City of Newport, Rhode Island
Recent meetings
Newport City Council Regular Meeting - July 8, 2026
The council will hold a public hearing on a Community Development Block Grant application for Mumford Manor (39 Farewell Street). Other action items include ordinance revisions for parking on South Baptist Street and one-way designation on Bridge Street, acceptance of a $321,600 FHWA grant for safety, and a contract for water treatment plant SCADA modernization. The council will also receive a notice of projected school budget deficit and consider appointments to boards and commissions.
- Public hearing and action on CDBG application for Mumford Manor, 39 Farewell Street
- Notice of projected school budget deficit from Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain
- Authorization to accept $321,600 FHWA FY-24 SS4A grant award
- Ordinance revisions: parking prohibited on South Baptist Street and one-way on Bridge Street
- Electricity supply fixed rate contract and Station 1 water treatment plant SCADA modernization contract
Newport City Council Regular Meeting - June 24, 2026
The Newport City Council will vote on a resolution to adjust the non-owner occupied residential tax rate and consider multiple action items including large FEMA flood resiliency grants, contracts for software and services, and sidewalk improvements. The agenda also includes special event licenses, a sound variance public hearing, and appointments to city boards.
- Resolution to adjust non-owner occupied residential tax rate (Item #23)
- Authorization to seek $20M FEMA BRIC grant for South Easton's Pond Dam flood resiliency (Item #19)
- Authorization to seek $1.425M FEMA BRIC grant for Elizabeth Brook daylighting (Item #18)
- Bid award for Sidewalk Improvement Program 2026 (Item #16)
- Ordinance revision prohibiting parking on Russell Avenue (Item #11)
Zoning Board of Review - Regular June 2026 Meeting
The Newport Zoning Board of Review will hold a regular meeting on June 22, 2026, to consider several petitions for dimensional variances, extension requests, and a continued special use permit. The board will hear full hearing petitions for properties at 18 Barney Street, 153 Ruggles Avenue, and 32 Bayside Avenue, all seeking variances to increase lot coverage beyond allowed limits. Additionally, the board will vote on extension requests for 57 Marchant and 551 Thames Street, and a withdrawal for 2 Wheatland Court.
- Extension requests for 57 Marchant (6 months) and 551 Thames Street (12 months)
- Withdrawal of petition for 2 Wheatland Court by staff
- Full hearing: The Collection at Barney, LLC seeks variances for AC condenser and deck reconstruction at 18 Barney St, increasing lot coverage from 59% to 61% (45% allowed)
- Full hearing: Equity Investment Group seeks variances for rear addition and roof deck at 32 Bayside Ave, increasing lot coverage from 29.8% to 36.9% (28.48% allowed)
- Continued: 640 Thames Street, LLC requests special use permit and variance to convert dwelling to 5-bedroom guest house without parking; continued to July 27, 2026
Historic District Commission Regular Meeting
The Commission will consider five new applications, two action items (including reconsideration of a previously approved garage and pool denial), and three continued applications. Key proposals include converting a garage to an accessory dwelling unit at 77 Kay St, installing a pool and solar panels at 320 Harrison Ave, and a city-led project at 365 Thames St to modify the vestibule and signage.
- Application #HDC-26-69 to convert existing garage to two-story accessory dwelling unit at 77 Kay St (Contributing)
- Application #HDC-26-73 to add pergola, solar panels, and install swimming pool at 320 Harrison Ave (Non-Contributing)
- Application #HDC-26-70 to replace exterior drainage and copper awning roof at Newport Community Church, 0 Touro St (Contributing)
- Action item #HDC-26-25 reconsidering a previously approved garage and denial of pool at 1 Cottage St (Contributing)
- Continued application #HDC-26-53 by City of Newport for vestibule, ramp, and signage alterations at 365 Thames St (Contributing)
Newport City Council Regular Meeting - June 10, 2026
The Newport City Council will hold a regular meeting on June 10, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in Council Chambers. The agenda includes a resolution to prohibit or limit additional hotel development, a proposal to establish a Housing Commission, and a presentation on solar development opportunities at school facilities. The consent calendar covers minutes, special event licenses, and a request to replant daffodil bulbs at Pell Bridge off-ramps.
