Rhode Island Regulations: Counties & Municipal Zoning Guide
Understanding where Amish tiny cabins are allowed in Rhode Island depends primarily on municipal zoning and local building regulations. Although Rhode Island has 5 counties, county governments have limited administrative authority, and most zoning decisions are handled at the city and town level. Each municipality sets its own rules regarding minimum square footage, foundation requirements, and where tiny homes may be placed. Some rural and less densely developed communities may offer more flexibility for tiny cabin placement, while suburban and coastal municipalities often enforce stricter zoning standards, including minimum dwelling sizes ranging from 400 to 1,000+ square feet, foundation requirements, and occupancy classifications. Certain areas may also regulate tiny homes on wheels differently from permanent residential structures. Because requirements vary significantly by municipality, it’s important to verify regulations with local authorities before planning or placing a tiny cabin. The guide below provides municipal references and regional insights to help you confidently plan and place your tiny cabin in Rhode Island.
Counties
Yes. Bristol County (Rhode Island’s smallest county by area, home to Bristol — site of America’s oldest continuous Fourth of July celebration, plus Barrington and Warren) permits tiny homes as ADUs under RI HB 7352 framework. Park model RVs work well for placement in Bristol’s RV parks. NOTE: Rhode Island counties have NO governmental functions — towns and cities make all zoning decisions. Contact the specific municipality within Bristol County.
Resources: Bristol County, RI Government Directory
Yes. Kent County (home to Warwick — RI’s third-largest city, plus East Greenwich, Coventry, West Warwick) permits tiny homes as ADUs under RI HB 7352 framework: max 900 sq ft (1-bedroom) or 1,200 sq ft (2-bedroom), or 60% of principal dwelling. NOTE: Rhode Island counties have NO governmental functions — towns and cities make all zoning decisions. Contact the specific municipality within Kent County.
Resources: Kent County, RI Government Directory
Yes. Newport County (home to Newport — Gilded Age mansions and famous coastline, plus Middletown, Portsmouth, Tiverton, Little Compton) permits tiny homes as ADUs under RI HB 7352 framework. Rustic cabin designs may fit historic districts in Newport, with wood exteriors for blend-in appeal. NOTE: Rhode Island counties have NO governmental functions — towns and cities make all zoning decisions. Active coastal/historic tourism corridor. Contact the specific municipality within Newport County.
Resources: Newport County, RI Government Directory
Yes (with limits). Providence County (Rhode Island’s most populous county — home to Providence — RI’s capital and largest city, plus Cranston, Pawtucket, Woonsocket) — Providence City specifically does NOT permit tiny houses as livable permanent dwellings (a permanent residence must be traditional size). However, tiny houses are permitted as ADUs under RI HB 7352 framework: max 900 sq ft (1-bedroom) or 1,200 sq ft (2-bedroom), or 60% of principal dwelling. Park model RVs can offer a practical path to tiny living when placed in campgrounds or designated RV areas. NOTE: Rhode Island counties have NO governmental functions — towns and cities make all zoning decisions. Contact the specific municipality within Providence County.
Resources: Providence County, RI Government Directory
Yes — and among Rhode Island’s more accommodating regions. Washington County (also known as ‘South County’ — home to Westerly, South Kingstown, Narragansett, North Kingstown, Charlestown — RI’s southern coastal region) permits tiny homes as ADUs under RI HB 7352 framework. Active beach tourism (Misquamicut, Narragansett, Block Island access) supports vacation rental tiny home market. Rural coastal/inland flexibility. NOTE: Rhode Island counties have NO governmental functions — towns and cities make all zoning decisions. Contact the specific municipality within Washington County.
Resources: Washington County, RI Government Directory
Municipalities
Barrington (in Bristol County) follows Rhode Island’s framework — RI HB 7352 permits tiny homes as ADUs (max 900 sq ft 1-bedroom / 1,200 sq ft 2-bedroom / 60% of principal dwelling). Park models = RVs (ANSI A119.5, 400 sq ft). NOTE: RI counties have NO governmental functions; the town/city makes all zoning decisions. Contact local town office for property-specific permit guidance.
