Rhode Island General Laws Title 23. Health and Safety § 23-27.3-112.0. Right of entry

The building official or his or her assistant shall have the right of entry to the 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 health, safety, and welfare.  If any owner, occupant, or other person refuses, impedes, inhibits, interferes with, restricts, or obstructs entry and free access to any part of the structure, operation, or premise where inspection authorized by this code is sought, the building official or state building commissioner when assuming the duties of a building official may: