Washington County has 9 municipalities: South Kingstown, North Kingstown, Westerly, Narragansett, Hopkinton, Richmond, Charlestown, Exeter and New Shoreham. By the Census Bureau’s 2025 estimates the largest are South Kingstown (32009), North Kingstown (27885), Westerly (23139) and Narragansett (14291), each with its own building department on the statewide e-permitting portal.
This guide covers the building offices of the four largest towns and the state septic and highway permits.
What requires a building permit in Washington County?
Washington County has no county building office. The State Building Code sets what needs a permit across Rhode Island, and the permit is filed with the building department of the city or town where the work is.
Rhode Island has one state building code, kept by the State Building Code Office and enforced by each city or town’s building official; there is no county layer, and appeals go first to the town’s board of appeals, then to the state Building Code Board of Standards and Appeals. Rhode Island rules
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Get a free quote →Who handles permitting in Washington County?
| Town | Building office | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| South Kingstown | Building Department and Zoning, 180 High Street, Wakefield | (401) 789-9331 ext. 1225 |
| North Kingstown | Building / Code Enforcement, 100 Fairway Drive | 401-294-3331 ext. 301 and 303; Monday - Friday 8:30AM - 4:30PM |
| Westerly | Building Office, Town Hall lower level, 45 Broad Street | (401) 348-2547; Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. through 4:30 p.m. |
| Narragansett | Building Inspection, 25 Fifth Avenue | 401-782-0619; Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. |
On the statewide portal since: South Kingstown 06/27/2018, North Kingstown 02/09/2017, Westerly 05/01/2017, Narragansett 10/29/2018.
Two state offices often come up alongside the town permit: septic (OWTS) permits come from the RI Department of Environmental Management, 235 Promenade Street, Providence (401-222-4700), which says new construction or alteration applications typically take 3 weeks to review and repairs 1-2 weeks; and driveways, drainage or other work in a state highway right-of-way need a RIDOT Physical Alteration Permit.
Not sure this scope needs a permit?
Get a free quote →How each Washington County town handles permits
South Kingstown
The Building Code Board of Appeals hears appeals of Building Official decisions, usually 3-4 times a year.
North Kingstown
Paper applications are no longer accepted. Sheds, pools and minor renovations are usually permitted within 7 to 10 days of a complete application; new homes and commercial work generally up to 14 days. The Building Code Board of Appeal meets the first Wednesday of each month.
Westerly
Single-family dwellings, garages, decks, sheds and pools need zoning approval before the building permit is issued. Every permit carries a $10.00 E-Permit Application Fee.
Narragansett
The department also enforces ISDS regulations and flood zone requirements.
Rather talk it over?
Call 1-855-478-4290 →How to get a building permit in Washington County
One of the 9 municipalities; each has its own building department.
Houses, garages, decks, sheds and pools need zoning approval before the permit.
The four larger towns take applications on the statewide portal; North Kingstown takes no paper.
DEM issues septic permits; Narragansett also enforces ISDS and flood zone rules.
None of the four schedules inspections online.
Inspections in Washington County
South Kingstown: phone (401) 789-9331 ext. 1225, none online; building inspections Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, electrical Wednesday and Friday, mechanical and plumbing Tuesday and Thursday. North Kingstown: phone 401-294-3331, ext. 303 by end of the business day before; no same-day inspections; plumbing and mechanical only Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Westerly: call the office; email requests are not accepted. Narragansett: call 401-782-0619 with 24 hours notice for building; electrical Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, plumbing/mechanical Tuesday and Thursday; a failed inspection or missing permit card or plans brings a $50 re-inspection fee.
Rather not deal with the Washington County building department?
Get a free quote →Official Washington County permitting resources
These are the primary sources behind this guide. Codes, fee schedules and procedures change — confirm the position for your filing date.
- South Kingstown Building Inspection
- North Kingstown Code Enforcement
- Westerly Building Office
- Narragansett Building Inspection
- RI municipal building department directory
- RI DEM septic (OWTS) permits
Want this handled start to finish?
Get a free quote →Frequently asked questions
Does Washington County issue building permits?
No. Each of its 9 towns issues its own.
Can I book inspections online in South Kingstown?
No. All inspections must be phoned in to (401) 789-9331 ext. 1225.
How long does a North Kingstown permit take?
Sheds, pools and minor renovations usually 7 to 10 days from a complete application; new homes and commercial work up to 14 days.
Simplify Washington County permitting with Alliance Permitting
- Confirm the city or town building department for the parcel and its sign-offs
- File the application on the statewide e-permitting portal with the town’s required documents
- Coordinate DEM septic and RIDOT driveway permits and book inspections the way the town requires
Inspections are where schedules slip.
Get a free quote →Alliance Permitting is a permit documentation and submission company in Rhode Island. We prepare your paperwork, file it correctly and coordinate with the permitting authority through issuance. We are not a contractor and we do not perform licensed plan review or inspections; that work stays with your licensed team and the jurisdiction.
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Let Alliance prepare, file, and track your Washington County permits while your crew stays on the job.
More Rhode Island permitting guides
This guide is provided by Alliance Permitting for general information about Washington County permitting. Requirements, fees, and procedures change; confirm details with the permitting authority before relying on them.