Resources: Town of Barrington, RI
Yes. Bristol (Bristol County — home of America’s oldest continuous Fourth of July celebration) permits tiny homes as ADUs under RI HB 7352 framework. Park model RVs work well for placement in Bristol’s RV parks. Contact Bristol Department of Community Development.
Resources: Town of Bristol, RI
Burrillville (in Providence County) follows Rhode Island’s framework — RI HB 7352 permits tiny homes as ADUs (max 900 sq ft 1-bedroom / 1,200 sq ft 2-bedroom / 60% of principal dwelling). Park models = RVs (ANSI A119.5, 400 sq ft). NOTE: RI counties have NO governmental functions; the town/city makes all zoning decisions. Contact local town office for property-specific permit guidance.
Resources: Town of Burrillville, RI
Central Falls (in Providence County) follows Rhode Island’s framework — RI HB 7352 permits tiny homes as ADUs (max 900 sq ft 1-bedroom / 1,200 sq ft 2-bedroom / 60% of principal dwelling). Park models = RVs (ANSI A119.5, 400 sq ft). NOTE: RI counties have NO governmental functions; the town/city makes all zoning decisions. Contact local town office for property-specific permit guidance.
Resources: Town of Central Falls, RI
Yes. Charlestown (Washington County — south coast, Burlingame State Park, Misquamicut Beach area) permits tiny homes as ADUs under RI HB 7352 framework. Active beach tourism corridor. Contact Charlestown Town Hall.
Resources: Town of Charlestown, RI
Coventry (in Kent County) follows Rhode Island’s framework — RI HB 7352 permits tiny homes as ADUs (max 900 sq ft 1-bedroom / 1,200 sq ft 2-bedroom / 60% of principal dwelling). Park models = RVs (ANSI A119.5, 400 sq ft). NOTE: RI counties have NO governmental functions; the town/city makes all zoning decisions. Contact local town office for property-specific permit guidance.
Resources: Town of Coventry, RI
Yes. Cranston (Providence County — RI’s second-largest city) permits tiny homes as ADUs under RI HB 7352 framework. Contact Cranston Department of Planning.
Resources: Town of Cranston, RI
Cumberland (in Providence County) follows Rhode Island’s framework — RI HB 7352 permits tiny homes as ADUs (max 900 sq ft 1-bedroom / 1,200 sq ft 2-bedroom / 60% of principal dwelling). Park models = RVs (ANSI A119.5, 400 sq ft). NOTE: RI counties have NO governmental functions; the town/city makes all zoning decisions. Contact local town office for property-specific permit guidance.
Resources: Town of Cumberland, RI
East Greenwich (in Kent County) follows Rhode Island’s framework — RI HB 7352 permits tiny homes as ADUs (max 900 sq ft 1-bedroom / 1,200 sq ft 2-bedroom / 60% of principal dwelling). Park models = RVs (ANSI A119.5, 400 sq ft). NOTE: RI counties have NO governmental functions; the town/city makes all zoning decisions. Contact local town office for property-specific permit guidance.
Resources: Town of East Greenwich, RI
East Providence (in Providence County) follows Rhode Island’s framework — RI HB 7352 permits tiny homes as ADUs (max 900 sq ft 1-bedroom / 1,200 sq ft 2-bedroom / 60% of principal dwelling). Park models = RVs (ANSI A119.5, 400 sq ft). NOTE: RI counties have NO governmental functions; the town/city makes all zoning decisions. Contact local town office for property-specific permit guidance.
Resources: Town of East Providence, RI
Exeter (in Washington County) follows Rhode Island’s framework — RI HB 7352 permits tiny homes as ADUs (max 900 sq ft 1-bedroom / 1,200 sq ft 2-bedroom / 60% of principal dwelling). Park models = RVs (ANSI A119.5, 400 sq ft). NOTE: RI counties have NO governmental functions; the town/city makes all zoning decisions. Contact local town office for property-specific permit guidance.
