CLICK HERE FOR ALL UP-TO-DATE TAX RATES IN RHODE ISLAND

A revaluation is the process of estimating new values on real estate based on specific rules and current market data. This process requires a careful analysis of recent selling prices conducted to identify and quantify the features that have motivated buyers and sellers in the real estate market. This analysis results in the creation of schedules that are used to value all of the properties in the city or town. These schedules are then statistically tested to verify their ability to accurately and uniformly predict estimates of current fair market value. An analysis of current income and expenses supplied by local commercial property owners is utilized in the commercial valuation process. These value estimates are statistically tested and proven.

Since all assessed valuations are based on sales as of a certain date, later changes in the market will gradually make property assessments out of step with the real estate marketplace. The rise and fall of real estate values make certain properties more valuable or less valuable, in relation to each other. Doing a revaluation periodically brings the assessments into line quicker, and provides a correction to assessments when markets rise or lower. It makes the assessment of property taxes fairer, more accurate, and avoids the “sticker shock” that occurred when these projects were performed every 10 years or so.

Sales of properties. We review and analyze recent property sales. Depending on the volume, we may use one, two, or even three years of data. From these sales, we generate valuation tables and apply them throughout the City or Town. We focus primarily on “Fair Market” sales.

The American Institute of Real Estate Appraisers defines fair market value as “the most probable price for which a property will sell in a competitive market with buyer and seller each acting prudently, knowledgeably and for self-interest and assuming that neither is under undue duress”. Sales such as foreclosure and family sales are not considered to be “arms-length” or fair market transactions.

They are carefully analyzed based on:

• Land sales
• Building costs
• Condominium sales
• Business Income and Expense statements
• Sales of land with buildings

The following are some, but not all of the variables that affect value:

• Location
• Desirability of the neighborhood
• External influences
• Traffic, schools, waterfront view
• Buildings (amount, size, quality of construction, condition, and amenities

Land values can vary dramatically based on:

• Location
• Conformance to zoning
• Waterfront, View
• External or internal factors

The real estate market is not a “perfect market” and price is not always equal to value. Similar properties usually do not sell for exactly the same price because the motivations of buyers and sellers are not always the same. Similar properties usually tend to sell within a “value range” rather than for one specific price. According to the definition of fair market value, your value represents the “the most probable selling price” and tends to be in the middle of the range of what similar properties have recently sold for. Therefore, your appraised value could be higher or lower than what you actually paid for your property.

The amount of your new tax bill is calculated by multiplying your new assessed value by the new tax or mill rate. Be careful not to multiply a new assessment by an old tax or mill rate.

Not from the revaluation. The tax rate is set at the financial town meeting, or by a City budgetary process, so the voters decide if taxes go up. Individually – If the budget stays the same, some property owners will go up, some will go down, some will stay just about the same.

The Municipality determines the amount of revenue (R) to be raised. The Municipality then totals all the assessments (A). The Municipality divides the revenue (R) by the Assessments (A) to get the actual tax rate: Tax Rate = R/A (or mill rate).

At the end of a revaluation project, a notice will be sent to every property owner advising them of their new value.

Some communities hold “informal hearings,” and some communities have an “abatement” procedure. Your new assessment notice will have information regarding these procedures.

Any documents or evidence that support your claim. This includes: 

• Recent real estate appraisals
• Any documents regarding easements, wetlands, etc. 
• Photographs or documents that relate to structural or other problems (please bring in copies, we cannot return originals)

Those who attend a hearing will receive a notice indicating whether their assessment has been changed, and, if so, what the new value is.

At this point, you still have the option of filing an appeal to the Assessor after the tax bills are mailed.  

Compare your value to similar properties in your area which have sold. Compare to recent appraisals you have had on your property for mortgages or refinancing. Note that prices have been on an upward trend, so depending on the property type,  an appraisal older than one year may be out of date. 

• Find the setback requirements / lot coverage requirements using the dimensional regulations table:
  • Dimensional Regulations Table (PDF)
•  Find out how your proposed idea for a property is permitted by zoning district using the Zoning Use Table:
  • 185-8
• Swimming Pool zoning requirements (PLEASE SEE BUILDING OFFICIAL FOR BUILDING CODE REQUIREMENTS):
  •  185-15
• Fences (generally speaking, no greater than four feet in the front yard, and no greater than six feet on the sides and rear). 
  • 185-20

At any point, use the "search" feature at the top of the E-Code webpage to look up a specific topic (example, "Parking").

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.  

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

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. 

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). 

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.

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 "Flood Zones Revised" on the Layers list, and you will see a blue layer appear if your property is in a flood zone (will begin with either an "AE" or "VE").

Taxes for Real Estate (includes Sewer Use Fees), Motor Vehicles, and Personal Property are billed annually, and the tax bills are mailed by mid-July.

The most common reasons a tax bill is not received are the following:

• The Town does not have a current/correct mailing address on file. (Update a mailing address)
• If the bill you did not receive was the Motor Vehicle bill, the reason could be due to the State of Rhode Island's Motor Vehicle Excise Tax Phase-Out legislation.

Note: Please contact the Tax Collector's office if you did not receive a tax bill. Failure to receive a tax bill does not exempt the taxpayer from paying what is due (see RIGL § 44-7-7).

The two most common reasons are the following:

• Motor Vehicle tax bills are billed in arrears. Tax bills are based on Rhode Island (RI) Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) records of vehicles registered for the period of the prior calendar year. Therefore, tax bills may not reflect the vehicles you currently own. Your tax bill will reflect the information provided by the RI DMV with the following information:
  • Plate Number
  • Number of Days
  • Date Range
  • Year
  • Make
  • Model
  • Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
  • Net Valuation
  • Tax Adjusted
  • Tax Due
• You did not cancel the registration after you sold, donated, disposed of, or traded in your vehicle. Motor Vehicle tax bills are assessed on vehicles that were registered according to RI DMV records. If you did not cancel the registration with the RI DMV, the Town does not know that you no longer own the vehicle.

To remove a vehicle from the tax roll, you must cancel the registration (turn in the license plates) at the Rhode Island (RI) Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or at any American Automobile Association (AAA) office (if you are a member). You should receive a cancellation receipt, which you should retain in your records, as proof of the cancellation. After you have cancelled the registration, the Town will be notified by the RI DMV in its annual reporting file.

No. However, you may request a copy of the current tax bill by contacting the Tax Collector's office at 401-247-1900, ext. 318).

You can access tax payment information online if you have an original tax bill (current or prior year). Using the account number and PIN (six letters) printed on your original tax bill, you will be able to log in to your account to get a record of your tax payments.

Note: Each account has its own unique PIN. If you have more than one account, you need an original bill with the account number and PIN combination for each of your accounts.

CLICK HERE FOR UPCOMING TAX PAYMENT INFORMATION AND DATES

Information on Town ordinances and regulations can be read in Chapter 78 Section 2 of the Town Code. 

Smoke detector inspections are conducted by Fire Department personnel on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. To arrange for an inspection call Fire Headquarters.

Yes. The fire department will respond to a residence and make a determination if there is sufficient water to be pumped. In most cases, fire pumps are NOT effective with water levels below 1 inch deep. For a water emergency dial 911. 

A fire engine responds with the rescue on all Emergency Medical Services (EMS) calls that are of an unknown nature or may require advanced life support or additional manpower. The firefighters assigned to the fire engine are trained to the same Cardiac EMT level as the members assigned to the rescue. Therefore, the engine crew can assist the members of rescue by obtaining EKG's, starting IV's, securing patient airways, performing CPR, and administering medications. In extreme medical emergencies an engine company member will serve as a driver for the rescue. This allows both EMT's assigned to the rescue the ability to care for the patient while enroute to the hospital. 

National Fire Prevention week is October 10th through 14th. The fire department visits local schools to discuss fire safety with students. 

To schedule a visit call the Fire Department.

Barrington Rescue transports patients to Rhode Island Hospital, Miriam, Roger Williams, Hasbro Children’s, and Women and Infants. 

The current fire code, as set by the Rhode Island Division of State Fire Marshal, requires smoke detectors to be placed as follows:

 Structures built prior to June 30, 1976 through February 3, 2004 

Smoke detectors should be placed at the highest habitable level and every level below, outside the bedrooms, and at the bottom of the basement stairs. All should be ceiling mounted.

