Rhode Island General Laws Title 45. Towns and Cities § 45-24.3-4. Applicability

(a) Every portion of a building or its premises used or intended to be used for the purpose of dwelling, living, eating, sleeping, or cooking, or occupancy, comply with the provisions of this chapter and with the rules and regulations adopted pursuant to this chapter irrespective of when the building was constructed, altered, or repaired, and irrespective of any permits or licenses issued for the use or occupancy of the dwelling and dwelling premises or structure, for the construction or repair of the dwelling or structure, or for the installation or repair of dwelling equipment prior to January 1, 1971. This chapter establishes minimum standards for the initial and continued occupancy of all dwellings and structures, and does not replace or modify standards otherwise established by the state or a corporate unit for the construction, repair, or use of a building or the installation of building equipment except as they may be in conflict with the provisions of this chapter as provided by § 45-24.3-19.

(b) Matters governed by and conforming to the provisions of the State Building Code ( § 23-27.3-100.0 et seq.) shall prevail for all structures, dwellings, and dwelling units constructed, altered or repaired since July 1, 1977, providing the structure, dwelling or dwelling units conform in their entirety to the prevailing edition of the building codes in effect at the time of construction or occupancy, as evidenced by the date of issuance of a building permit issuance or date of issuance of a certificate of occupancy.