Rhode Island Coastal Repairs: Maintenance or New Work?

Locate the Existing CRMC Record

Ask for prior CRMC assents, approved plans and any conditions on the parcel. The agency's FAQ describes a database and records-request route. Compare the existing structure with the approved dimensions rather than assuming everything visible on the lot was authorized.

CRMC explains that projects on coastal features or within its jurisdiction can require state review in addition to local approvals. Its application guidance describes a commonly relevant 200-foot area, but the jurisdictional determination belongs to the agency. Provide the address, plan and photographs when asking which process applies.

Define Whether the Work Is Truly In Kind

CRMC says in-kind repairs within its jurisdiction may qualify for Maintenance Certification. New or expanding construction and changes to an existing assent can follow different routes. Have the contractor identify any changed footprint, height, material, purpose or location instead of calling the entire job maintenance.

If damage prompted the project, document the condition before removal and ask the local building official and CRMC how the extent of damage affects review. Do not infer an emergency authorization from a storm forecast or a contractor's availability. Obtain the applicable decision and keep temporary stabilization separate from optional improvements.

Include the Shoreline and Access Work

Ask whether the proposal moves sand, alters vegetation, changes drainage or affects a beach, dune or other coastal feature. These activities should be shown with the structure repair, including machinery access and material staging. A deck estimate that omits the route used by equipment may omit an important permitting issue.

Have the designer explain how the revised structure will interact with the site rather than promising that one repair will stop erosion. If shore protection is proposed, obtain a distinct design and agency review. Define how excavated material and demolition waste will be handled and where it can legally go.

• Attach the approved plan and relevant conditions to the construction agreement.
• Name the person responsible for inspection requests and agency communication.
• Require review before a field change affects dimensions or disturbance limits.

Use the Decision to Set the Construction Schedule

Ask the contractor to identify what must happen before mobilization: local permits, CRMC authorization, equipment access and any other project-specific review. Make proposed start dates conditional on those milestones and specify how weather delays will be handled. Avoid scheduling irreversible purchases around an assumed approval date.

At closeout, collect photographs, inspection records and any required completion documents. Retain the final plan for future repairs, and note continuing maintenance or site conditions. The next owner or contractor should be able to distinguish what was approved from what was merely proposed during the initial storm response.

Sources And Local Resources

Official sources checked October 17, 2026. Confirm current requirements with the authority responsible for your property.

• Rhode Island CRMC: Frequently Asked QuestionsWithin CRMC jurisdiction, in-kind work may qualify for maintenance certification while new/expanded work needs other review; coastal alteration and storm repairs require scope-specific decisions.
• Rhode Island CRMC: Applications and FormsGeneral coastal jurisdiction includes coastal features and commonly a 200-foot contiguous area; forms and parcel-specific review routes.