Historic preservation in Rhode Island local government
What Rhode Island city councils, county boards and school districts are deciding about historic preservation — plain-English summaries written from official agendas and minutes, updated as meetings happen.
152 Rhode Island meetings since 2024 covered historic preservation. Counts are directional — coverage varies by place and platform.
Places in Rhode Island with the most historic preservation activity
- New Shoreham, RI (30)
- City of Newport, RI (29)
- East Greenwich, RI (25)
- Coventry, RI (21)
- South Kingstown, RI (15)
- Jamestown, RI (9)
- Richmond, RI (5)
- Portsmouth, RI (4)
- Smithfield, RI (2)
- Middletown, RI (2)
- West Warwick, RI (2)
- Newport, RI (2)
Latest matching meetings
Historic District Commission to weigh demolition of Benjamin Rose House
The Historic District Commission will conduct a site visit at 465 Old Town Road to consider an application by John Spier to demolish the Benjamin Rose House and build a new single-family dwelling. The meeting is a public hearing on this specific proposal.
HDC to review RFP for town-wide historic survey tied to Revolution Wind
The Historic District Commission will review and discuss the RFP for a town-wide historic resources survey required under Section 106 for the Revolution Wind Project, with comments due at this meeting. They will also consider a draft Stone Wall Ordinance and potential recommendation to the Planning Board, and discuss…
Zoning Board hears 5 variance requests, including Fleury Properties' second dwelling unit
The Newport Zoning Board of Review will hold public hearings on five petitions for dimensional variances, including a request to build a second dwelling unit on a substandard lot, a garage and pool project, and several smaller additions. The board will also consider a 12-month extension request for 12 Elliot Place, a…
Historic District Commission to review demolition of Benjamin Rose House
The New Shoreham Historic District Commission will hold a public meeting to review four applications, including a proposal to demolish the Benjamin Rose House on Old Town Road and build a new single-family dwelling. Other items include enclosing generator controls at a sewer pump station, replacing a porch, and adding…
Smithfield Planning Board to weigh historic district zoning changes and Levi Lane project
The Smithfield Planning Board is meeting to approve prior minutes, continue a public hearing on a major land development at 20 Levi Lane, and consider a recommendation to the Town Council on proposed changes to historic district and preservation commission chapters. The board will also hear public comment and a…
Historic District Commission to review 6 property projects, vote on demolition ordinance
The East Greenwich Historic District Commission will hold public hearings on six property applications, including final approvals for a stone patio, siding, a partial demolition with new addition, and signage, plus conceptual reviews for dormers and an exterior rehabilitation with an ADU conversion. After the…
Historic District Commission site visit for 235 Kenyon Ave modifications
The East Greenwich Historic District Commission will conduct a site visit at 235 Kenyon Avenue to review a conceptual application for exterior modifications, including partial demolition and new construction. The property is owned by Thomas and Lisa Purcell. No decisions will be made at this site visit; it is part of…
Historic District Commission to review 5 property alteration applications
The Newport Historic District Commission will hold a regular meeting to review continued and new applications for changes to historic properties, including garage conversions, additions, and exterior alterations. The agenda also includes approval of minutes, communications, and an invitation from the Utilities…
Historic District Commission to review 4 new applications for property alterations
The Historic District Commission will hold a regular meeting on August 11, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in Council Chambers. The agenda includes approval of minutes from July 14, 2026, and action on one continued application and four new applications for exterior alterations to contributing properties. The commission will also…
Historic Preservation Commission to vote on recognizing American Legacy Homes for preservation work
The Coventry Historic Preservation Commission will meet to review updates on long-term goals, including bridge preservation and display case programs, and vote on a resolution recognizing American Legacy Homes, LLC for their contributions to historic preservation. The meeting will also introduce a new staff liaison…
Zoning Board to decide on 12 residential variance requests including driveways and garage conversions
The Newport Zoning Board of Review will hear 12 residential zoning variance requests at its July 27, 2026 meeting, including requests to legalize non-compliant driveways, convert garages to bedrooms, and expand homes beyond allowed lot coverage. The board will also consider extension and withdrawal requests for…
Commission reviews new home and fence applications
The Historic District Commission will consider two final applications regarding exterior construction. The body will review a request for a new single-family home and a request for a dumpster screening fence.
Newport Zoning Board to review residential variances and driveway appeals
The Zoning Board of Review will consider several petitions for dimensional variances regarding home additions, parking spaces, and lot coverage. The board will also hear an appeal concerning driveway construction and vehicle reversing requirements on Barney Street.
HDC to consider HVAC conduit amendment for 81 Old North Road
The Historic District Commission will review a request to change the routing of HVAC conduits at 81 Old North Road. The body will also continue discussions on stone wall regulations and the Oliver Watson Homestead Housing Project.
Commission will consider multiple historic property alteration applications
The Newport Historic District Commission will review several applications for alterations to historic properties. Items include new garages, pool structures, porch modifications, and conversions to accessory dwelling units. The board will also continue discussion of previously submitted projects. Decisions will be…
Historic District Commission to review property alterations and new construction
The Historic District Commission will review several applications for property modifications in Newport. The board is deciding on requests for structural changes, additions, and material replacements for both contributing and non-contributing historic properties.
Planning Board will hear a major land development project for 345 Valley Road.
The Board will approve the June 10 minutes and consider a withdrawal request for SB Farm, LLC’s pending project at 913 Mitchell’s Lane. It will hold public hearings on several subdivision applications, including a major land development adding about 6,796 square feet at 345 Valley Road. The Board will also consider…
Commission to review demolition permits and discuss neglect ordinance
The Historic District Commission will hear final and conceptual proposals for exterior work, including demolition and construction at several properties, and will discuss a potential demolition by neglect ordinance.
