Rhode Island General Laws Title 23. Health and Safety § 23-27.3-107.5. Local building official--Qualifications--Powers and duties

The building official, to be eligible for appointment, shall have had at least five (5) years experience in construction, design, or supervision. The building official shall be generally informed on the quality and strength of building materials, on the accepted requirements of building construction, on good practice in fire prevention, on the accepted requirements regarding light and ventilation, on the accepted requirements for safe exit facilities, and on other items of equipment essential for the safety, comfort, and convenience of occupants, and shall be certified under the provisions of § 23-27.3-107.6, and shall possess an international code council (ICC) certification as a certified building official (CBO), except that the qualifications outlined in this section shall not be required in the case of a building official holding a current state certification prior to July 1, 2010. The building official shall pass upon any question relative to the mode, manner of construction, or materials to be used in the erection or alteration of buildings or structures. The building official shall require compliance with the provisions of the state building code of all rules lawfully adopted and promulgated thereunder, and of laws relating to construction, alteration, repair, removal, demolition, and integral equipment, and location, use, occupancy, and maintenance of buildings and structures, except as may be otherwise provided for. The building official or his or her assistant shall have the right of entry to buildings or structures, for the proper performance of his or her duties during normal business hours, except that in the case of an emergency the building official shall have the right of entry at any time, if the entry is necessary in the interest of public safety.