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1. Do I need a permit for my project?

Application or notice to the code official is not required for ordinary repairs to structures. Such repairs shall NOT include: installation of siding, the cutting away of any wall, partition or portion thereof, the removal or cutting away of any structural beam or bearing support, or the removal or change of any required means of egress or rearrangement of parts of a structure affecting the exit requirements, alteration of, replacement or relocation of any standard pipe, water supply, sewer, drainage, drain leader, gas, soil, waste, vent or similar piping, electrical wiring, mechanical or other work which affects public health, safety or welfare. Permits are not required for one-story detached accessory structures provided the floor area does not exceed 64 square feet however, zoning approval is required.

2. Where is my septic system and well?

If the house was built in the last 10-15 years, we may have it on file. However, the Office of Water Resources at the State Department of Environmental Management will have it on file.

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1. What are Town Hall hours?

Richmond Town Hall is open Monday - Friday, 9am-4pm, except legal holidays. Some Town Departments close for lunch from Noon - 1pm.

2. When are Town Council meetings held?

Town Council meetings are held on the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 7pm except for the months of July and August when there is only one regular meeting.

3. How do I get a sticker for the dump?

Richmond residents may obtain a free sticker from the Town Hall by coming in with the registration of the vehicle that will be used at the transfer station. The vehicle must be registered in Richmond in order to obtain a sticker. A temporary pass may be issued for a new resident who has not yet registered their vehicle in Richmond. Hopkinton residents may obtain a sticker for the Richmond transfer station for a fee of $25 per year. They must present a Hopkinton registration for the vehicle they wish to use. No temporary permits are issued.

4. When is my tax payment due?

Tax payments are due on September 7th. Tax bills over $100.00 can be paid quarterly on or before September 7th, December 7th, March 7th and June 7th.

5. What forms of payment do you accept?

With the exception of tax payments, we accept cash or check only.

For tax payments: Payments may be made in cash, by check, or by credit card. Please be advised that there is a 3% technology fee for all credit card payments.

6. Is there a notary public at Town Hall and is there a fee?

Yes, there are multiple notaries at Town Hall. There is no fee.

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1. Can I subdivide my property?

Whether or not you can subdivide a parcel depends on several factors.

The Zoning Ordinance has information about the zoning district of the property, along with its minimum lot size and other dimensional requirements such as frontage and setback distances. The Land Development and Subdivision Regulations contain additional requirements to subdivide and develop land. The requirements of both of these documents must be met for a parcel to be subdivided.

The Planning Board approves subdivisions that create new lots. Subdivisions are categorized as either major or minor, and each of these has different stages of review. Before beginning any subdivision, it is advised that you make an informal appointment with the Town Planner to discuss the project and process.

2. How can I deed a portion of my land to a neighbor, or change a lot line?

A change to an existing lot line or the removal of a lot line, as in a lot merger, that does not create a new developable lot is an Administrative Subdivision. These are generally approved by the Administrative Officer, but may be reviewed by the Planning Board.

3. What is the process for commercial development?

There are two review processes for commercial development. Chapter 18.54 of the zoning ordinances describes the Development Plan Review requirements. The Land Development and Subdivision Regulations describe the process for Major and Minor land development projects. Before beginning any development, it is advised that you make an appointment with the Town Planner and Zoning Enforcement Officer to speak informally about your plans and what kind of review is appropriate.

The Planning Board reviews both development plans and land development projects.

4. How do I find out about Affordable Housing?

Please contact the Planning Department for the latest information.

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1. Can I get an employment background check done?

As long as it pertains to one of the types of backgrounds on our webpage.

2. How should I notify police about speeders on my road?

Contact the police department to request speed enforcement in that area during particular days of the week and times of day that are most concerning. Also, if agreeable, a citizen can volunteer to have their driveway used by the police department as a stationary radar post to enforce speeding violations. The department may also deploy their digital Variable Message Board to alert motorists to remind and reinforce the posted speed limit, and caution them about their speed.

