R.I. Gen. Laws ch. 45-24.3 § 45-24.3-4

(a) Every portion of a building or its premises used or intended to be used for the purpose
of dwelling, living, eating, sleeping, or cooking, or occupancy, comply with the provisions
of this chapter and with the rules and regulations adopted pursuant to this chapter
irrespective of when the building was constructed, altered, or repaired, and irrespective
of any permits or licenses issued for the use or occupancy of the dwelling and dwelling
premises or structure, for the construction or repair of the dwelling or structure,
or for the installation or repair of dwelling equipment prior to January 1, 1971.
This chapter establishes minimum standards for the initial and continued occupancy
of all dwellings and structures, and does not replace or modify standards otherwise
established by the state or a corporate unit for the construction, repair, or use
of a building or the installation of building equipment except as they may be in conflict
with the provisions of this chapter as provided by § 45-24.3-19.


(b) Matters governed by and conforming to the provisions of the State Building Code (§ 23-27.3-100.0 et seq.) shall prevail for all structures, dwellings, and dwelling units constructed,
altered or repaired since July 1, 1977, providing the structure, dwelling or dwelling
units conform in their entirety to the prevailing edition of the building codes in
effect at the time of construction or occupancy, as evidenced by the date of issuance
of a building permit issuance or date of issuance of a certificate of occupancy.