- Resolution to prohibit or limit additional hotel development in Newport (Item 20)
- Resolution to establish a Housing Commission (Item 23)
- Presentation of proposal for solar development opportunities at Newport School facilities (Item 10)
- Award of contract for purchase of a police utility vehicle to replace totaled cruiser (Item 11)
- Resolution requesting a tree preservation landscaping ordinance (Item 21)
Planning Board Regular Meeting
The Planning Board will consider a Development Plan Review for the adaptive reuse of the former Coggeshall School into 26 residential units and construction of three duplexes on adjacent lots. The applicant is requesting a Category 1 Special Use Permit, a parking variance, and a dimensional variance. Public comments including opposition have been submitted.
- Development Plan Review for Coggeshall School Adaptive Reuse & Duplexes (App. PLN-26-2)
- Adaptive reuse of former school into 26 multi-family units at 0 Van Zandt Ave
- Construction of three duplex buildings (2 units each) on merged lots at 0 Evarts St
- Requests: Category 1 Special Use Permit, parking variance, dimensional variance for dormers
- Public comment opposition submitted
Newport City Council Regular Meeting - May 27, 2026
The Newport City Council will consider the FY2027 operating budget, including a budget change sheet, appropriating ordinance, personnel ordinance, and tax levy resolution. The council will also receive a notice of a projected school budget deficit and a strategic fiscal recovery plan from the school superintendent. Other items include special event licenses, a new entertainment license for Chomp Kitchen & Drinks, and a contract for renovations to the Florence Gray Center.
- FY2027 Operating Budget with budget change sheet, appropriating ordinance, personnel ordinance, and tax levy resolution
- Notice of projected Newport Public Schools budget deficit and Strategic Fiscal Recovery Plan
- New entertainment license for Chomp Kitchen & Drinks at 111 Broadway (second hearing)
- Award of contract for renovations to the Florence Gray Center via Sourcewell cooperative purchasing
- Second reading of ordinance amending Section 10.24.010 to update parking prohibitions
Newport City Council Special Meeting - May 19, 2026
The Newport City Council will hold a special meeting to discuss and potentially act on the FY2027 Budget, which was previously tabled. The agenda includes a request to remove the budget from the table, followed by consideration of a budget change sheet, capital improvement schedule, civic support services, and first readings of an appropriating ordinance and a personnel ordinance.
- Request to remove from the table the FY2027 Budget
- FY2027 Budget discussion with Budget Change Sheet
- Proposed Capital Improvement Program Schedule
- Ordinance Appropriating Revenues (First Reading)
- Personnel Ordinance (First Reading)
Zoning Board of Review - Regular May Meeting
The Zoning Board of Review will hold public hearings on multiple variance and special use permit applications. A key item is a petition to expand a restaurant at 594-596 Thames Street into a two-story addition with a dwelling unit, requiring variances for lot coverage (60.3% vs 50% allowed) and parking. Other hearings include a remanded carriage house at 275 Harrison Avenue, a fast-food conversion at 7 Memorial Boulevard, and several smaller dimensional variances. The board will also consider continued items and approve minutes.
- 594-596 Thames St: variances for restaurant addition, dwelling unit, lot coverage to 60.3%, parking waiver
- 275 Harrison Ave: special use permit and variance for detached carriage house (remanded from court)
- 7 Memorial Blvd: special use permit to convert restaurant to fast-food with private dinner events
- 5 Tyler St: retroactive variance for undersized parking space (7.5' wide vs 9' required)
- 22 Newport Ave: dimensional variance for four tandem parking spaces on multi-family property
Newport City Council Regular Meeting - May 13, 2026
The Newport City Council will meet to consider a consent calendar approving multiple special events, license renewals, and communications, including a request to light City Hall teal for Alzheimer's awareness. The council will also hear an update on the Comprehensive Plan from Interface Studio, act on several contracts and grants, and hold a show cause hearing for a business license violation. Additionally, the council will vote on appointments, an ordinance amendment for parking restrictions on William Street, and resolutions supporting an aquaculture farm and youth basketball.
