RI DEMDepartment of Environmental ManagementRhode Island's state agency for environmental rules, permits, and protection programs. permit resources

Rhode Island OWTSOnsite Wastewater Treatment SystemA septic system or another wastewater system that treats and disperses wastewater on the property. Permit Search — RIDEMRhode Island Department of Environmental ManagementThe state agency that oversees Rhode Island septic-system rules, permits, and records. Records & Rules

Open Rhode Island RIDEMRhode Island Department of Environmental ManagementThe state agency that oversees Rhode Island septic-system rules, permits, and records. OWTSOnsite Wastewater Treatment SystemA septic system or another wastewater system that treats and disperses wastewater on the property. permit searches, official septic rules, records guidance, and local provider paths for repair, replacement, and property decisions.

Open RI DEM OWTS resources → Compare RI septic providers →

Built for

HomeownersBuyersRealtorsLocal resource pages

Formats

Resource hubOfficial-link index

Why this resource helps

Useful for local pages that need a plain-English link to RI septic/OWTSOnsite Wastewater Treatment SystemA septic system or another wastewater system that treats and disperses wastewater on the property. resources.

Verified official sources

Start with RIDEMRhode Island Department of Environmental ManagementThe state agency that oversees Rhode Island septic-system rules, permits, and records., then check the town

Official links on this page were checked at their final URLs on July 26, 2026. RIDEMRhode Island Department of Environmental ManagementThe state agency that oversees Rhode Island septic-system rules, permits, and records. remains the state source for OWTSOnsite Wastewater Treatment SystemA septic system or another wastewater system that treats and disperses wastewater on the property. records, applications, and rules; town pages help route local building, zoning, wastewater, or clerk questions.

RIDEM OWTS program → State OWTS program page for applications, forms, staff contacts, and program guidance. RIDEM OWR online permit searches → Official RIDEM permit-search entry point for water resources records, including OWTS records. Rhode Island OWTS rules → Secretary of State rules for OWTS location, design, construction, and maintenance standards.
1

When permits may matter

  • ✓ New construction with onsite wastewater.
  • ✓ System replacement or major alteration.
  • ✓ Repairs after failure or inspection findings.
  • ✓ Bedroom count, use changes, additions, or accessory dwelling questions.
  • ✓ Properties near coastal ponds, wetlands, private wells, steep slopes, groundwater overlays, or other sensitive areas.
2

Official state sources to check

Use this page as a starting point, then rely on RIDEMRhode Island Department of Environmental ManagementThe state agency that oversees Rhode Island septic-system rules, permits, and records. and the municipality for property-specific records and requirements.

  • ✓ RIDEMRhode Island Department of Environmental ManagementThe state agency that oversees Rhode Island septic-system rules, permits, and records. OWTSOnsite Wastewater Treatment SystemA septic system or another wastewater system that treats and disperses wastewater on the property. program page for state applications, forms, program staff, and homeowner guidance.
  • ✓ RIDEMRhode Island Department of Environmental ManagementThe state agency that oversees Rhode Island septic-system rules, permits, and records. OWR online permit searches for official water-resource and OWTSOnsite Wastewater Treatment SystemA septic system or another wastewater system that treats and disperses wastewater on the property. record lookup.
  • ✓ Rhode Island Secretary of State OWTSOnsite Wastewater Treatment SystemA septic system or another wastewater system that treats and disperses wastewater on the property. rules for current minimum standards.
  • ✓ The municipal building, zoning, wastewater, or town-clerk office where a local onsite wastewater program exists.
  • ✓ Qualified designers, installers, inspectors, or engineers for property-specific conclusions.
3

How to use official sources

  • ✓ Start with the RIDEMRhode Island Department of Environmental ManagementThe state agency that oversees Rhode Island septic-system rules, permits, and records. permit search when you need prior permits, applications, or state record clues.
  • ✓ Check the town row below when the property sits in a municipality with a DEMDepartment of Environmental ManagementRhode Island's state agency for environmental rules, permits, and protection programs.-listed onsite wastewater management program.
  • ✓ Save official record links, permit numbers, as-built drawings, pumping records, and town correspondence with the property file.
  • ✓ Do not treat a town program summary as proof that a specific property is compliant or noncompliant.
  • ✓ Ask officials or qualified professionals before making repair, purchase, or construction decisions.