Resources: Town of Exeter, RI
Foster (in Providence County) follows Rhode Island’s framework — RI HB 7352 permits tiny homes as ADUs (max 900 sq ft 1-bedroom / 1,200 sq ft 2-bedroom / 60% of principal dwelling). Park models = RVs (ANSI A119.5, 400 sq ft). NOTE: RI counties have NO governmental functions; the town/city makes all zoning decisions. Contact local town office for property-specific permit guidance.
Resources: Town of Foster, RI
Glocester (in Providence County) follows Rhode Island’s framework — RI HB 7352 permits tiny homes as ADUs (max 900 sq ft 1-bedroom / 1,200 sq ft 2-bedroom / 60% of principal dwelling). Park models = RVs (ANSI A119.5, 400 sq ft). NOTE: RI counties have NO governmental functions; the town/city makes all zoning decisions. Contact local town office for property-specific permit guidance.
Resources: Town of Glocester, RI
Hopkinton (in Washington County) follows Rhode Island’s framework — RI HB 7352 permits tiny homes as ADUs (max 900 sq ft 1-bedroom / 1,200 sq ft 2-bedroom / 60% of principal dwelling). Park models = RVs (ANSI A119.5, 400 sq ft). NOTE: RI counties have NO governmental functions; the town/city makes all zoning decisions. Contact local town office for property-specific permit guidance.
Resources: Town of Hopkinton, RI
Jamestown (in Newport County) follows Rhode Island’s framework — RI HB 7352 permits tiny homes as ADUs (max 900 sq ft 1-bedroom / 1,200 sq ft 2-bedroom / 60% of principal dwelling). Park models = RVs (ANSI A119.5, 400 sq ft). NOTE: RI counties have NO governmental functions; the town/city makes all zoning decisions. Contact local town office for property-specific permit guidance.
Resources: Town of Jamestown, RI
Johnston (in Providence County) follows Rhode Island’s framework — RI HB 7352 permits tiny homes as ADUs (max 900 sq ft 1-bedroom / 1,200 sq ft 2-bedroom / 60% of principal dwelling). Park models = RVs (ANSI A119.5, 400 sq ft). NOTE: RI counties have NO governmental functions; the town/city makes all zoning decisions. Contact local town office for property-specific permit guidance.
Resources: Town of Johnston, RI
Lincoln (in Providence County) follows Rhode Island’s framework — RI HB 7352 permits tiny homes as ADUs (max 900 sq ft 1-bedroom / 1,200 sq ft 2-bedroom / 60% of principal dwelling). Park models = RVs (ANSI A119.5, 400 sq ft). NOTE: RI counties have NO governmental functions; the town/city makes all zoning decisions. Contact local town office for property-specific permit guidance.
Resources: Town of Lincoln, RI
Little Compton (in Newport County) follows Rhode Island’s framework — RI HB 7352 permits tiny homes as ADUs (max 900 sq ft 1-bedroom / 1,200 sq ft 2-bedroom / 60% of principal dwelling). Park models = RVs (ANSI A119.5, 400 sq ft). NOTE: RI counties have NO governmental functions; the town/city makes all zoning decisions. Contact local town office for property-specific permit guidance.
Resources: Town of Little Compton, RI
Middletown (in Newport County) follows Rhode Island’s framework — RI HB 7352 permits tiny homes as ADUs (max 900 sq ft 1-bedroom / 1,200 sq ft 2-bedroom / 60% of principal dwelling). Park models = RVs (ANSI A119.5, 400 sq ft). NOTE: RI counties have NO governmental functions; the town/city makes all zoning decisions. Contact local town office for property-specific permit guidance.
Resources: Town of Middletown, RI
Yes. Narragansett (Washington County — RI’s premier beach town, Narragansett Pier) permits tiny homes as ADUs under RI HB 7352 framework. Active beach tourism corridor. Contact Narragansett Department of Community Development.