3. When can I come in to get fingerprinted for work?

Between 9am-1pm on Monday-Friday, and residents of the Town can come in on Saturdays between 9:30am-10:30am and 1:30pm-2:30pm. It can also be done by appointment if a citizen is not available during the offered hours.

4. When can I get a VIN check done?

Tuesdays and Thursdays between 9am-11am and Saturdays between 9:30am-10:30am and 1:30pm-2:30pm. It can also be done by appointment if a citizen is not available during the offered hours. The VIN check fee is $10.00.

5. Our vehicle is kept at our house and it is not registered, so we can't bring it to the station. Can we get an officer to check our VIN at our residence?

Yes, they can arrange a visit by our department due to particular circumstances.

6. Is there an Animal Control Officer on duty?

Monday - Friday, 7am-3pm, and part-time on weekends.

7. I am having a problem with a person visiting my property when I have told them not to do so. What can I do?

The police department can serve the individual with a No-Trespass Order. The form must first be completed by the requesting property owner or proprietor. After the individual has been served, the person can be arrested if evidence supports that the individual knowingly and subsequently visits the property described in the order.

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1. What companies are licensed to pick up trash and recycling in Richmond?

E-Z Waste Systems, Inc. - 401-348-9155

RPKK, Inc./RPE - 401-364-7510

T&J Sanitation - 401-377-1013

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1. What is the current tax rate?

Tax Year – 2023

Real Property (residential and commercial) and Personal Property:  Tax Rate - $14.76

Allocation School – 80%

Municipal – 20%

2. When will I receive my tax bill?

Tax bills are mailed in July each year.

3. How do I get a copy of my tax bill?

Copies of tax bills are available in the assessor's office at Town Hall.

4. How do I apply for a property tax exemption?

Application forms and eligibility requirements are available in the assessor's office or on the town's website.

5. What is a Statistical Update or Full Revaluation?

see link

6. How do I find an assessment or the owner of a property?

Assessment and ownership information is available in the assessor's office or at www.vgsi.com. This link is also available on the town's website.

7. How can I appeal my real estate or personal property value?

Real estate and personal property values must be appealed to the tax assessor within ninety (90) days of the first quarterly payment due date. The first quarterly due date is September 7th. Appeals are for the current tax year only and are not retroactive.  

An appeal form can be found at this link

8. When is the next revaluation?

The Town is required by Rhode Island General Law 44-5-11.6 to conduct a full physical revaluation every nine (9) years and a statistical revaluation every three (3) years in between full revaluations. The last full physical revaluation was completed on December 31, 2019 for tax years 2020, 2021 and 2022. The next full revaluation is scheduled for year ending December 31, 2028 for tax years 2029, 2030 and 2031.

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1. When are my taxes due?

Quarterly taxes are due at 4pm on the following dates: September 7th, December 7th, March 7th and June 7th. If a payment due date falls on a weekend, taxes are due on the first business day following the 7th. NOTE: If your total tax bill for the year is less than $100, you are required to pay the entire balance on or before the first quarterly due date of September 7th.

2. Is there a grace period for tax payments?

No. The only exception is if the payment due date falls on a weekend. If so, your payment is due on the first business day following the 7th.

3. How can I make a payment?

Electronic Debit (ACH): You can have your quarterly real estate and/or motor vehicle installments debited directly from your checking or savings account. This service is free of charge on all accounts that are paid current. To enroll in this program, please complete an ACH authorization form and return it to the Collector's office.

Mail: Please make the check payable to the Town of Richmond and send to:
Town of Richmond
Richmond Tax Collector
5 Richmond Townhouse Rd.
Wyoming, RI 02898

Payments postmarked on or before the 7th are considered timely. If the postmark is illegible, the payment is posted according to the date it was received at Town Hall.

If you would like a receipt, please include your e-mail address with your payment, or you may include a self-addressed stamped envelope.

Drop Box: There are two drop boxes at Town Hall. One is located outside of Town Hall on the double doors at the main entrance, and the other is located in the Collector's office.

In-Person at the Tax Collector's Office: Payments may be made in cash, by check, or by credit card. Please be advised that there is a 3% technology fee for all credit card payments.