20 DEMDepartment of Environmental ManagementRhode Island's state agency for environmental rules, permits, and protection programs.-listed OWMPOnsite Wastewater Management PlanA municipal plan for maintaining, inspecting, and managing septic systems within a community. towns

Town permit-resource table

These are the Rhode Island municipalities that RIDEMRhode Island Department of Environmental ManagementThe state agency that oversees Rhode Island septic-system rules, permits, and records. listed with approved onsite wastewater management plans in its September 2022 municipal program summary. Each row points to the live official town resource verified for this guide.

Bristol

Building Inspection

Municipal building inspection page

DEMDepartment of Environmental ManagementRhode Island's state agency for environmental rules, permits, and protection programs.-listed approved OWMPOnsite Wastewater Management PlanA municipal plan for maintaining, inspecting, and managing septic systems within a community.; CSSLPCommunity Septic System Loan ProgramA Rhode Island financing program that can help eligible homeowners repair or replace failing septic systems. participant.

Use the town building page for local permit handoff, then confirm OWTSOnsite Wastewater Treatment SystemA septic system or another wastewater system that treats and disperses wastewater on the property. filings through RIDEMRhode Island Department of Environmental ManagementThe state agency that oversees Rhode Island septic-system rules, permits, and records..

Charlestown

Building/Zoning

Municipal building and zoning page

DEMDepartment of Environmental ManagementRhode Island's state agency for environmental rules, permits, and protection programs.-listed approved OWMPOnsite Wastewater Management PlanA municipal plan for maintaining, inspecting, and managing septic systems within a community. with inspection ordinance, web inventory, CSSLPCommunity Septic System Loan ProgramA Rhode Island financing program that can help eligible homeowners repair or replace failing septic systems. participation, and cesspool phaseout signal.

Check town building/zoning requirements early when work involves an onsite system.

Coventry

Town contacts

Municipal contact directory

DEMDepartment of Environmental ManagementRhode Island's state agency for environmental rules, permits, and protection programs.-listed approved OWMPOnsite Wastewater Management PlanA municipal plan for maintaining, inspecting, and managing septic systems within a community.; CSSLPCommunity Septic System Loan ProgramA Rhode Island financing program that can help eligible homeowners repair or replace failing septic systems. participant.

Use the official directory to reach the local building office before relying on state records alone.

Exeter

Building Department

Municipal building department page

DEMDepartment of Environmental ManagementRhode Island's state agency for environmental rules, permits, and protection programs.-listed approved OWMPOnsite Wastewater Management PlanA municipal plan for maintaining, inspecting, and managing septic systems within a community.; not listed as a CSSLPCommunity Septic System Loan ProgramA Rhode Island financing program that can help eligible homeowners repair or replace failing septic systems. participant in the DEMDepartment of Environmental ManagementRhode Island's state agency for environmental rules, permits, and protection programs. summary.

Start with the building department and RIDEMRhode Island Department of Environmental ManagementThe state agency that oversees Rhode Island septic-system rules, permits, and records. OWTSOnsite Wastewater Treatment SystemA septic system or another wastewater system that treats and disperses wastewater on the property. records for permit history or planned work.

Foster

Building and Zoning

Municipal building and zoning page

DEMDepartment of Environmental ManagementRhode Island's state agency for environmental rules, permits, and protection programs.-listed approved OWMPOnsite Wastewater Management PlanA municipal plan for maintaining, inspecting, and managing septic systems within a community.; not listed as a CSSLPCommunity Septic System Loan ProgramA Rhode Island financing program that can help eligible homeowners repair or replace failing septic systems. participant in the DEMDepartment of Environmental ManagementRhode Island's state agency for environmental rules, permits, and protection programs. summary.

Ask whether local inventory records or voluntary inspection history are available.

Glocester

Building and Zoning Department

Municipal building and zoning page

DEMDepartment of Environmental ManagementRhode Island's state agency for environmental rules, permits, and protection programs.-listed approved OWMPOnsite Wastewater Management PlanA municipal plan for maintaining, inspecting, and managing septic systems within a community.; CSSLPCommunity Septic System Loan ProgramA Rhode Island financing program that can help eligible homeowners repair or replace failing septic systems. participant.

Use the local building/zoning route for municipal questions and RIDEMRhode Island Department of Environmental ManagementThe state agency that oversees Rhode Island septic-system rules, permits, and records. for state OWTSOnsite Wastewater Treatment SystemA septic system or another wastewater system that treats and disperses wastewater on the property. records.

Hopkinton

Building and Zoning

Municipal building and zoning page

DEMDepartment of Environmental ManagementRhode Island's state agency for environmental rules, permits, and protection programs.-listed approved OWMPOnsite Wastewater Management PlanA municipal plan for maintaining, inspecting, and managing septic systems within a community.; CSSLPCommunity Septic System Loan ProgramA Rhode Island financing program that can help eligible homeowners repair or replace failing septic systems. participant.

