Rhode Island Code of Regulations Title 510 - Building Code Commission
Here’s a structured overview of Rhode Island Code of Regulations (RICR) Title 510 – Building Code Commission, current through March 25, 2025:
📂 Title 510 – Composition & Authority
RICR Title 510 establishes the scope and implementation of the Rhode Island State Building Code, overseen by the State Building Code Standards Committee under statutory authority (R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 23‑27.3) (law.cornell.edu).
Although Title 510 itself shows no numbered chapters or subchapters, it is divided into Parts (1–21) corresponding to technical and administrative sections of the State Building Code .
🔍 Key Parts & Highlights
✅ Part 1 – RISBC‑1: General Building Code
Incorporates the International Building Code (IBC) with specific modifications applicable in Rhode Island (warwickri.gov).
🏠 Part 2 – RISBC‑2: One‑ & Two‑Family Dwelling Code
Adopts IBC provisions and includes state-specific amendments such as frost-depth exceptions for small accessory structures under 200 ft² (regulations.justia.com).
🚰 Part 3 to Part 6
Part 3: Plumbing Code
Part 4: Mechanical Code
Part 5: Electrical Code
Part 6: Property Maintenance Code
Property maintenance follows the 2015 International Property Maintenance Code, with adaptations to emergency response procedures and enforcement mechanisms (risos-apa-production-public.s3.amazonaws.com, rules.sos.ri.gov).
💡 Part 8 – Energy Conservation Code
Adopts the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) with Rhode Island-specific modifications, including local climate zone definitions and building envelope standards (risos-apa-production-public.s3.amazonaws.com).
🏫 Part 13 – Standards for Existing Schools
Applies State Building Code standards to the annual inspection and maintenance of school buildings under R.I. Gen. Laws § 16‑21‑3 (regulations.justia.com).
🏊 Part 17 – Swimming Pool and Spa Code
Includes accessibility requirements for public meetings and references comprehensive pool/spa safety standards (law.cornell.edu).
🔬 Part 12 – New Materials, Devices, or Methods
Outlines procedures to approve and certify new building materials or methods, including application fees ($100 initial, $15 renewal), suspension or revocation processes, and appeals (law.cornell.edu).
📋 Part 21 – Permitting Fees
Establishes a statewide permitting fee structure tied to code enforcement activities (rules.sos.ri.gov).
📝 Summary Table
Part
Subject Area
Notes
1
Building Code
IBC + state amendments
2
Residential Code
Frost-depth and structural exceptions
3–5
Plumbing/Mech/Electrical Codes
Incorporate ICC codes
6
Property Maintenance
Emergency provisions, enforcement
8
Energy Code
IECC + climate zone rules
12
Material Approval
Certification & appeal processes
13
School Standards
Annual inspections for schools
17
Pool/Spa Code
Accessibility and safety rules
21
Permitting Fees
Statewide fee authority
✅ Conclusion
Title 510 consolidates Rhode Island’s adoption of international building standards, tailored with state-specific adjustments.
It empowers code officials to enforce safety, energy efficiency, and accessibility standards across residential, educational, and public infrastructure.
The Title includes structured approval processes for new materials and technologies, as well as fee and enforcement mechanisms for regulatory compliance.
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