For Developers - The Development Process

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The Development Process

The review process for development in the City of Providence is dependent on several different factors: location, size and scale of development, type of development, and compliance with zoning regulations. Some properties may only need to apply for a building permit through the Department of Inspection and Standards while others may need approval from one or more boards and commissions prior to submitting for a building permit. Click on the links below for more information on a specific development review process.

Building Permits - Building permits are issued by the Department of Inspection and Standards. For more information on this process, please contact them directly.
Design Approval -
- Development proposed for properties located within a designated local historic district must receive a Certificate of Appopriateness from the Providence Historic District Commission.
- Development proposed for properties located within the Downcity District of Downtown must receive a Certificate of Design Approval from the Downcity Design Review Committee. The Downcity District is bounded by Smith Street on the north, Interstate 195 on the south, the Moshassuck and Providence Rivers on the east and Interstate 95 on the west. Contained within the boundaries of the Downcity District is the Capital Center Special Development District. All Downcity District properties within Capital Center are exempt from DRC review as long as the Special Development District exists. The Capital Center Commission has design review authority in this area. The Capital Center Special Development District is bounded by Smith Street on the north, Exchange Terrace/West Exchange Street on the south, Interstate 95 on the west and the Moshassuck River on the east.
Adjustments of Lot Lines & Subdivisions - Any project that includes the adjustment of existing lot lines, merger of lots or subdivision of lots needs approval from the City Plan Commission.
Land Development Projects - A Land Development Project is a parcel, or parcels of land, that contains at least 40,000 square feet of land area and is proposed to be developed as a single entity. The City Plan Commission is the agency responsible for reviewing all land development projects in the city.
Zoning Variances - The Zoning Board of Review is the agency responsible for reviewing all variances to the Zoning Ordinance as well as requests for special use permits.
Other Approvals - Depending on the type of project you are doing, other approvals may be needed. Click on the following links for information on the most common types of procedures:

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