Use the building/zoning page for local requirements and pair it with RIDEMRhode Island Department of Environmental ManagementThe state agency that oversees Rhode Island septic-system rules, permits, and records. permit lookup.

Jamestown

Building and Code Enforcement Office

Municipal building and code enforcement page

DEMDepartment of Environmental ManagementRhode Island's state agency for environmental rules, permits, and protection programs.-listed approved OWMPOnsite Wastewater Management PlanA municipal plan for maintaining, inspecting, and managing septic systems within a community. with inspection ordinance, High Groundwater Overlay Zone signal, web inventory, and CSSLPCommunity Septic System Loan ProgramA Rhode Island financing program that can help eligible homeowners repair or replace failing septic systems. participation.

Check town inspection and overlay-zone context before making property-specific assumptions.

Johnston

Directory

Municipal directory

DEMDepartment of Environmental ManagementRhode Island's state agency for environmental rules, permits, and protection programs.-listed approved OWMPOnsite Wastewater Management PlanA municipal plan for maintaining, inspecting, and managing septic systems within a community.; CSSLPCommunity Septic System Loan ProgramA Rhode Island financing program that can help eligible homeowners repair or replace failing septic systems. participant.

Use the official directory to find the current municipal office for building or public-service questions.

Narragansett

Building Inspection

Municipal building inspection page

DEMDepartment of Environmental ManagementRhode Island's state agency for environmental rules, permits, and protection programs.-listed approved OWMPOnsite Wastewater Management PlanA municipal plan for maintaining, inspecting, and managing septic systems within a community. with septic pumping record requirement signal and CSSLPCommunity Septic System Loan ProgramA Rhode Island financing program that can help eligible homeowners repair or replace failing septic systems. participation.

Ask about town pumping-record requirements and keep RIDEMRhode Island Department of Environmental ManagementThe state agency that oversees Rhode Island septic-system rules, permits, and records. records with property files.

New Shoreham

Town Clerk

Municipal town clerk page

DEMDepartment of Environmental ManagementRhode Island's state agency for environmental rules, permits, and protection programs.-listed approved OWMPOnsite Wastewater Management PlanA municipal plan for maintaining, inspecting, and managing septic systems within a community. with inspection and maintenance ordinance, CSSLPCommunity Septic System Loan ProgramA Rhode Island financing program that can help eligible homeowners repair or replace failing septic systems. participation, and town-wide cesspool phaseout signal.

Start with town records and RIDEMRhode Island Department of Environmental ManagementThe state agency that oversees Rhode Island septic-system rules, permits, and records. OWTSOnsite Wastewater Treatment SystemA septic system or another wastewater system that treats and disperses wastewater on the property. records for island property questions.

North Kingstown

Groundwater Protection and Wastewater Management

Municipal groundwater protection and wastewater management page

DEMDepartment of Environmental ManagementRhode Island's state agency for environmental rules, permits, and protection programs.-listed approved OWMPOnsite Wastewater Management PlanA municipal plan for maintaining, inspecting, and managing septic systems within a community. with inspection/maintenance ordinance and CSSLPCommunity Septic System Loan ProgramA Rhode Island financing program that can help eligible homeowners repair or replace failing septic systems. participation.

Use the wastewater-management page for local program context, then verify state permit records through RIDEMRhode Island Department of Environmental ManagementThe state agency that oversees Rhode Island septic-system rules, permits, and records..

Portsmouth

Wastewater Management

Municipal wastewater management page

DEMDepartment of Environmental ManagementRhode Island's state agency for environmental rules, permits, and protection programs.-listed approved OWMPOnsite Wastewater Management PlanA municipal plan for maintaining, inspecting, and managing septic systems within a community. with inspection ordinance, web inventory, CSSLPCommunity Septic System Loan ProgramA Rhode Island financing program that can help eligible homeowners repair or replace failing septic systems. participation, and priority/area phaseout signal.

Check local wastewater management requirements and neighborhood-specific context before repair or transfer decisions.

Richmond

Building

Municipal building page

DEMDepartment of Environmental ManagementRhode Island's state agency for environmental rules, permits, and protection programs.-listed approved OWMPOnsite Wastewater Management PlanA municipal plan for maintaining, inspecting, and managing septic systems within a community.; CSSLPCommunity Septic System Loan ProgramA Rhode Island financing program that can help eligible homeowners repair or replace failing septic systems. participant.

