island General Laws Section 45-24-37(j), which was substantially expanded by HB 7062Aa in 2024. The City's Department of Inspection and Standards issues building permits and the required Certificate of Occupancy. ADUs may be up to 900 sq ft for a studio/one-bedroom or 1,200 sq ft for a two-bedroom unit per the City's February 2025 ADU Guidelines.
View full Providence rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Foster Center | Providence |
|---|---|---|
| State Framework | - | R.I. Gen. Laws Section 45-24-37(j) (HB 7062Aa 2024) |
| Max Size - Studio/1BR | - | 900 sq ft |
| Max Size - 2BR | - | 1,200 sq ft |
| Permit Authority | - | Providence Dept. of Inspection and Standards |
| Occupancy | - | Certificate of Occupancy required |
| Historic Review | - | PHDC if in local historic district |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Foster Center FAQ
No FAQs available.
Providence FAQ
Can I build an ADU in Providence by-right?
Yes. Under R.I. Gen. Laws Section 45-24-37(j), as amended by HB 7062Aa in 2024, ADUs are permitted by right on residentially zoned lots in Providence. You still need a building permit and a Certificate of Occupancy from the Department of Inspection and Standards before the unit can be occupied.
How big can my Providence ADU be?
Per the City's February 2025 ADU Guidelines, a studio or one-bedroom ADU may be up to 900 sq ft and a two-bedroom ADU may be up to 1,200 sq ft of gross floor area. The unit must have separate cooking and sanitary facilities to qualify as an ADU.
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