- Update from Interface Studio on the Comprehensive Plan Update
- Authorization to accept $500,000 from RIDEM Outdoor Recreation Grant
- Authorization to accept $100,000 from RI Department of Health & Human Services
- Ordinance amendment to prohibit parking on the north side of William Street west of Thomas Street
- Show cause hearing for Kaffeology, Inc. at 359 Thames Street for violating conditions of its victualing license
Historic District Commission Regular Meeting
The Historic District Commission will hear a reconsideration request for a garage and pool denial, and review 10 new applications and 1 continued application. The most notable item is the City of Newport's proposal to replace a glass wall and vestibule, install an ADA ramp, and update signage at 365 Thames St.
- Reconsideration of previously approved garage and denial of pool at 1 Cottage St (Fleury Properties LLC)
- City of Newport: remove existing glass wall/vestibule, install new glass wall, ADA ramp, and new signage at 365 Thames St
- Newport Historical Society: install signage throughout contributing site at 17 Broadway
- Demolition of 16'x14' sunroom and window alterations at 33 Kay St (Cindy Widga)
- Install 10'x20' swimming pool at 7 Cottage St (Ralph & Laura Witt)
Planning Board Regular Meeting
The Newport Planning Board will hear a presentation from Interface Studio on the Comprehensive Plan 2027 Update. They will also consider rescheduling the July 2026 meeting to July 20th. The board will receive informational reports on development actions, including final plan approval for a 38-unit multifamily project at 525 Broadway.
- Presentation on Comprehensive Plan 2027 Update by Interface Studio
- Proposed rescheduling of July 2026 Planning Board meeting from July 13 to July 20
- Final plan approval recorded for 38-unit multifamily development at 525 Broadway (App. No. 2025-DPR-04)
- Liaison reports from Tree and Open Space, Waterfront, Energy and Environment, and Bicycle and Pedestrian commissions
Newport City Council Regular Meeting - April 22, 2026
The council will vote on a collective bargaining agreement with the Newport Municipal Employees Association and consider multiple action items including license agreements for the Newport International Boat Show and Newport Gulls, parking and contract awards, and playground improvements. They will also receive notice of a projected school budget deficit and hold second readings of ordinances on registration fees and parking restrictions.
- Collective Bargaining Agreement between City and Newport Municipal Employees Association (NEARI) for July 2025–June 2026 (Action Item #6586/26)
- Notice of projected School Budget deficit from Superintendent (Receive)
- Newport International Boat Show License Agreement (Action Item #6587/26)
- Miantonomi Park Playground Improvements (Action Item #6596/26)
- Second reading of ordinance to prohibit parking on William Street north side, 156 feet west of Thomas Street
Zoning Board of Review - Regular April 2026 Meeting
The Newport Zoning Board of Review will hold a regular meeting on April 20, 2026, to hear petitions for dimensional variances and special use permits. Notable items include a yoga studio at 283-287 Broadway, a guest house conversion at 5 Lees Wharf, and a greenhouse roof exceeding height limits at 1 Cherry Street. Several petitions are continued to the May 18, 2026 meeting, and one appeal at 12 Goodwin Street is requested to be withdrawn.
