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Kent County

Kent County, RI Permits for Metal Carports and Garages

Rhode Island

Yes, a typical carport in Kent County needs a building permit, since Rhode Island only exempts one-story detached structures of 64 square feet or less. Kent County has no government and no permit desk, so everything goes through the city or town where the land sits: Coventry, East Greenwich, Warwick, West Greenwich or West Warwick. Setbacks vary a lot between them. West Warwick allows an accessory building as close as 6 feet to a side or rear line in its R-6 district, while East Greenwich wants 10 feet from the rear line in its R-30 and farm zones.


Permit office: Kent County has no permit desk. Use the office for your city or town.


When a permit is required

  • The state code, SBC-2 (2021 IRC with Rhode Island amendments, effective December 1, 2025), requires a building permit for any carport, garage or barn over 64 square feet.
  • The only size exemption is for a one-story detached accessory structure of 64 square feet or less. Local zoning still applies to it.
  • Running power to the building takes an electrical permit, even on a small shed.
  • Coventry no longer accepts paper permits. File through its online portal, or use the kiosk in the building inspector's office.
  • West Warwick applications and payments are made online, and the town says building without a permit can bring a $250 fine.


Zoning and setbacks

East Greenwich only allows accessory structures in rear yards, no closer than 10 feet to the rear line in R-30, F-1 and F-2 and no closer than 5 feet in R-20, R-10, R-6 and W. West Warwick's table sets accessory side and rear yards at 10 feet in R-10 and R-8, 7 feet in R-7.5 and 6 feet in R-6, with 20 feet on a corner side. A detached garage there is limited to 20 feet tall and must sit at least 5 feet from the house, and you generally need a principal building with a valid zoning certificate or building permit on the lot first. West Greenwich does not allow an accessory structure in the front setback, and going closer to a side or rear line needs the Zoning Enforcement Officer's authorization. Coventry's Building Inspector or Zoning Enforcement Officer can approve an administrative variance of up to 25 percent of a dimensional requirement. In Warwick, a Zoning Board petition needs a Class I survey by a registered land surveyor showing setbacks for accessory structures, and the residential fee is $102 plus $0.78 per abutter.


What to bring

  • In East Greenwich, a site plan showing where the accessory structure sits relative to all property lines and the main structure. The town code requires it before a building permit.
  • For a Warwick Zoning Board petition, 12 copies of the Class I survey plus elevation drawings and floor plans for the accessory structure.
  • For Warwick permits, the city's residential or commercial checklist from its Building Department forms page.
  • In West Warwick, any back taxes settled first. The town will not issue a permit to a delinquent taxpayer until the Tax Collector authorizes it.


Farm buildings

There is no general farm-building exemption in Rhode Island, so plan on a permit for a barn on working land. The narrow exception is a plastic-covered temporary greenhouse under R.I. Gen. Laws 23-27.3-109.1.3.5. West Warwick's zoning does exempt agricultural and farm buildings from its rule that a principal building must already be on the lot, but that is a zoning point and not a pass on the building permit.


Good to know

Hours differ by town. Warwick's office is open 8:30 to 4:30 and inspections are booked at (401) 738-2007 ext. 1. West Greenwich is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 to 3:30, and no longer has Wednesday evening hours. West Warwick's town offices run 8:30 to 4:30. Coventry does plumbing and electrical inspections Monday, Wednesday and Friday. East Greenwich follows the state building permit fee schedule, and adds a late filing fee of $275 or 50 percent of the permit fee, whichever is greater, plus a $55 reinspection fee on electrical, plumbing and mechanical permits (East Greenwich code). If your lot is close to tidal water, CRMC requires a permit for construction within 200 feet of a shoreline feature, and a $100 preliminary determination will settle whether you are in its jurisdiction (CRMC guidance). Portals: Coventry, East Greenwich, Warwick, West Warwick.


Common questions

Do I need a permit for a carport in Kent County, Rhode Island?
Yes, unless it is a one-story detached structure of 64 square feet or less. Kent County has no government, so apply to the building office in Coventry, East Greenwich, Warwick, West Greenwich or West Warwick.


Do I need a permit for a metal garage or shed in Warwick?
A garage or any shed over 64 square feet needs a building permit from the Warwick Building Department at 65 Centerville Road, and you apply through the city's OpenGov system. Any wiring takes an electrical permit as well.


How close to the property line can I put a metal building?
It depends on the town and district. East Greenwich requires rear yard placement, 10 feet from the rear line in R-30, F-1 and F-2 and 5 feet in R-20, R-10, R-6 and W. West Warwick's accessory side and rear yards run from 6 to 10 feet in its residential districts.


Sources


Rules and fees change. Call the office to confirm before you order.


See the full Rhode Island permit guide for statewide rules, farm exemptions and wind and snow ratings.


Looking at buildings? See our metal carports, metal garages and metal buildings.


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