Commission reviews historic displays and town house monument resolution
The Historic Preservation Commission is meeting to discuss updates to the town's driving tour map and bridge preservation goals. The body will also review specific historical display cases and a draft resolution for the First Coventry Town House Monument.
Historic District Commission reviews applications for Old North Road
The Historic District Commission will consider a request to amend a Certificate of Appropriateness and a new application for properties on Old North Road. The body will also continue discussions on stone wall regulations and the Matunuck Beach Historic Resource Survey.
Survey plan for Bayview Drive lot with zoning variances
The Jamestown Historic Preservation Commission is reviewing a survey and existing-conditions plan for a property at North Bay View Drive, owned by David Burns and Diane M. Lischio. The plan shows a 11,091 sq ft lot in the RR-80 zone that does not meet current minimum area, lot width, setbacks, or lot coverage…
Commission reviews four new sign applications and potential district expansion
The Historic District Commission will review applications for four new signs at various business and association locations. The body will also discuss the historical and architectural values of properties in Area 1 Map regarding a potential expansion of the Historic District.
Board to hear variance for 18 Barney St with lot coverage up to 61%
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…
Fort Getty Ad Hoc Committee submits final report with 16 recommendations to Town Council
The Fort Getty Ad Hoc Committee presents its final report to the Jamestown Town Council, covering findings from a 17-meeting review and surveys of 1,069 residents and 57 non-residents. The report includes 16 recommendations on park identity, infrastructure, camping policies, and governance. The Council is expected to…
Trust to discuss 2026 budget, Tug Hollow property, and hunting policy
The trust will discuss approval of minutes and invoices, receive standing reports, and consider new business including the fiscal year budget, Tug Hollow property site walk, and hunting policy updates. An executive session is scheduled for potential land acquisition.
Fort Getty Ad Hoc Committee report appendices detail park study and survey results
This document contains appendices for the Fort Getty Ad Hoc Committee's report to the Jamestown Town Council, including the committee's charge, membership, meeting dates, survey instruments, and community survey results. The committee was tasked with reviewing the park's physical conditions, staffing, revenues, and…
Newport Historic District Commission to decide on 10 property alteration requests
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…
Commission to discuss new Demolition by Neglect Ordinance
The Historic District Commission will review several residential and commercial renovation applications. The body will also discuss the creation of a Demolition by Neglect Ordinance and a new information brochure.
Fort Getty committee reports on park study and survey results
The Jamestown Town Council's Fort Getty Ad Hoc Committee is presenting its final report and appendices, including the committee charge, membership, meeting dates, and community survey instruments and results. The committee was tasked with reviewing the park's physical conditions, staffing, revenues, and potential…
Council to vote on $81.7M tax levy for FY 2026-2027
The Town Council will hold a work session to discuss a Form-Based Code on Old Tower Hill Road, then convene a regular session to consider appointments, consent agenda items (including police communication equipment purchase for $9,404.30), a public hearing on a liquor license transfer for Rachel's Café, and multiple…
Historic Preservation Commission reviews RI 250 events, driving tour, and plaque updates.
The Historic Preservation Commission will review updates on the draft driving tour, the first Coventry Town House plaque, and long-term preservation goals. Staff will also discuss preparations for Rhode Island’s 250th anniversary events, including a student art contest and public display case programming. The meeting…
Fort Getty committee recommends major park upgrades, camping changes
The Fort Getty Ad Hoc Committee is presenting its final report to the Jamestown Town Council, recommending a series of improvements and policy changes for the 41-acre waterfront park. The report is based on 17 meetings and surveys of 1,069 residents and 57 non-residents. Key recommendations include renovating…
Town Council will vote to ratify police and fire collective bargaining agreements
The council will consider and act on several items, including appointments to the Historic Preservation Commission and multiple public hearings on ordinance amendments, sewer rates, and flood hazard areas. It will also review and renew various local licenses for bingo, peddlers, mobile food trucks, and a sidewalk…
Historic District Commission to review roof and HVAC applications
The Historic District Commission will consider applications for exterior alterations at two properties. The body will also discuss stone wall protections and the Matunuck Beach Historic Resource Survey.
Decision on Casa Ladera LLC’s single‑family home application on Old Town Road
The Historic District Commission will consider an application from John Spier of Casa Ladera, LLC to build a single‑family dwelling on Plat 6, Lot 2‑3 of Old Town Road. The commission will also discuss the historical and architectural values of properties in Area 1 and the potential expansion of the historic district…
Thames Street restaurant expansion with dwelling unit up for variance vote
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…
School Committee to vote on virtual instruction plan and 2026-2027 calendar
The Little Compton School Committee will consider and vote on the 2026-2027 Virtual Instruction Plan and the updated school calendar for the same year. Other action items include approving a historic plaque for the original building. The meeting also features a spring update from Wilbur McMahon School, a…
Historic commission reviews property changes and discusses a demolition by neglect ordinance
The East Greenwich Historic District Commission will hold public hearings on three preservation applications, including conceptual plans for the St. Luke’s Church tower and garage reconstruction at 212 Marlborough Street. Members will also vote to approve a local historic tax credit for a property at 311 Marlborough…
Newport HDC to review city's 365 Thames St vestibule and signage project
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.
Town Council will discuss the Financial Town Referendum mailer and funding sources
The Barrington Town Council will meet on May 8, 2026 at 8:30 a.m. to consider two items. First, council members will discuss and act on information for the Financial Town Referendum (FTR) mailer and its funding sources. Second, they will consider a resolution honoring Barrington’s enslaved patriots and fallen soldiers…