Forms & Applications

Appeal of Building Official Determinations

Appeals to the Zoning Board of Review may be taken by any person aggrieved, or by an officer, department, board, or bureau of the Town or State affected by any decision made in the enforcement of the Zoning Ordinance. Listed below are the documents associated with filing an appeal of the Building Official:

Please refer to Section 32 of the Zoning Ordinance for additional information.

Comprehensive Permits

In accordance with Title 45, Chapter 53 of the Rhode Island General Laws, the “Low and Moderate Income Housing Act” (as amended through July 2004) the local review board (Planning Board) shall have the power to issue a comprehensive permit for a qualifying low-income and moderate-income housing project. Relief for such projects shall include all permits and/or approvals from any local board or official who would otherwise act with respect to such application including, but not limited to, the power to attach to the permit or approval conditions and requirements with respect to setbacks, height, site plan, size, shape, building materials, landscaping, and parking consistent with the terms of the Act.

Comprehensive Permit application

Please refer to Section 7A of the Zoning Ordinance for additional information regarding Comprehensive Permit requirements.


Subdivisions & Land Development Projects

Subdivision Pre-Application Checklist

A subdivision is the division or re-division of a lot, tract, or parcel of land into two or more lots, tracts or parcels. This includes any adjustments to existing lot lines of a recorded lot (by any means). Land Development Projects include projects in which one or more lots, tracts or parcels of land are to be developed or redeveloped as a coordinated site for a complex of uses, units, or structures, including planned development and/or cluster development for residential, commercial, institutional, recreational, open space and/or mixed uses as may be provided for in the Zoning Ordinance. 

Subdivisions are broken down into three distinct categories:


Administrative Subdivision

– Constitutes the re-subdivision of existing lots that yields no additional lots for development, and involves no creation or extension of streets. This type of subdivision only involves divisions, mergers, mergers and division or adjustments of boundaries of existing lots. 

Listed below are the documents associated with filing for an Administrative Subdivision:

Administrative Subdivision Checklist
Application for Administrative Subdivisions

Minor Subdivision/Minor Land Development Plan

-- Constitutes a plan for residential development that requires the subdivision of land into buildable lots, does not propose more than nine (9) lots or dwelling units, and does not require any waivers from, or modifications to the Subdivision Regulations.
– Constitutes a development plan for a residential project, provided that such development does no require waivers from, or modifications to the Subdivision Regulations.

Application for Subdivisions & Land Developments


Major Subdivision/Major Land Development Plan

– Constitutes a subdivision that is not classified as either an Administrative Subdivision or a Minor Subdivision (as described above).
– Constitutes a development plan that is not classified as a Minor Land Development Plan. All non-residential land development projects shall be considered as Major Land Development Plans.

Listed below are the documents associated with filing a Major or Minor Subdivision or Land Development Project:

Application for Subdivisions & Land Developments

Appeals to the Subdivision and Land Development Regulations shall be made with the state as required by law.

Development Plan Review

May be applied per general law 45-23-50
Development Plan Review Checklist

Variances & Special Use Permits

In certain instances, some applications may require relief from the literal requirements of the Zoning Ordinance in the form of a variance and/or Special Use Permit. Applicants seeking such relief must complete and submit an Application for Special Use Permit along with an accurate site plan and support material (as required). The Planning Division of the Department of Community Development manages the site plan review process, evaluate the environmental impact of proposed projects, and otherwise assist the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Review with respect to site plan review. Site plan review and approval of subdivisions are governed by the Narragansett land subdivision regulations.

Please refer to Section 11 and Section 12 of the Zoning Ordinance for additional information regarding variances and Special Use Permits, as well as Section 18 of the Zoning Ordinance regarding Site Plan Review requirements.

Application for Special Use Permit or Variance

Staff Reviews


The Staff Review process was developed to provide an expedited review of projects subject to Section 4 of the Zoning Ordinance that have been determined to represent minimal impact on the natural resources of the Town of Narragansett, or for minor amendments to site plans previously approved by the Zoning Board of Review pursuant to Section 11 and Section 12 of the Zoning Ordinance. The Staff Review procedure permits staff to review, approve, and issue permits for specific activities that conform to the statement noted above without the need for a public hearing before the Zoning Board of Review. Please refer to Section 16 of the Zoning Ordinance for additional information and requirements associated with the Staff Review process.