Pawtucket, RI Fence Regulations: Fence Permit Requirements (2026)

Section 410-94, in the chapter's Administration and Enforcement article, states flatly that 'no structure shall be erected, moved, added to or structurally altered without a zoning permit therefor, issued by the Director,' with the sole exception carved out for a public utility pole in a public street. The chapter's definitions section, 410-132, defines STRUCTURE broadly as 'a combination of materials to form a construction for use, occupancy, or ornamentation, whether installed on, above, or below the surface of land or water,' a definition that governs every article of Chapter 410 except the ADU and Historic District articles, which have their own definitions.

A fence built of wood, metal, masonry or other material and installed on a residential lot fits that definition, which is why Section 410-47C separately regulates the materials and height every fence in the City must meet once it goes up. The permit application under Section 410-95 requires scaled plans showing the lot's dimensions and the location of the proposed structure, though the Director of Zoning and Code Enforcement may waive the plan requirement for work of a minor nature. Under Section 410-97, a zoning permit expires if the work has not begun within 90 days of issuance, or if it is not substantially complete within two years, and the Director must give written notice before canceling it.

A fence built without first getting this permit, or built taller or in different materials than approved, is subject to the chapter's general enforcement provisions.