Rhode IslandS10892025 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

AN ACT RELATING TO HEATH AND SAFETY -- STATE BUILDING CODE .

Sponsored By: Frank A. Ciccone, III (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Statewide safety standards for homes and buildings

Rhode Island uses the International Residential Code for one- to four-family homes. The Commercial International Building Code applies to buildings with more than four residential units, hotels, and motels. State standards must also align with federal disability-access requirements. The state committee adopts the latest National Electrical Code, with state amendments, effective July 1 of that edition’s year. Building-code rules also cover the location, design, construction, installation, changes, and repairs of wells connected to buildings.

Unified state oversight of building safety

The law transfers the Division of Fire Safety’s duties to a new State Fire Marshal office within the Department of Business Regulation. The governor appoints the marshal with Senate approval for five years; removal during that term requires just cause. A State Building Code Office sits within the marshal’s office, and its commissioner enforces building codes where municipalities lack building officials. The 25-member code committee includes building professionals, public members, and two residents with disabilities. The commissioner and marshal must report on online permitting by April 1 each year, including municipal compliance in reports after April 2024.

Permit charges fund online tools and training

Local governments can charge permit levies of 0.1% of commercial construction costs and 0.2% of residential construction costs. The residential levy is capped at $100 per permit for one- to four-family homes. All commercial levy money and half the residential levy money support statewide online plan review, permits, and inspections. The other residential half funds contractor-training grants through the Department of Labor and Training, subject to appropriation. Eligible grant recipients include minority-owned businesses and state or local building officials. Electronic permit fees collected by the State Building Code Office go to the Department of Business Regulation to staff, buy or lease, and run the online system.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Frank A. Ciccone, III
Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

Jacob Bissaillon
Democratic • Senate
Tiara T. Mack
Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 70 • No: 0

Senate vote • 6/20/2025

RELATING TO HEATH AND SAFETY STATE BUILDING CODE Approval of Amendment

Yes: 35 • No: 0