Boards of Review

The Board may, upon written request and for cause shown prior to the expiration of the initial six-month period, renew the variance or special use permit for a second six-month period. Said request for an extension need not be advertised.

Should an applicant fail to obtain a legal building permit within the second six-month period, the Board may upon written request prior to the end of the second six-month period, renew the variance or special use permit for a third six-month period provided that the applicant can demonstrate due diligence in proceeding and substantial financial commitment in promoting the subject of the variance or special use permit since the date of the filing of the resolution.

The request for the third six-month period shall be advertised and notice given in accordance with Section 902 and a hearing shall be held on the request. None of the six month periods shall run during the pendency of any Superior or Supreme Court actions concerning the grant.

Is there any recourse if my application is denied?
Yes, any person or persons, jointly or severally aggrieved by a decision of the Board may appeal said decision to the Superior Court within twenty (20) days after such decision is filed in the Office of the Board.

 

Frequently Asked Questions – Building Board of Review

How to petition the Building Board of Review?
Links to the application and instructions for the Building Board of Review are found above on this page, or you can call the Boards of Review office at 401-680-5375 to request a printed copy of a Building Board of Review application and instructions.

What documentation is needed at a preliminary review?
Please contact the Building Official or Senior Plans Examiner to schedule a preliminary review and to confirm what level of documentation is required based on the proposed project scope.

Is the application filed with the Boards of Review?
Prior to filing an application with the Building Board, a preliminary review is required by the Building Official or Senior Plans Examiner as part of the typical review of a building permit application, or via a scheduled preliminary review. Following the preliminary review, the applicant will be provided with a formal documentation of deficiencies (as applicable) to include with a complete application to the Building Board via the Boards of Review office. Please contact Alexis Thompson at athompson@providenceri.gov or Boupha Sath at bsath@providenceri.gov with any questions.

After the preliminary review and the application is accepted, how long is the wait to appear before the Board?
Generally, it takes one to two months after filling to appear before the board.

What should be expected at the hearing?
The Chair will announce the subject address on the application and invite everyone to come forward who has an interest in the petition. Everyone will be sworn in and the owner or the representative of the owner will present the petition and any exhibits or witness testimony. To follow the presentation of the petition, questions and answers between the Board and the Applicant, and any public comment, the chair will close the hearing on that particular matter and the board will deliberate and render a decision.

The Board has approved/denied my application, what happens next?
You will receive a Resolution providing documentation that your application was approved or denied. Approval requires the owner to validate the resolution, and the stamped approved plans on file with the Boards of Review must be submitted to the Department of Inspection and Standards.

Is there any recourse if an application is denied?
Yes, any aggrieved party affected by the decision of the local board may appeal to the State Board of Standards and Appeals within twenty (20) days after the filing of the local decision with the building official and owner. Any determination made by the local board shall be subject to review de novo by the state board of standards and appeals. § 23-27.3-127.2.5 Procedures.