Rhode Island General Laws Title 23. Health and Safety § 23-27.3-115.6. Electronic construction permitting

(a) Every municipality in the state, on or before July 1, 2023, shall adopt and implement electronic construction permitting. For purposes of this section, “electronic construction permitting” means use of computer-based tools and services that automate and streamline the building permit process to include, but not limited to, task-specific tools for: applications; submission of building plans and plans for developments and plots; plan review; permitting; inspections; inspection scheduling; project tracking; fee calculation and collection; and workflow and report management.

(b) The state building commissioner pursuant to the provisions of § 23-27.3-108.2 shall promulgate rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this section.

(c) On or before July 1, 2023, pursuant to rules and regulations promulgated by the state building commissioner, notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter to the contrary, all acts, requirements, filings, and documents necessary to comply with the building permit process shall be conducted by means of electronic construction permitting. Provided, however, a municipality may elect to delay implementation of the requirements of this section for a period of one year by giving written notice to the state building commissioner prior to July 1, 2023. Any municipality electing to delay implementation shall comply with the provisions of this section on or before July 1, 2024.