Structures built after February 3, 2004

Smoke detectors should have the same placement as above, except smoke detectors in all bedrooms. 

The Town announces employment opportunities in local newspaper and on the Town website. Please visit the Employment Opportunities page for updates. 

Appliances and any scrap metal are picked up one week per month as a special collection.  Metal is recycled separately.  Call DPW to leave address for pick up.

No, construction materials and fencing need to be disposed of privately.  Residents may want to rent a small dumpster or take to RI Central Landfill. Please either call or visit their website for more information. 

Most furniture that is not metal may go with regular trash.  Please limit to one piece per week.

No, electronics including televisions and computer equipment must be brought to the Recycling Center.  

No, mattresses and box springs must be brought to a mattress collection container at DPW between 8 AM and 3 PM Monday through Friday.

There are no extra charges for any special pickups, such as metal, etc.

The Recycling Center is only for use by Barrington residents.

Yard waste collection is limited to grass, weeds, small twigs that will easily compost in brown bags or barrels.   Branches need to be chipped – the brush chipping program is limited to Spring and Fall and is a called in service.   Specific dates are available on the Town Calendar or website.

The standard 22-gallon recycling bins are available at the DPW office.  One recycling bin per residence is provided.   

The Town does not provide trash barrels.   Any barrel used for recycling or trash must be 32 gallons or less and weigh less than 50 pounds per ordinance.

Registrations for all events will only be  available online.  No registrations or trip reservations will be accepted by phone.  The steps to do so are as follows:

1. Select the course or trip. 
2. Click on the blue REGISTER button on the event page.  
3. You must provide an email address to start the registration process.  For security purposes, you will be asked to enter a CAPTCHA code to ensure that you are not a robot.
4. Complete the registration form as indicated.
5. Once the form is completed, you will receive an invoice by email.  
6. To pay by check, send a separate check for each invoice made payable to TOWN OF BARRINGTON along with the printed invoice to:

Barrington Learning Center
Barrington Recreation Department
281 County Road, Barrington, RI 02806

To receive assistance with registering and payment by check, stop by the Recreation Department between 9 AM and 4 PM Monday through Thursday and between 9 AM and noon on Friday.

Yes. Persons 60 years or older may select the Senior Citizen rate for certain courses. Not all courses will have such a discount.

Note:  All Barrington Learning Center class and trip payments include a non-refundable processing fee as follows:

•  All refunds initiated by BLC due to cancelled classes/trips include a $5.00 non-refundable processing fee.
•   No refunds will be given for cancellations initiated by the purchaser within 4 business days of the start of the class/trip.
•  All refunds initiated by the purchaser will include a processing fee according to the chart below:

        $20 - $150 payment $20.00 Non-refundable processing fee

        $151 - $225 payment $30.00 Non-refundable processing fee

        $226 - $335 payment $40.00 Non-refundable processing fee

        $336 - payment 15% of payment

Courses:  Full refunds are given minus the processing fee according to the chart above if the Barrington Learning Center cancels the course and and you paid online with a credit card.  Your refund will show up on your credit card statement.  If you paid by check, you will receive a full credit for the course , which can be applied to other courses/trips.  This credit will show up on the website on your Profile Page.   You may request a refund, if you prefer.  In order for us to process a check request, you must provide a copy of the front and back of the cashed check.  We will deduct the processing fee according to the chart above.

Trips:  Full refunds are given  minus the processing fee according to the chart above if the Barrington Learning Center cancels the trip and you paid online with a credit card.  Your refund will show up on your credit card statement.  If you paid by check, you will receive a full credit for the trip which can be applied to other courses/trips.  This credit will show up on the website on your Profile Page.   You may request a refund, if you prefer.  In order for us to process a check request, you must provide a copy of the front and back of the cashed check.  We will deduct the processing fee according to the chart above. 

If you cancel a trip more than 30 days  before the trip or prior to the purchase of tickets or room reservations (whichever is earliest), you will be refunded through paypal directly to your credit card if you paid with a credit card or receive a credit if you paid with a check, minus a $35 per registration non-refundable processing fee.  If you cancel within 30 days or after tickets are purchased or rooms are booked,  no refunds or credits are given.

Paid online:  your payment will be refunded according to our refund policy directly to the card you used via Paypal.  

