Rhode Island Building & Energy Codes – Current Standards

According to the State Building Commissioner, the Rhode Island Building Code Standards Committee has completed the regulatory process for the 2021 International Code Council (ICC) codes, including all Rhode Island-specific amendments. This comprehensive update covers all 13 regulations that comprise the Rhode Island State Building Codes, as well as the 2023 National Electrical Code. The new codes will officially took effect on December 1, 2025.

Grace period

Per RIGL §23-27.3-114.3.1. Drawings and specifications:

Within three (3) months after the adoption (up until 3.1.2025) of any amendment to this code, the owner or the owner’s agent shall notify the building official that the drawings and specifications for a project are based upon the provisions of the code in effect prior to the latest amendment. The building official may require the submission of the drawings and specifications, even if incomplete. The owner shall then be allowed to obtain a permit upon completion of the drawings and specifications, in accordance with the prior code provisions.

In recognition of the time typically required between finalizing a construction contract and submitting a permit application, DIS will continue its practice of allowing a grace period during the transition between code editions. During this time, applicants may choose to have their projects reviewed under either the new or previously adopted code. This approach provides clarity and flexibility to the construction and design community as the 2021 codes are implemented.

The 2021 Rhode Island Building Codes are based on the 2018 International Code Council (ICC) model codes, as adopted with Rhode Island-specific amendments.

Important Update: As of November 14, 2024, the State of Rhode Island has officially adopted the 2024 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) in full (with appendices RK and CH), with no state amendments. The 3-month grace period ended on February 14, 2024, and all new construction must now comply with this updated energy code in addition to the 2021 RI Building Codes.

Please note that the 2021 Rhode Island Building Codes will not be published as a complete document. To ensure full code compliance, users must reference the:

For a complete and accurate interpretation of the RI Building Code requirements, both the ICC base codes and the RI amendments must be reviewed together. The RI amendments supersede the ICC ones.

Additional Considerations

  • Amendments to issued permits will be reviewed under the same code edition as the original permit, provided the proposed changes fall within the scope permitted under departmental procedure.
  • Any permits that have expired and are resubmitted for review will be subject to the 2021 code requirements (2024 for Energy).
  • Projects that received Parent Permit Approval under the 2018 Codes must ensure that all associated building permits are filed before 3.1.2026. The Parent Permit Approval will not be valid for permit applications submitted after that date.
  • Furthermore, decisions made under preliminary plan reviews based on the 2018 Codes and associated variances will only remain valid if the full permit application is filed before 3.1.26.

Helpful Resources