OVERVIEW: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Tiverton, RI?

Short-term rentals exist in a legal gray area in Tiverton, RI. While they are technically illegal under current zoning regulations (constituting a "technical violation"), this prohibition has never been enforced. The town has been actively working on developing comprehensive regulations for several years, but no formal ordinance has been adopted yet.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Tiverton

Current Status (as of 2024): You can technically operate an STR, but you are operating in violation of current zoning. The town has committed to working with existing operators rather than shutting them down.

Future Process (Once Regulations Are Adopted):

1. Registration Required: All STRs will need to register with the town
2. Special Use Permit: Owners will need to acquire a special use permit through the Zoning Board
3. Compliance Standards: Properties must meet safety requirements including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and ADA accessibility
4. Fee Structure: Registration will have a nominal fee, but special permit fees are expected to be more substantial

Important Notes:

• The town has stated they do not want to shut down existing, well-operated STRs
• Officials are working to balance regulation with supporting small businesses
• The ordinance development process is ongoing, with no timeline for adoption

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Current Requirements (Technical):

• None officially enforced
• Properties must maintain residential zoning compliance (currently not happening)

Anticipated Future Requirements:

• STR Registration Application: Required for all operators
• Special Use Permit: Required through Zoning Board of Review
• Safety Compliance Documentation:
  • Smoke detector installation and certification
  • Carbon monoxide detector installation
  • ADA accessibility compliance
• Property Insurance: Likely required
• Business License: May be required depending on final ordinance

Application Process:

• Application submission to Zoning Board
• Certified mail notification to all abutters within 200 feet (minimum)
• Public hearing process
• Zoning Board review and approval

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Current Zoning Status:

• Technically Illegal: STRs violate current zoning ordinances
• Not Enforced: No active enforcement of STR violations
• Zoning Classification: Currently not a permitted use in residential areas

Proposed Regulatory Framework (Under Development):

Owner Occupancy Requirement:

• Planning board has proposed limiting STRs to owner-occupied properties only
• Town council rejected this requirement as too restrictive
• Final regulations may or may not include this provision

Geographic Restrictions:

• Council members suggest restrictions in certain areas of town
• Specific zone limitations still being discussed
• Waterfront properties have been of particular concern due to event hosting

Operational Limitations (Proposed):

• Event Hosting: Potential prohibition on hosting events
• Guest Limits: Based on number of bedrooms (specific numbers not finalized)
• Occupancy Standards: To be defined in final ordinance

Business Requirements:

• Registration with town
• Compliance with safety standards
• Contact information readily available for emergency services

Fee Structure

Current Special Use Permit Fees:

• Minimum Fee: $300 for special use permit
• Additional Costs: Certified mail to abutters within 200 feet (costs vary by property location)
• Public Notice Fees: Additional advertising costs to be determined

Anticipated STR-Specific Fees:

• Registration Fee: Expected to be nominal (exact amount TBD)
• Permit Fees: More substantial than registration, but town working to keep reasonable
• Inspection Fees: May be required for safety compliance

Contact Information for Local Authority

Primary Contacts:

Tiverton Town Administrator: Chris Cotta

• Phone: Contact through Town Hall
• Email: Contact through Town Hall
• Address: Tiverton Town Hall, 343 Highland Road, Tiverton, RI 02878
• Role: Leading ordinance development process

Tiverton Town Council:

• Phone: Contact through Town Hall
• Address: 343 Highland Road, Tiverton, RI 02878
• Role: Final approval of adopted ordinances

Tiverton Planning Board:

• Phone: Contact through Town Hall
• Role: Currently developing proposed regulations

Tiverton Zoning Board of Review:

• Phone: Contact through Town Hall
• Role: Will handle special use permit applications once regulations are adopted

Town Hall Main Contact:

• Phone: Contact information available through town website
• Address: 343 Highland Road, Tiverton, RI 02878
• Website: www.tivertonri.com

Source Links

• Tiverton council balks at short-term rental plan - East Bay RI (September 10, 2024)

• Short-term rental regulations Tiverton, RI still being considered - Newport Daily News (October 1, 2021)

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: This guide is based on information from 2021-2024. STR regulations in Tiverton are still being actively developed and may change significantly. Always verify current regulations with the town before making investment decisions. The town has indicated they will work with existing operators during the transition to any new regulations, but the specific requirements and timeline remain uncertain.