Resources: Town of Narragansett, RI
Yes. New Shoreham (Washington County — Block Island, a Nature Conservancy ‘Last Great Places’ designation) permits tiny homes as ADUs under RI HB 7352 framework. Strict island/coastal protections apply. Active seasonal tourism corridor. Contact Town of New Shoreham.
Resources: Town of New Shoreham, RI
Yes. Newport (Newport County — Gilded Age mansions, Cliff Walk, America’s Cup) permits tiny homes as ADUs under RI HB 7352 framework. Rustic cabin designs may fit historic districts with wood exteriors for blend-in appeal. Active historic tourism. Contact Newport Department of Planning & Economic Development.
Resources: Town of Newport, RI
North Kingstown (in Washington County) follows Rhode Island’s framework — RI HB 7352 permits tiny homes as ADUs (max 900 sq ft 1-bedroom / 1,200 sq ft 2-bedroom / 60% of principal dwelling). Park models = RVs (ANSI A119.5, 400 sq ft). NOTE: RI counties have NO governmental functions; the town/city makes all zoning decisions. Contact local town office for property-specific permit guidance.
Resources: Town of North Kingstown, RI
North Providence (in Providence County) follows Rhode Island’s framework — RI HB 7352 permits tiny homes as ADUs (max 900 sq ft 1-bedroom / 1,200 sq ft 2-bedroom / 60% of principal dwelling). Park models = RVs (ANSI A119.5, 400 sq ft). NOTE: RI counties have NO governmental functions; the town/city makes all zoning decisions. Contact local town office for property-specific permit guidance.
Resources: Town of North Providence, RI
North Smithfield (in Providence County) follows Rhode Island’s framework — RI HB 7352 permits tiny homes as ADUs (max 900 sq ft 1-bedroom / 1,200 sq ft 2-bedroom / 60% of principal dwelling). Park models = RVs (ANSI A119.5, 400 sq ft). NOTE: RI counties have NO governmental functions; the town/city makes all zoning decisions. Contact local town office for property-specific permit guidance.
Resources: Town of North Smithfield, RI
Yes. Pawtucket (Providence County — birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution, Slater Mill) permits tiny homes as ADUs under RI HB 7352 framework. Contact Pawtucket Department of Planning & Redevelopment.
Resources: Town of Pawtucket, RI
Portsmouth (in Newport County) follows Rhode Island’s framework — RI HB 7352 permits tiny homes as ADUs (max 900 sq ft 1-bedroom / 1,200 sq ft 2-bedroom / 60% of principal dwelling). Park models = RVs (ANSI A119.5, 400 sq ft). NOTE: RI counties have NO governmental functions; the town/city makes all zoning decisions. Contact local town office for property-specific permit guidance.
Resources: Town of Portsmouth, RI
Limited. Providence (Providence County — Rhode Island’s capital and largest city) does NOT permit tiny houses as livable permanent dwellings — a permanent residence must be traditional size. Tiny houses can be ADUs under RI HB 7352 framework: max 900 sq ft (1-bedroom) or 1,200 sq ft (2-bedroom). Park model RVs may be placed in campgrounds or designated RV areas. Contact Providence Department of Planning & Development.
Resources: Town of Providence, RI
Richmond (in Washington County) follows Rhode Island’s framework — RI HB 7352 permits tiny homes as ADUs (max 900 sq ft 1-bedroom / 1,200 sq ft 2-bedroom / 60% of principal dwelling). Park models = RVs (ANSI A119.5, 400 sq ft). NOTE: RI counties have NO governmental functions; the town/city makes all zoning decisions. Contact local town office for property-specific permit guidance.
Resources: Town of Richmond, RI
Scituate (in Providence County) follows Rhode Island’s framework — RI HB 7352 permits tiny homes as ADUs (max 900 sq ft 1-bedroom / 1,200 sq ft 2-bedroom / 60% of principal dwelling). Park models = RVs (ANSI A119.5, 400 sq ft). NOTE: RI counties have NO governmental functions; the town/city makes all zoning decisions. Contact local town office for property-specific permit guidance.
