Department of Planning, Zoning, Development and Inspection

The mission of the Department of Planning, Zoning, Development, and Inspections is to plan for orderly growth and development, ensure compliance with construction, zoning and nuisance codes and to protect public health, safety and welfare within the community. The Department serves as a one-stop shop for land development review and regulations for building, housing, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, zoning (certificates, variances, special uses and historic), subdivisions, site plans and development plan proposals within the City of Newport.

In addition, the Department is responsible for community development housing small business loans, Community Development Block Grants and large scale redevelopment projects such as the North End and Chafee Boulevard. The Department coordinates with five review boards including the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Review, Historic District Commission, Building Code Appeals Board and the Critical Area Review Board as a part of the overall development approval process.

Please use the navigation bar on the left side of this page in order to link to the relevant division. The office web site is full of time-saving information, forms, and applications. Please see "Projects" for a description of some past and current efforts. The Department of Planning, Zoning, Development, and Inspection is committed to serving the citizens of the City of Newport.

COMMUNITY PROFILE - 10/17/2003

"IN THE NEWS"

City Acquires Land from RIDOT for Redevelopment

The City of Newport acquired a 5.4 acre parcel located in the North End from Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT). The land is situated on J.T. Connell Highway. The City will redevelop the property through the issuance of a Request for Proposals (RFP).

Commercial uses are desired that will complement ongoing planning efforts, contribute to the local tax base, and provide quality employment opportunities. Any questions regarding this transaction or potential future uses should be directed to Paige R. Bronk, AICP, Director of Planning, Zoning, Development and Inspection (pbronk@cityofnewport.com).

City Receives APA Award for North End Development Project

The City has received an award from the Rhode Island Chapter of the American Planning Association in the category of Outstanding Plan Implementation, for the redevelopment of the former Connell Manor Navy housing. This area, now known as John H. Chafee Boulevard, is home to the Newport campus of the Community College of Rhode Island, a Head Start Child Care facility, and will soon be the location of a new corporate headquarters complex for BankNewport.

The award nomination and accompanying presentation can be viewed by following these links.