Zoning changes in Providence

[Jennifer S.]

Hello all,

I'm in research mode on Providence and hoping to enter action mode in Q1/Q2 2018. Is anyone trying to add value by expanding number of units. Example take a larger two family and create a third unit. What are the zoning rules like? 

I understand from the Forums that each town in RI has its particular rules, so for the moment just seeking to learn how it works in Providence. 

Many thanks! 

Ps I hope to make the RIREIG meet up later in Dec. 

Pps I've been to Providence dozens of times so have a medium knowledge base but will supplement with driving and walking

[Sam Albert]

Very tough to just ‘create’ a third unit. Going to run into a lot of zoning issues. Going to have to hard wire smoke detectors since that’s a requirement for all 3 families in RI, deal with National Grid on getting gas meters in there, run electrical for a new panel, It’s just going be a headache.

What you should look to do is find a legal 2 unit that has a townhouse (VERY common in Providence). The townhouse will share utilities with most likely the second unit. So, you’ll have to just include utilities for those two units. This acts like a 3 unit, and costs less than a legal 3 Family property.