Resources: Town of Scituate, RI
Smithfield (in Providence County) follows Rhode Island’s framework — RI HB 7352 permits tiny homes as ADUs (max 900 sq ft 1-bedroom / 1,200 sq ft 2-bedroom / 60% of principal dwelling). Park models = RVs (ANSI A119.5, 400 sq ft). NOTE: RI counties have NO governmental functions; the town/city makes all zoning decisions. Contact local town office for property-specific permit guidance.
Resources: Town of Smithfield, RI
South Kingstown (in Washington County) follows Rhode Island’s framework — RI HB 7352 permits tiny homes as ADUs (max 900 sq ft 1-bedroom / 1,200 sq ft 2-bedroom / 60% of principal dwelling). Park models = RVs (ANSI A119.5, 400 sq ft). NOTE: RI counties have NO governmental functions; the town/city makes all zoning decisions. Contact local town office for property-specific permit guidance.
Resources: Town of South Kingstown, RI
Tiverton (in Newport County) follows Rhode Island’s framework — RI HB 7352 permits tiny homes as ADUs (max 900 sq ft 1-bedroom / 1,200 sq ft 2-bedroom / 60% of principal dwelling). Park models = RVs (ANSI A119.5, 400 sq ft). NOTE: RI counties have NO governmental functions; the town/city makes all zoning decisions. Contact local town office for property-specific permit guidance.
Resources: Town of Tiverton, RI
Warren (in Bristol County) follows Rhode Island’s framework — RI HB 7352 permits tiny homes as ADUs (max 900 sq ft 1-bedroom / 1,200 sq ft 2-bedroom / 60% of principal dwelling). Park models = RVs (ANSI A119.5, 400 sq ft). NOTE: RI counties have NO governmental functions; the town/city makes all zoning decisions. Contact local town office for property-specific permit guidance.
Resources: Town of Warren, RI
Yes. Warwick (Kent County — RI’s third-largest city, home to T.F. Green International Airport) permits tiny homes as ADUs under RI HB 7352 framework. Contact Warwick Department of Planning.
Resources: Town of Warwick, RI
West Greenwich (in Kent County) follows Rhode Island’s framework — RI HB 7352 permits tiny homes as ADUs (max 900 sq ft 1-bedroom / 1,200 sq ft 2-bedroom / 60% of principal dwelling). Park models = RVs (ANSI A119.5, 400 sq ft). NOTE: RI counties have NO governmental functions; the town/city makes all zoning decisions. Contact local town office for property-specific permit guidance.
Resources: Town of West Greenwich, RI
West Warwick (in Kent County) follows Rhode Island’s framework — RI HB 7352 permits tiny homes as ADUs (max 900 sq ft 1-bedroom / 1,200 sq ft 2-bedroom / 60% of principal dwelling). Park models = RVs (ANSI A119.5, 400 sq ft). NOTE: RI counties have NO governmental functions; the town/city makes all zoning decisions. Contact local town office for property-specific permit guidance.
Resources: Town of West Warwick, RI
Yes. Westerly (Washington County — beach town on the Connecticut/RI border, Misquamicut State Beach, Watch Hill) permits tiny homes as ADUs under RI HB 7352 framework. Active beach tourism corridor for park model tiny home vacation rentals. Contact Westerly Department of Development Services.
Resources: Town of Westerly, RI
Woonsocket (in Providence County) follows Rhode Island’s framework — RI HB 7352 permits tiny homes as ADUs (max 900 sq ft 1-bedroom / 1,200 sq ft 2-bedroom / 60% of principal dwelling). Park models = RVs (ANSI A119.5, 400 sq ft). NOTE: RI counties have NO governmental functions; the town/city makes all zoning decisions. Contact local town office for property-specific permit guidance.
Resources: Town of Woonsocket, RI