- Special use permit and parking/lot size variances for Mend Yoga at 283-287 Broadway (LB Zone)
- Dimensional variances for 41 Washington, LLC at 1 Cherry Street for 44.2' greenhouse roof (30' allowed) and increased lot coverage in Historic Overlay
- Dimensional variance for Stay Newport, LLC at 5 Lees Wharf to convert guest house to 5 bedrooms without additional parking
- Dimensional variances for Aina & Jeffrey F. Pallis at 14-16 Bull Street to expand non-conforming garage and increase lot coverage
- Withdrawal request for Jason Perkins' appeal of building permit at 12 Goodwin Street
Newport City Council Workshop- Budget Overview- Utilities - Water & Water Pollution Control
Newport City Council Workshop Joint with the School Committee- School Budget Overview
Newport City Council Workshop with the Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Commission- Live Stream Unavailable
Zoning Board of Review - Special April Meeting
The Zoning Board of Review will hold a special meeting to decide on several dimensional variance applications, including a request from Newport Bay Club & Hotel to add two guest bedrooms. Other petitions involve new decks, a pool, and demolition/replacement of a two-family dwelling. Several items are continued to a later date.
- Newport Bay Club & Hotel seeks special use permit and variances to add 2 guest bedrooms (from 48 to 50) at 337 Thames Street
- 20-22 Anthony Street: request to demolish two-family dwelling and build single-family home with multiple variances for height, lot coverage, and deck
- 21 Clay Street: variance for a 672 sq. ft. pool, increasing lot coverage beyond allowed limit
- 6 Casey Court: dimensional variance for a third-floor deck that doesn't meet setback requirements
- Continued items include 640 Thames Street guest house conversion and Mend Yoga parking variance
Planning Board Regular Meeting
The Planning Board will consider rescheduling the May 4 meeting to May 11 due to a city holiday, and receive a progress update on the Comprehensive Plan 2027 Update from the working group. They will also be informed of previously approved demolition and subdivision applications at 10 Smith Avenue, 0&6 Lucas Avenue, and 0&21 Tilley Avenue, and hear liaison reports from various commissions. No public hearings are scheduled.
- Rescheduling May 4 meeting to May 11, 2026 due to Rhode Island Independence Day holiday
- Comprehensive Plan 2027 Update progress presentation by Interface to the working group
- Demolition application approved for 10 Smith Avenue (NKC Investments LLC) for new single-family home
- Minor subdivision final plan approved for merging lots at 0&6 Lucas Avenue (Spitzer) for new home
- Administrative subdivision approved for merging lots at 0&21 Tilley Avenue (Barrett) for accessory shed
Newport City Council Regular Meeting - April 8, 2026
The Newport City Council will receive the proposed FY 2027 Operating Budget and order it advertised for a public hearing on May 6, 2026. The council will also consider multiple contract awards for infrastructure projects, including Ann Street Pier expansion, Ocean Avenue Seawall repairs, and the 2026 Road Improvement Program. Several special event permits, liquor license renewals, and a request to waive a food truck distance restriction are on the consent calendar.
- Proposed FY 2027 Operating Budget received and public hearing set for May 6
- Award of contract for Ann Street Pier expansion (RFP #2026-MAR-004)
- Award of contract for Ocean Avenue Seawall repairs (RFP 2026-PS-009)
- Award of contract for 2026 Road Improvement Program (Bid #2026-PS-008)
- Request to waive food truck distance restriction for Food Truck Friday Newport
Newport City Council Workhop Budget Overview- Public Safety- Police, Fire, Maritime
Newport City Council Regular Meeting - March 25, 2026
The Newport City Council will consider a consent calendar of special event permits and routine licenses, then vote on second-reading ordinances amending the residential parking program (definitions, permits, and revocation with fines up to $1,000), towing restrictions on Narragansett Avenue, parking limits at Aquidneck Park, and stop-sign designations. Other agenda items include an Emmanuel Church parking lot agreement, a cell-tower lease amendment, appointments to boards, and several resolutions on speed-camera revenue, Fort Adams funding, and sidewalk improvements on Malbone Road. The meeting will adjourn to convene as the Board of License Commissioners.
