Rhode Island state law does not restrict fence materials. Providence County has no county government. Material restrictions are set by individual municipalities through zoning codes. Most cities in Providence County prohibit barbed wire and razor wire in residential areas. Historic districts may impose additional material and design requirements.
Providence County zoning ordinance specifies approved fence materials. Residential zones typically allow wood, vinyl, composite, wrought iron, and aluminum. Chain-link may be restricted in front yards. Barbed wire and razor wire are prohibited in residential zones. Rhode Island has numerous historic districts where Historic District Commission approval is required. New England stone walls may have special protections. The finished side of the fence must typically face outward toward the neighbor.
Non-compliant materials: code enforcement notice. May require replacement. Historic district violation: additional penalties and fines.
Providence County, RI
Rhode Island does not set statewide barking dog standards. Providence County has no county government. Barking dog complaints are handled by individual munic...
Providence County, RI
RIGL 31-42 governs abandoned motor vehicles statewide. Vehicles left 10 or more days in commercial garages after notice are deemed abandoned. Individual muni...
Providence County, RI
Providence County cities prohibit sidewalk blocking and unpaved front-yard parking. Providence Code §23-21 and Cranston Code require paved driveway surfaces....
Providence County, RI
Urban Providence County cities (Providence, Central Falls, Pawtucket) restrict or prohibit backyard chickens. Smithfield, Lincoln, Cumberland, and Johnston a...
Providence County, RI
RIGL 4-12 requires all apiaries in Rhode Island to be registered annually with the RIDEM Director by March 1. Movement permits are required under RIGL 4-12-8...
Providence County, RI
All aerial consumer fireworks and firecrackers are illegal throughout Rhode Island under RIGL 11-13-1. Only ground-based sparkling devices (sparklers, snaps,...
See how Providence County's material restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
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