Rhode Island General Laws Title 23. Health and Safety § 23-28.3-3. Rules and regulations

(a) The state fire safety code board has the power to promulgate, amend, and repeal rules and regulations to safeguard life and property from the hazards of fire and explosives consistent with the provisions of the Fire Safety Code, chapters 28.1 through 28.39 of this title, and consistent with the rehabilitation building and fire code for existing buildings and structures, chapter 29.1 of this title. The regulations, amendments, or repeals shall be in accordance with standard safe practice as embodied in widely recognized standards of good practice for fire prevention and fire protection. The rules and regulations promulgated by the board, which are known as the state Fire Safety Code, are in effect in all the cities, towns, counties, and political subdivisions in the state. Whenever the provisions of any other statute or local regulation are more stringent or impose higher standards than the state fire safety code, that statute or local regulations will govern, unless it is not consistent with the state code or contrary to recognized standards or good engineering practices. The board determines the relative priority of the regulations.

(b) All rules and regulations adopted by the state fire safety code board shall be adopted in accordance with the Administrative Procedures Act (R.I.G.L. 42-35-1 et seq.).

(c) For the purpose of any public hearing under this chapter, the state fire safety code board has the power to summon witnesses and administer oaths for the purpose of giving testimony.

(d) The board shall provide for reasonable interpretation of the provisions of this code, and rule on appeals from decisions of the fire marshal.