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Through the Code Enforcement Office one is able to, among other things,
obtain Building, Plumbing, Electrical, Mechanical and dumpster placement
permits, as well as Drain Laying Certificates, Zoning information and
applications, Certificates of Occupancy, and Minimum Housing information.
The Code Enforcement
Office handles:
Zoning reviews and legal use of property
By appointment on Tue, Thu,
Fri
Minimum Housing Inspections
By appointment Mon – Fri
New Construction Inspections
Renovation
Inspections
Certificate of Occupancy Inspections
Entertainment License Inspections, Yearly
Environmental Inspections are done on a daily basis and monetary fines are
imposed for violators. We also enforce abandoned vehicle laws and the
placement of trash bags placed directly on the sidewalk. Placement of
trash bags on the sidewalk carries a $100.00 fine.
This site will be updated to include printable forms and links to other
departmental information.
Building / Construction Division:
By appointment Mon - Fri
Permits for the construction of new buildings and major renovations
must be applied for at least two weeks prior to the anticipated start of
project. New construction or major renovation permit applications to
include RI stamped architectural drawings signed by the architect or
engineer. If you are not sure whether you need a permit or an
architectural drawing, please call us for further information.
All building inspections for new construction to be called in in
advance. We require soil, footing, foundation, rough frame, (after the
electrical and plumbing rough is approved), insulation, wallboard, and
final inspection by the plumbing, mechanical, and electrical inspectors,
as well as public works, and the fire department. All signatures must be
on the Certificate of Occupancy form (see download link) prior to calling
for final inspection by the Building Official.
Minor Renovations that are not structural in nature may not require a
permit. However it would be prudent to call ahead prior to commencing
work. And remember to hire a RI State registered contractor. These
contractors carry the proper insurance and can be held legally accountable
and fined by the State Contractors Registration Board if they fail to
complete a job, cause damage to your home, or leave you unsatisfied in any
manner.
Click
here for a list of registered contractors
All electrical, plumbing and mechanical work, to be performed by
licensed persons! Commercial contractors need not be registered.
Commercial roofers however, need a commercial roofer's license.
Monday - Friday
Minimum Housing Division:
By appointment Mon - Fri
Minimum Housing inspections are performed by appointment only and must
be verified by the complainant on the day of the inspection no less than
two hours prior to the expected time of the inspector's arrival.
Complaints may be called in or you may visit our office. Complaints
normally handled by Minimum Housing usually deal with sub-standard living
conditions such as no water, no heat, or any conditions that fail to meet
the standards as set forth by the RI General laws of the State of Rhode
Island and/or the City of Central Falls Ordinances.
Environmental Division:
Monday - Friday
The Environmental division is responsible for the enforcement of
rubbish and trash rules, regulations, and ordinances. This includes trash
left on City sidewalks for collection, the number of containers, large
items or appliances deposited on the sidewalk for pickup, overloaded
containers, tall grass and weeds, accumulation of junk on property,
unregistered, abandoned vehicles, and any other issue relating to the
environment.
The placement of trash bags directly on the sidewalk carries a $100.00
fine. 24-hour warning stickers are affixed to trash left on sidewalks that
identify the violation and calls for its immediate removal. A letter is
also sent to the owner of the property. After a location receives a
warning sticker, a photo of the violation is taken. The inspector then
returns in 24 hours to determine compliance. If the violation still
exists, a ticket in the amount of $100.00 (first offense) is issued and a
photo taken as evidence. Not paying or appealing the fine results in a
summons to appear in Municipal Court being issued against you. Further
failure to answer the summons will result in an arrest warrant being
issued by the court.
We take this issue very seriously as we attempt to clean up the City.
We realize that many property owners keep their properties clean. It is
not fair to them that others are not taking care of their property. It is
those who are constant violators that need to be reminded that if they do
not take care of their property, they will be fined and ordered to
Municipal Court if need be. Environmental Inspections are done on a daily
basis. We also enforce our abandoned vehicle ordinance. Any vehicle left
on private property that is not registered and has no valid inspection
sticker and/or is not in a roadworthy condition is "red flagged" for a
seven day period to remove, or repair and register. Failure to respond
results in the vehicle being towed at the property owner's expense.
Failure to pay the bill results in a lien being placed against the
property.
This site will be updated from time to time to include printable forms
and links to other departmental information.
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