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Rhode Island · The 50% Rule
How much
work can you actually do? Rhode Island puts the 50% rule in state law, not just local ordinance. Cross the line and your renovation has to meet new-construction code. This tool shows you where the line sits and how much room is left. 12-Month Window Three Statutory Tiers Flood Zone Carve-Out
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Seaport Advisory Briefing
The denominator
is the whole game. The 50% is measured against the value of the structure only — land excluded. Rhode Island requires that figure to come from an appraiser, estimator, or real estate broker, not from replacement cost. Statutory Authority
RIGL 23-27.3-106.1 — over 50%
RIGL 23-27.3-106.3 — 25% to 50% RIGL 23-27.3-106.4 — 25% or under RIGL 23-27.3-106.5 — physical value |
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Three tiers, not one
Under 25% you restore in kind. Between 25% and 50% the building official decides how far the altered portions must conform. Over 50% is new-construction code. |
A twelve-month window
Rhode Island aggregates improvement costs over any twelve-month period. The permit file is how that window gets reconstructed. |
The flood zone changes it
Outside a flood zone, mechanical and nonpermit items come out of the calculation. Inside one, that relief disappears and everything counts. |
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Start Here
Enter the value of the structure only, then your planned spend over any twelve-month period. $
Building only, land excluded. From an appraiser, estimator or broker — not replacement cost.
$
All permitted work inside any twelve-month period, including work already done.
Mechanical, electrical, plumbing and nonpermit items. Excluded outside a flood zone only.
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Enter a structure value to begin
Which statutory tier you land in, how much room is left, and who to call will appear here.
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