Mayor Smiley Announces “Parent Permits” for Expedited Building Review

PROVIDENCE, RI - Mayor Brett P. Smiley and the Providence Department of Inspection and Standards (DIS) today announced the launch of a new "Parent Permit" program, which functions as a multiuse plan for development. The initiative is designed to streamline the building permit review process, allowing developers to submit a building plan once and reuse it for future projects across different lots within the city, eliminating the need for repetitive reviews by DIS officials.

"In Providence, we are continuously improving our processes and finding innovative ways to expedite development in every neighborhood," said Mayor Brett Smiley. "In recent months, our Department of Inspection and Standards has implemented numerous efficiencies to accelerate the development of new housing units at every price point throughout Providence. By removing the unnecessary obstacles in the review process for new residential spaces, my administration is dramatically expediting the efficiency and speed in which new homes can be constructed."

How the Parent Permit process works:

Initial Submission:Developers submit construction drawings for one-, two-, or three-family dwellings through an online portal under the "Parent Permit" category. The plans must include all potential options (e.g., third bedroom, den, bump-outs).

Approval:DIS will review and approve the plans, including all available options.

Subsequent Building Permits:For future projects, developers submit a "Child Permit" for new residential construction referencing the original Parent Permit and what options will be selected. Designers must also provide an affidavit for each reuse of the plan.

While this program simplifies the building code review process, all subsequent building permits submitted will still require site-specific documents and approvals, such as a site plan, DPW and Fire reviews.

For more information, please visit the DIS website.