Accessory Structures in Rhode Island (2026)
12 rules on the books across Rhode Island, 3 cities and counties. Select a rule to read the full details.
Severity: Few Restrictions · Light Restrictions · Some Restrictions · Significant Restrictions · Heavy Restrictions
ADU Rules
Rules for building accessory dwelling units (granny flats, in-law suites) including size limits, parking requirements, and owner-occupancy rules.
Rhode Island: statewide
StatewideFew RestrictionsRhode Island state law (R.I. Gen. Laws Section 45-24-73) requires municipalities to allow accessory dwelling units by…
Read full rule →Pawtucket
Some RestrictionsPawtucket allows one accessory dwelling unit as a permitted use in every residential zoning district through an…
Read full rule →Providence
Some RestrictionsProvidence allows one accessory dwelling unit per lot in every residential district, capped at 900 square feet for a…
Read full rule →Warwick
Some RestrictionsWarwick allows one accessory family dwelling unit inside a house in any residence district under Zoning Ordinance…
Read full rule →ADU Rental Restrictions
Whether an ADU can be rented short-term (Airbnb), 30-day minimums, separate rental licenses, and long-term lease requirements.
Pawtucket
Significant RestrictionsPawtucket flatly prohibits renting an accessory dwelling unit for tourist or transient use, including through a hosting…
Read full rule →Providence
Significant RestrictionsProvidence allows one accessory dwelling unit per lot in residential districts, but the zoning ordinance flatly bars…
Read full rule →Shed & Carport Rules
When a storage shed or carport needs a permit, the square-footage exemption thresholds, and the setback and height limits that apply either way.
Rhode Island: statewide
StatewideSome RestrictionsRhode Island's State Building Code (R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-27.3) governs shed construction uniformly statewide, exempting…
Read full rule →Pawtucket
Some RestrictionsPawtucket lets a shed under 100 square feet sit on a residential lot even below the 5,000-square-foot minimum that…
Read full rule →Providence
Some RestrictionsProvidence caps detached sheds and other accessory structures at 10 feet high at the lot line, requires a 3-foot…
Read full rule →Warwick
Some RestrictionsA backyard shed in Warwick is regulated as an accessory building under Zoning Ordinance section 601.1: it can't exceed…
Read full rule →Garage Conversions
Rules for converting a garage into living space, including whether you need to replace the lost parking and what building codes apply.
Rhode Island: statewide
StatewideSome RestrictionsGarage-to-living-space conversions in Rhode Island are governed by the State Building Code (R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-27.3)…
Read full rule →Pawtucket
Some RestrictionsPawtucket lets homeowners convert an existing garage or workshop into an accessory dwelling unit, but the converted…
Read full rule →