5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 4 cities in Providence County, Rhode Island.
Verified from official government sources
Providence County Phase II MS4 communities enforce stormwater rules under RI DEM general permit and RIGL §45-61.2. Providence Code Ch. 23 Art. X requires stormwater management plans for new development disturbing 1+ acre and LID retrofits.
Providence County requires erosion and sediment control under RI DEM Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Handbook and local grading ordinances. Disturbance of 1+ acre triggers RIPDES Construction General Permit with silt fence, stabilized entrance, and inspections.
Providence County coastal properties on Narragansett Bay fall under Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) jurisdiction under RIGL §46-23. CRMC permits (Assent) required for any work within 200 ft of tidal water. Setbacks tied to erosion rates.
All 39 Rhode Island municipalities participate in FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program. Providence County is highly vulnerable to riverine flooding from the Blackstone, Woonasquatucket, Moshassuck, Pawtuxet, and Ten Mile Rivers, as well as coastal flooding from Narragansett Bay. RIDEM administers floodplain management under RIGL Title 46. The Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC, RIGL 46-23) oversees development within approximately 200 feet of coastal features. Many municipalities have adopted freeboard requirements of 1 to 2 feet above Base Flood Elevation. The historic March 2010 floods caused widespread damage throughout Providence County.
Providence County municipalities require grading permits for excavation/fill over 50 cubic yards under Providence Code §23 and RI State Building Code. Drainage cannot be redirected onto neighboring properties. Retaining walls over 4 ft need engineered plans.
4 cities in Providence County have their own environmental rules rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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Providence County Ordinance Hub →