Regulations

State Building Code

The Rhode Island Building Code Commission has adopted the 2018 International Codes as part of the Rhode Island State Building Code. Most of the requirements set forth by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) are embedded within the International Building Code and International Residential Code.

Local Ordinances

While most floodplain requirements have been incorporated into the Rhode Island State Building Code, some additional provisions and regulations may be required by a community. If you have specific questions pertaining to floodplain management, mapping initiatives and products, and building regulations in floodplains please contact the floodplain administrator in your community.

As a condition of participation in the NFIP, communities are required to adopt, enforce, and maintain a local floodplain ordinance. This ordinance aims to protect public safety, reduce flood-related damage to people and property, prevent encroachment on watercourses, and preserve the natural function of floodplains to store and convey floodwaters. The local floodplain administrator—typically a municipal official—is responsible for administering and updating this ordinance.