New process expedites review process under Department of Inspection and Standards, encouraging new housing development
PROVIDENCE, RI—Mayor Brett P. Smiley and the Department of Inspection and Standards today announced a major update to its construction application process aimed at expediting development and fostering growth within the city. Effective immediately, developers seeking to undertake new construction projects will benefit from a streamlined review process. This effort is part of the Smiley Administration’s work to increase housing production in every Providence neighborhood.
Under the new system, with the submission of a site plan and construction drawings, permits will have a concurrent review process once the intake is complete. This marks a significant change from the previous procedure, where a permit would not be accepted for review without a Department of Public Works approval for new construction, a Narragansett Bay Commission Sewer connection permit, and a Providence Water Supply Board water availability letter.
“Providence is ready for development, and we are committed to making that process more efficient at every step,” said Mayor Smiley. “By allowing the Department of Inspection and Standards to start a concurrent review, we are removing unnecessary hurdles and accelerating the timeline for new construction projects. This change reflects our dedication to fostering growth and making Providence an even more attractive destination for investment and development.”
The revised process is designed to enhance coordination and communication between City departments and developers, ultimately leading to faster approvals and project commencements. Developers will still be required to obtain the necessary approvals from DPW and utility providers prior to permit issuance, however, that process can now happen while the plans are under review. This sequence aims to identify any potential issues earlier in the process, thereby reducing delays and improving overall project planning.
“The goal here is to reduce the stale time,” said James C. Moore, Director of the Providence Department Inspection and Standards. “If we can start a permit review at the same time as other agencies, we potentially reduce the total review process by more than a month.”
Key Benefits:
- Faster Initial Review: Developers can gain early feedback on their plans from DIS, helping to identify and address potential issues sooner.
- Improved Coordination: Enhanced communication between city departments and developers ensures a more cohesive review process.
- Reduced Delays: Streamlining the review process minimizes bottlenecks, allowing projects to move forward more swiftly.
- Enhanced Developer Experience: A more efficient process makes Providence a more attractive place for new development.
The City of Providence remains committed to supporting development and growth while ensuring all construction projects meet the highest standards of safety and quality. This new process is part of a broader initiative to modernize City services, design a better constituent experience, and promote and expedite housing and economic development in every Providence neighborhood.
For more information on obtaining a building permit, please visit the City of Providence’s website at https://www.providenceri.gov/inspection-standards/.