- Second reading of ordinances to revise residential parking permit eligibility, fees, and enforcement (fine up to $1,000 for false information)
- Action on Emmanuel Church parking lot agreement (no dollar amount stated)
- Resolution to allocate speed camera revenue to a school restricted fund (continued from March 4)
- Approval of 18 special event permits for summer 2026, including SailGP Fan Zone, Oyster & Chowder Festival, and rugby tournaments
- Board of License Commissioners to consider dockside liquor service for Conanicut Marine vessels during 2026 season
Zoning Board of Review - March 2026 Meeting
The Zoning Board of Review will decide on a request to alter a nonconforming development at 594-596 Thames Street, including increasing lot coverage from 46% to 60.3% (50% allowed) and providing only 2 parking spaces instead of 12 required. The board will also hear appeals of zoning officer determinations for guest house bedroom limits at 4 Goodwin Street, and consider numerous other variance requests for additions, sheds, decks, and parking. Several items are continued to a special meeting on April 13, 2026.
- 594-596 Thames St: dimensional variances to alter nonconforming development, increase lot coverage to 60.3%, provide only 2 of 12 parking spaces
- 4 Goodwin St, Units 1 and 2: appeals of zoning officer's incomplete application determinations for guest house bedroom limits
- 528 Thames St (Café Zelda): special use permit to expand guest house from 2 to 4 bedrooms without required parking
- 130 Touro St: request to withdraw petition for use variance to convert dwelling units to guest houses
- 26 East Bowery St: dimensional variance to allow home occupation guest rental without required parking
Newport City Council Regular Meeting - March 11, 2026
The Newport City Council will consider several ordinance amendments including parking restrictions near the library and recreation lot, towing on Narragansett Avenue, and a stop sign at Bedlow and Hillside Avenues. They will act on a general obligation bond and funding for primary clarifiers. The council will also approve new and renewed food vendor licenses, a tattoo license, and a request to light City Hall for Long Covid Awareness Day. As the Board of License Commissioners, they will consider Sunday selling licenses for five liquor stores.
- General Obligation Bond authorization (no amount specified)
- Funding for primary clarifiers (sewer infrastructure)
- Ordinance revisions: parking limits, towing zone, stop sign
- New mobile food truck license for Newport Sushi Co., 8 Garfield St.
- New owner for Root restaurant at 6 Broadway
Historic District Commission Regular Meeting
The Newport Historic District Commission's regular meeting includes eight new applications and four continued items for properties in the historic district. The commission will consider requests to replace windows, repair stoops, reconstruct additions, and enclose decks. One continued application has been withdrawn, and another continued to April.
- New application HDC-26-10: replace 15 windows at 5 Sunshine Ct
- New application HDC-26-24: reconstruct rear additions at 38 Pelham St
- New application HDC-26-25: remove chimney, construct garage and in-ground pool at 1 Cottage
- New application HDC-26-26: enclose three-story deck at 719 Bellevue Ave
- Continued application HDC-25-236 withdrawn; HDC-25-233 continued to April 14
Newport City Council Regular Meeting - March 4, 2026 - Rescheduled from February 25, 2026 - MEETING TO BE HELD AT ROGERS HIGH SCHOOL, 15 WICKHAM RD., STUDENT COMMONS
The Newport City Council will hold a public hearing on proposed zoning ordinance amendments covering parking regulations, definitions, and special use permits. The council will also consider consent calendar items including special event permits, licenses, and financial reports, plus action items on strategic plan assistance, holiday selling ordinance, civic support grants, architecture services for Perrotti Park Harbormaster Building, Capital Improvement Program adoption, and residential parking program amendments. Several resolutions are on the agenda, including speed camera revenue allocation, an Easton's Beach economic impact study partnership with Salve Regina University, and opposition to proposed cruise ship passenger fee increases.
- Public hearing and first reading of zoning amendments: parking changes (Ch. 17.04, 17.104), definitional change (Ch. 17.08), special use permit proposal (Ch. 17.14, 17.56, 17.60)
- Action Item #6563/26: Adoption of FY-27 Civic Support/Civic Services Grant Award Recommendations
- Action Item #6565/26: Adoption in concept of Capital Improvement Program FY2027-2031
- Resolution opposing Governor McKee's proposal to increase cruise ship passenger fees
- Action Item #6566/26: Ordinance amendment to Residential Parking Program (Title 10, Ch. 10.32)
Newport City Council Regular Meeting - February 11, 2026
The Newport City Council will hold a public hearing on the five-year Capital Improvement Program. The council will also consider action items including contracts for Cliff Walk restroom expansion, Touro Fire Station roof replacement, Gateway Parking Garage concrete repair, and a regional hazard mitigation plan. Other business includes a second reading of a parking prohibition ordinance, appointments to boards, and several resolutions.
