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Building and Zoning Office
Permits
E-Permitting Through OpenGov (formerly Viewpoint)
- Apply for a permit through the OpenGov website - the office does not offer paper applications or accept paper plans. Please allow up to 15 business days for permit review and issuance.
- NEW FOR SHEDS UNDER 200 SQUARE FEET: Please use the "Zoning Permit" application.
- This includes permits, chicken and hen registration, citizens' complaints, and zoning certificates.
- Use OpenGov's "Search for Records" to view permit information 2018 to present.
- Communications regarding your permit, including approvals, payment, inspections, will be sent to the email provided to file the permit application. Receive status emails and notifications from the start through final inspections.
- Paper applications are not accepted by the Building and Zoning Office. Hardcopy materials for the above permits will not be accepted by the Building Office and must be uploaded directly to OpenGov by the applicant. If applicable, deliver a copy of the building plans to the Fire Chief. If you need technical assistance, please contact the office.
- Fees:
Inspections
All permits require inspection. Inspections can be scheduled by:
- Requesting an inspection using OpenGov's inspection request feature.
- Call the Building and Zoning Office.
Please be advised that you must schedule at least a day in advance. Day-of requests are typically unavailable. Please plan for the appointment window provided upon scheduling as the office cannot guarantee specific appointment time requests.
Complaints
All violation complaints will be completed through the OpenGov permit portal. Please see the Violation Procedures (PDF) for more information.
Zoning
- Zoning Ordinance
- Dimensional Regulation Table
- GIS Maps (for Zone Information, Flood Zones, Abutters Reports, and more).
- Zoning Board of Review/Appeals Webpage (including application instructions).
- NEW FOR SHEDS UNDER 200 SQUARE FEET: Please use the "Zoning Permit" application.
Modification Requests
- Frequently Requested Zoning Ordinances
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- Find the setback requirements / lot coverage requirements using the dimensional regulations table:
- Find out how your proposed idea for a property is permitted by zoning district using the Zoning Use Table:
- Swimming Pool zoning requirements (PLEASE SEE BUILDING OFFICIAL FOR BUILDING CODE REQUIREMENTS):
- Fences (generally speaking, no greater than four feet in the front yard, and no greater than six feet on the sides and rear).
At any point, use the "search" feature at the top of the E-Code webpage to look up a specific topic (example, "Parking").
- How do I submit a building or zoning complaint?
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See the Violations Procedures (PDF) for detailed information on the process.
Please use either the Citizens Complaint intake form via the OpenGov portal or call the Building/Zoning Office's Administrative Assistant 1:00 to 4:30 PM Monday through Thursday.
- When do I need a permit?
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With the exception of paint, wallcoverings, flooring, and fencing, most projects require a permit. Please confirm with the Building Official before beginning your project. P
- Do I need a permit for a shed?
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If UNDER 200 square feet, please apply for a Zoning Permit via the OpenGov permit portal as the shed is still required to meet zoning dimensional requirements for an accessory structure.
If OVER 200 square feet, please apply for a Building Permit via the OpenGov permit portal.
- How do I find out what zoning district a property is in?
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1) Visit the Barrington GIS website.
2) Using the search bar in the top right corner to type in the address.
3) Once the map loads, click on "Layers" on the left-hand side of the screen.
4) Check "Zoning" on the Layers list, and that will tell you what zone the property is in.
5) Use the dimensional regulations table (PDF) to determine the setbacks and lot coverage requirements (see the appropriate column for your zone).
- Who can pull a permit?
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Homeowners can do work on their own house and pull their own permit. The homeowner must sign an affidavit to take responsibility for work to be performed, including inspections. For contractors, they must be licensed in Rhode Island.