Use the building page for local permit routing and RIDEMRhode Island Department of Environmental ManagementThe state agency that oversees Rhode Island septic-system rules, permits, and records. for OWTSOnsite Wastewater Treatment SystemA septic system or another wastewater system that treats and disperses wastewater on the property. record confirmation.

Scituate

Building Official

Municipal building official page

DEMDepartment of Environmental ManagementRhode Island's state agency for environmental rules, permits, and protection programs.-listed approved OWMPOnsite Wastewater Management PlanA municipal plan for maintaining, inspecting, and managing septic systems within a community.; CSSLPCommunity Septic System Loan ProgramA Rhode Island financing program that can help eligible homeowners repair or replace failing septic systems. participant.

Ask whether inventory records or voluntary inspection history are available for the property.

Smithfield

Contact

Municipal contact page

DEMDepartment of Environmental ManagementRhode Island's state agency for environmental rules, permits, and protection programs.-listed approved OWMPOnsite Wastewater Management PlanA municipal plan for maintaining, inspecting, and managing septic systems within a community.; CSSLPCommunity Septic System Loan ProgramA Rhode Island financing program that can help eligible homeowners repair or replace failing septic systems. participant.

Use the official contact route for the current municipal office and verify OWTSOnsite Wastewater Treatment SystemA septic system or another wastewater system that treats and disperses wastewater on the property. records through RIDEMRhode Island Department of Environmental ManagementThe state agency that oversees Rhode Island septic-system rules, permits, and records..

South Kingstown

On-Site Wastewater Management

Municipal onsite wastewater management page

DEMDepartment of Environmental ManagementRhode Island's state agency for environmental rules, permits, and protection programs.-listed approved OWMPOnsite Wastewater Management PlanA municipal plan for maintaining, inspecting, and managing septic systems within a community. with inspection ordinance, web inventory, CSSLPCommunity Septic System Loan ProgramA Rhode Island financing program that can help eligible homeowners repair or replace failing septic systems. participation, and town-wide cesspool phaseout signal.

Use the town OWTSOnsite Wastewater Treatment SystemA septic system or another wastewater system that treats and disperses wastewater on the property. page for local program requirements and RIDEMRhode Island Department of Environmental ManagementThe state agency that oversees Rhode Island septic-system rules, permits, and records. for official permit records.

Tiverton

Building / Code / Zoning

Municipal building, code, and zoning page

DEMDepartment of Environmental ManagementRhode Island's state agency for environmental rules, permits, and protection programs.-listed approved OWMPOnsite Wastewater Management PlanA municipal plan for maintaining, inspecting, and managing septic systems within a community. with inspection/maintenance requirement signal and CSSLPCommunity Septic System Loan ProgramA Rhode Island financing program that can help eligible homeowners repair or replace failing septic systems. participation.

Check local building/code/zoning requirements and watershed or sewer-tie context where relevant.

Warren

Community Development

Municipal community development page

DEMDepartment of Environmental ManagementRhode Island's state agency for environmental rules, permits, and protection programs.-listed approved OWMPOnsite Wastewater Management PlanA municipal plan for maintaining, inspecting, and managing septic systems within a community.; CSSLPCommunity Septic System Loan ProgramA Rhode Island financing program that can help eligible homeowners repair or replace failing septic systems. participant.

For unsewered areas, use town community-development routing plus RIDEMRhode Island Department of Environmental ManagementThe state agency that oversees Rhode Island septic-system rules, permits, and records. permit records.

Westerly

Building Office

Municipal building office page

DEMDepartment of Environmental ManagementRhode Island's state agency for environmental rules, permits, and protection programs.-listed approved OWMPOnsite Wastewater Management PlanA municipal plan for maintaining, inspecting, and managing septic systems within a community.; CSSLPCommunity Septic System Loan ProgramA Rhode Island financing program that can help eligible homeowners repair or replace failing septic systems. participant.

Determine whether the property is in an unsewered area, then pair town guidance with RIDEMRhode Island Department of Environmental ManagementThe state agency that oversees Rhode Island septic-system rules, permits, and records. records.

Source basis: Summary of Rhode Island Municipal Onsite Wastewater Programs, Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management Office of Water Resources, September 2022.

Share this resource

For local resource pages: this is a homeowner-safe starting point for Rhode Island OWTSOnsite Wastewater Treatment SystemA septic system or another wastewater system that treats and disperses wastewater on the property. records, rules, and municipal permit paths.

Suggest an improvement →