Rhode Island enforces a single, uniform commercial building code statewide with no local opt-out. Local jurisdictions may not adopt or amend commercial building codes independently.
Rhode Island uses a statewide uniform adoption model with no local amendments. Commercial projects must follow state-adopted codes, including building, fire, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and energy standards, without municipal deviations.
A code update is planned in Rhode Island to adopt the 2021 edition of the Life Safety Code, with an effective date to be set in 2026. The update also includes adopting the 2023 standards for energy storage systems.