- Public hearing on FY 2027-2031 Capital Improvement Program
- Action Item #6551/26: Cliff Walk Restroom Expansion Engineering Services
- Action Item #6556/26: Roof and Soffit Replacement at Touro Fire Station
- Action Item #6558/26: Award of contract for Gateway Parking Garage Concrete Repair
- Ordinance amending Section 10.24.010 on parking prohibited at all times (Second Reading)
Historic District Commission Regular Meeting
The Historic District Commission will consider extending a Certificate of Appropriateness for a two-story addition at 61-63 Kay St and conduct an architectural review for 105 Broadway. Six new applications for exterior alterations at historic and non-contributing properties are up for discussion, along with commission elections. Three previously continued applications have been postponed to the March 10 meeting.
- Extend COA for two-story addition at 61-63 Kay St (Action A-1)
- Architectural review for 105 Broadway (Action A-2)
- Full exterior restoration including new roof at 32 Clarke St by Newport Restoration Foundation (N-2)
- Extensive alterations at 11 Guerney Ct including window replacements, new chimney, and HVAC (N-5)
- HDC Commission elections (New Business)
Newport City Council Workshop- Funded Resiliency & Sustainability Program
Newport City Council Joint Workshop with the Beach Commission- Easton's Beach Update
Planning Board Regular Meeting
The Newport Planning Board will hold a public hearing on proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance that would change guest houses from a by-right use to a Special Use Permit in General and Waterfront Business districts. The board's opinion is advisory to the City Council. The agenda also includes approval of minutes, communications on state training requirements and the Green & Complete Streets annual report, and informational reports on recent administrative decisions.
- Public hearing on proposed zoning amendments to restrict guest houses to Special Use Permit in General & Waterfront Business districts
- Administrative subdivision application (PLN-25-6) adjusting lot line at 0 & 525 Broadway for multifamily development
- Demolition of 173-175 Coggeshall Avenue (historic carriage house) for new single-family homes
- Demolition of 236 Eustis Avenue and 171 & 173 Ruggles Avenue for new single-family residences
- Development plan review (PLN-25-5) for 11 vacation guest facility units with retail at 105 Broadway
Newport City Council Regular Meeting - January 14, 2026
The council will consider the second reading of an ordinance amending property tax classification, which directly affects how much residents pay. They will also vote on awarding a contract for the 2026 statistical revaluation update, which could change property assessments. Several grant awards, including $150,000 from the van Beuren Charitable Fund and $100,000 from the state opioid fund, are up for approval.
- Second reading of ordinance amending property tax classification (Section 4.08.120)
- Award of contract for 2026 statistical revaluation update
- Accept $150K grant from van Beuren Charitable Fund
- Accept $100K grant from RI Opioid Municipal Incentives Fund
- Hearings on liquor license transfers for Boru Noodle Bar and The Quencher Newport
Historic District Commission Regular Meeting
The Newport Historic District Commission will hold a regular meeting on January 13, 2026, to consider eight continued and twelve new applications for changes to historic properties. Items include window replacements, additions, new construction, and roof replacements on contributing and non-contributing structures.
- C-4: New home construction at 11 Brenton Rd (former Underwood School site, non-contributing)
- C-6: Raise and convert carriage house to dwelling unit, build guest cottage at 6 Greenough Pl
- N-4: Move house at 30 Poplar St off east property line and construct addition
- N-7: Construct new two-family structure and three-car garage at 73 Catherine St (contributing)
- N-12: Replace 3-tab asphalt roof with true slate roof at 4 Brenton Rd (contributing)