Rhode Island General Laws Title 1. Aeronautics § 1-3-5. Zoning powers of political subdivisions

(1) In order to prevent the creation or establishment of airport hazards, every political subdivision having an airport hazard area wholly or partly within its territorial limits shall adopt, administer, and enforce, under the police power and in the manner and upon the conditions prescribed, airport zoning regulations for that part of the airport hazard area which is within its territorial limits, which regulations may divide the airport hazard area into zones, and, within those zones, specify the land uses permitted and regulate and restrict the height to which structures and trees may be erected or allowed to grow.

(2) A political subdivision which includes an airport hazard area created by the location of a public airport shall adopt, administer, and enforce zoning ordinances pursuant to this chapter if the existing comprehensive zoning ordinance for the political subdivision does not provide for the land uses permitted, and regulate and restrict the height to which structures may be erected or objects of natural growth may be allowed to grow in, an airport hazard area.

(3) A political subdivision which includes an airport hazard area created by the location of a public airport shall adopt, either in full or by reference, the provisions of part 77 of title 14 of the code of federal regulations, entitled “Objects Affecting Navigable Airspace” hereinafter known as part 77.