Rhode Island Code of Regulations Title 885 - East Providence Waterfront District
1. What Title 885 Is
Title 885 is a set of special zoning and land-use regulations created by the State of Rhode Island specifically for the East Providence Waterfront District.
Its purpose is to:
Guide how land along the East Providence waterfront can be used
Balance economic development with public access, environmental protection, and water-dependent uses
Create a coordinated planning framework between state and local authorities
This title operates in addition to, not instead of:
Local East Providence zoning ordinances
State coastal and environmental laws
State development and permitting rules
2. Geographic Area Covered
Title 885 applies only to land within the East Providence Waterfront District, which generally includes:
Shoreline and near-shore parcels
Former or active industrial waterfront land
Port, marina, and marine-related areas
Adjacent upland areas directly connected to waterfront use
If a property is outside the mapped district, Title 885 does not apply.
3. Overall Goals of the Regulation
The regulation is designed to achieve several core goals:
A. Protect Waterfront Function
Preserve land for water-dependent and water-enhanced uses
Prevent permanent loss of shoreline access due to incompatible development
B. Encourage Responsible Development
Allow redevelopment of underused or abandoned waterfront sites
Promote mixed-use development where appropriate
Require design that fits the waterfront character
C. Ensure Public Benefit
Improve public access to the shoreline
Support walkways, parks, viewing areas, and recreational uses
Balance private development with public rights
D. Environmental Protection
Protect coastal waters and habitats
Reduce pollution and stormwater impacts
Require mitigation where development affects natural resources
4. Types of Uses Regulated
Title 885 divides uses into categories and regulates them differently.
A. Water-Dependent Uses (Highest Priority)
These require direct access to the water and are strongly encouraged:
Ports and marine terminals
Commercial fishing facilities
Ship repair and boatyards
Marinas and docks
Ferry or water-transport services
These uses are given preference over non-water-dependent development.
B. Water-Enhanced Uses (Allowed with Conditions)
These benefit from being near water but do not strictly require it:
Restaurants with waterfront access
Maritime museums
Waterfront hotels
Recreational facilities
Office or commercial space tied to marine activity
These uses are typically allowed only if they do not displace water-dependent uses.
C. Non-Water-Dependent Uses (Most Restricted)
Examples:
Residential housing
General retail not tied to waterfront
Warehousing unrelated to marine activity
These uses are:
Often limited
Sometimes prohibited
Usually allowed only after review and proof they won’t interfere with waterfront goals
5. Development and Design Standards
Title 885 establishes special standards beyond normal zoning rules.
A. Site Design
Developments must:
Orient buildings toward the water
Preserve shoreline views
Avoid blocking public access corridors
Integrate pedestrian pathways
B. Height and Density
Building height may be limited to protect views
Density may be controlled to avoid overdevelopment
Larger projects often require additional review
6. Public Access Requirements
One of the most important features of Title 885 is public shoreline access.
Developers may be required to:
Provide public walkways or boardwalks
Allow visual access to the water
Create public gathering or viewing areas
Connect to existing public waterfront paths
Access must be:
Safe
Clearly marked
Maintained over time
7. Environmental and Coastal Protections
Projects must comply with:
Coastal buffer requirements
Flood and storm-surge considerations
Stormwater management standards
Habitat protection measures
Development in flood-prone areas must:
Minimize risk to people and property
Avoid increasing flood impacts on neighboring land
8. Review and Approval Process
Projects under Title 885 often require:
State-level review
Local planning or zoning approval
Coordination with environmental and coastal agencies
Large or complex projects may require:
Master plans
Impact studies
Public hearings
Approval is not automatic, even if zoning allows the use.
9. Relationship to Other Laws
Title 885 works alongside:
Local East Providence zoning
Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management rules
State environmental protection laws
If there is a conflict, the more restrictive rule usually applies.
10. Why Title 885 Matters
This regulation exists because:
Waterfront land is limited and valuable
Once water access is lost, it is rarely recovered
The waterfront plays a key role in:
Economic development
Environmental health
Public enjoyment
Title 885 ensures that development:
Serves long-term public interests
Respects the unique nature of waterfront land
Avoids short-term gains that permanently harm the coast
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