Paid by check:  If you paid by check, you will receive a credit according to our refund policy for the amount.   Should you prefer a check refund, please see the refund policy information for details.

Barrington Learning Center trips are open to all adults, regardless of residence, and children who are accompanied by a parent or designated caretaker. Deluxe lavatory equipped motor coaches are used for all trips unless otherwise noted. All trips depart from the parking lot behind Barrington Town Hall. Also available: Providence pickups for Boston, the Berkshires and other points north; Warwick pickups for all New York and some Connecticut trips – see specific trip destinations for details.

To register for trips, follow the steps above to register for courses/trips. 

Driver tips are included in all trip fees. Trip fees also include the costs of planning, promotion and operation of the programs described. 

Departure and pick-up information is shown on the trip description page.

Many day trips and overnight trips involve a fair degree of walking and/or standing during guided tours.  If you have any concerns about your ability to participate in a day trip or a tour, please call the Barrington Learning Center to discuss before registering.  It is our goal that participants fully enjoy their trip experience, that they assess their capabilities honestly, and that any mobility issues do not affect the total experience, both for the individual and other group members.

We will make every attempt to reach out to registrants regarding changes in programming, pickup, venue, etc.

All communication takes place via email. We do not send paper notices or confirmation letters.  If you do not provide us with an email address (could be a friend's who will keep you abreast of changes at Barrington Learning Center), it will become your responsibility to contact us regarding courses and trips.

Occasionally, we need to alter departure times to deal with unanticipated schedule changes.  To avoid missing the motor coach, ALWAYS check your emails for Barrington Learning Center communications and follow those instructions, which may differ from those printed in the website description of the trip.  

Seating Assignments: for ticketed events, such as shows and performances, seats will be assigned in the order registrations are received and deposit paid as long as the final payment is made on time.  For those requesting "Seat-with", assignments will be be made in consideration of "last companion" received.   

All trips depart from the parking lot behind Barrington Town Hall. 

Providence Pickups

• Providence pickupsfor the Berkshires (Tanglewood, Stockbridge, Williamstown, et al), Worcester and other points up on Route 146: the Providence pickup is the Stop & Shop parking lot:  Branch Avenue exit (#24) off I-95.  Turn left at the end of the exit and proceed to the Stop & Shop parking lot where you will be picked up on the left side of the lot.
• Providence pickups for destinations towards Boston, Salem, and northern New England, will be at the Shaw's Plaza (Chili's location) off North Main Street:  Take the bus terminal exit, #25 on I-95; proceed to North Main, turn left at Ann Mary Street, the first traffic light at Cox Communications building, go down the hill to the next light and turn right onto Collyer.  At the bottom of that hill, turn left into the large parking lot.

Warwick Pickups

Warwick Pickups for destinations south and to Connecticut are at the Park & Ride lot on Airport Road.

For those participants who do not have email, we recommend that you become a "buddy" with someone who does as, increasingly, much of our information is being communicated by email. 

Rhode Island’s Congressional District 1 consists of 19 cities and towns, including Barrington. Here is a map of the congressional district area.

Yes, any otherwise qualified Rhode Island voter may choose to vote by mail for the Primary and Special Elections. The deadline to request a mail ballot is Tuesday, October 15. Mail ballot applications are available from the Town Clerk’s office or  here. Additional information about mail/absentee ballots is available here.

ONLINE MAIL BALLOT APPLICATION HERE

State law requires that eligible voters be registered no later than 30 days prior to any elections. 

You can register online HERE

Barrington (and other towns) are always looking for registered voters who might be interested in working as a poll worker during elections. General information about being a poll worker is available here. Being a poll worker is a great way to help your community directly and contribute to the smooth, fair, and efficient conducting of local elections. Poll workers are paid for their time on Election Day as well as their training time leading up to Election Day. Poll workers typically can work either half-day (7.5 hours) or full-day (15 hours) shifts. The poll worker application is available here. For more information about being a poll worker, please contact the Barrington Town Clerk’s office at 401-247-1900, ext. 1.

Additional information on elections in Rhode Island can be found at:

• R.I Board of Elections website
• R.I. Secretary of State’s Election Information website
• Barrington Board of Canvassers’ Election Information website
• Barrington Town Clerk, 401-247-1900, ext. 1