Rhode Island General Laws Title 45. Towns and Cities § 45-25-5. Hearing on petition for establishment

(a) Upon the date fixed for the hearing held upon notice as provided in this section, an opportunity to be heard is granted to all residents and taxpayers of the city and to all other interested persons. After the hearing, the council shall determine:

(b) In determining whether dwelling accommodations are unsafe or unsanitary, the council shall take into consideration the following: (1) the physical conditions and age of the building; the degree of overcrowding; (2) the percentage of land coverage; (3) the light and air available to the inhabitants of those dwelling accommodations; (4) the size and arrangement of the rooms; (5) the sanitary facilities; and (6) the extent to which conditions exist in those buildings which endanger life or property by fire or other causes.