Providence County cities require vacant lot owners to mow overgrown vegetation (typically over 10 inches), remove trash, secure the site against trespass, and register vacant properties annually. Non-compliance triggers municipal mowing and cleanup with costs becoming a lien under RIGL §45-24.3-17.
Rhode Island municipalities regulate vacant and overgrown lots through local ordinances authorized by RIGL §45-24.3 (Housing Maintenance and Occupancy Code) and RIGL §45-6-1 (general ordinance-making power). Providence Code §17-189 establishes a mandatory vacant building registry with annual fees ($200-$5,000 scaled by vacancy duration) and requires maintenance of vacant lots including weekly trash removal, grass/weed cutting when height exceeds 10 inches, and securing of openings. Cranston Code Ch. 10.16.030 prohibits vegetation exceeding 8 inches on vacant lots and authorizes municipal mowing at owner expense. Pawtucket Code Ch. 220 imposes similar requirements. Woonsocket's Chronic Nuisance Property ordinance targets repeatedly-cited vacant lots. Lots must not harbor vermin, accumulated debris, or standing water (mosquito breeding), and abandoned vehicles must be removed under RIGL §31-41.1. Owners receive written notice with a short compliance period (often 7-14 days). If ignored, the city abates the condition (mowing typically $200-$500 per occurrence, trash removal billed at actual cost) and the charges become a statutory lien on the property per RIGL §45-24.3-17.
Written notice with 7-14 day compliance deadline. Municipal mowing/cleanup at owner expense ($200-$500+ per occurrence plus administrative fees). Unpaid abatement costs become statutory liens under RIGL §45-24.3-17. Providence vacant building registry fines $500-$2,000 for failure to register. Repeat offenders may face Chronic Nuisance designation in Woonsocket and Providence.
Pawtucket, RI
Pawtucket Code Chapter 286 (adopted 1972, Ord. No. 1369) prohibits noise exceeding the ambient base level by more than 5 dBA at the property line, or sound p...
Pawtucket, RI
Pawtucket's noise ordinance Chapter 286 covers animal noise under its general prohibition on unnecessary noise that disturbs the peace. Habitual barking cons...
Pawtucket, RI
Pawtucket regulates construction noise through Chapter 286 general noise provisions. Construction activities must comply with the 5 dBA above ambient standar...
Pawtucket, RI
Pawtucket regulates amplified music and events. Permits required for public amplification. Residential areas must comply with local noise ordinances.
Pawtucket, RI
Pawtucket's zoning ordinance allows storage of recreational vehicles in private garages and sheds. Tractor trailers are prohibited in residential zones. RVs ...
Pawtucket, RI
Pawtucket regulates driveway construction through building permits and zoning. Vehicles must not block sidewalks. Off-street parking requirements vary by lan...
See how Pawtucket's vacant lot maintenance rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.