Online by credit card: You can pay your bill online at www.riegov.com. In order to make an online payment, you will need your tax bill (which contains your account number and PIN) and a credit card. Please be advised that there is a 3% technology fee for all credit card payments.

4. If my payment is late, how do I find out how much interest I owe?

Interest is charged at a rate of 1% per month on any outstanding principal balance. If you have your tax bill, you can access up-to-date account information, including transaction history and interest due, by visiting www.riegov.com. You will need your account number and the PIN on your tax bill to use this site. Otherwise, you should contact the Collector’s Office during regular business hours to obtain your balance. Please note that any payments made on delinquent tax accounts are applied to outstanding interest first, then to the principal balance.

5. I have a tax block on my registration. How do I get it released?

The RI DMV requests delinquent motor vehicle account information from every municipality only once per year. If the DMV has a block on your registration due to unpaid motor vehicle taxes, please contact the Collector’s Office to verify the status of your account. All motor vehicle tax accounts must be paid current in order to receive a tax clearance from the Collector. No exceptions will be made. Once your taxes are paid current, we will e-mail a tax clearance to the DMV so that you may renew your registration online. If you wish to renew your registration by mail or at one of the AAA locations, you will need to come into the Collector’s Office to obtain a tax clearance stamp.

6. Can I pay my fire taxes at the Tax Collector's office at Town Hall?

No. Fire taxes are not billed or collected by the Town. There are two fire districts that service Richmond. They are:

Richmond-Carolina Fire District
208 Richmond Townhouse Rd.
Carolina, RI 02812
Tax Collector: Jennifer Burke
Contact: 401-213-6494 or taxes@rcfd.necoxmail.com

Hope Valley - Wyoming Fire District
996 Main St.
Hope Valley, RI 02832
Tax Collector: Susan Bok
Contact: 401-539-3030

7. How often does the Town of Richmond hold a tax sale?

The Town holds at least one tax sale annually, typically during the 3rd week of August. Any real estate, residential or commercial, that is more than 4 quarters in arrears is subject to tax sale. You may contact the Collector’s office to obtain the list of properties scheduled for tax sale no sooner than three weeks prior to the date of the sale.

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1. What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept cash or check only.

2. Do you provide public faxing service?

No, we do not.

3. What is the cost for copies?

Recorded documents are $1.50 per page. Documents that are not recorded are 15 cents per page. Oversized copies are $1.00 per page. Full size maps and surveys are $5.00 each. If you wish to have a copy certified, there is an additional fee of $3.00 per instrument.

4. What is the deadline to submit items for the Town Council agenda?

Requests must be submitted to the Town Clerk’s office by 4pm of the Wednesday prior to the meeting.

5. How do I obtain a locator card to enroll my child in the school district?

Locator Cards

The Town of Richmond has developed and adopted a new policy for the issuance of locator cards. To obtain a locator card, one of the child’s/student’s parents, guardians or a person acting in loco parentis or acting on behalf of homeless children/students must respond to the Town Clerk’s Office and provide the following documents: 

1. A valid photo identification, such as a current RI motor vehicle operator’s license with current street address, state identification card, or passport; 
2. A certified copy of the child’s/student’s birth certificate; 
3. Proof of residency, such as a piece of mail with a current address, tax bill, utility bill, executed property deed, or some other proof of residency; 
4. If not a homeowner, a rental lease agreement granting possession of a dwelling and verification of occupancy by the landlord; 
5. In addition, an Affidavit of Residency/Homelessness, provided by the Town Clerk’s Office must be completed and attested to. 

*An English translation must be provided for any documents, not in English. 

There may be a delay of a few days before a locator card can be issued while eligibility for enrollment is being determined. 

6. Is there a noise ordinance?

Yes, please refer to the Town Code of Ordinances on the Town's website found here: http://clerkshq.com/default.ashx?clientsite=richmond-ri

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1. How do I appeal a decision of the Zoning Board of Review to Superior Court?

See Title 18 - Zoning Section 18.52.090 of the Town of Richmond Zoning Ordinance.

2. What are my required setbacks for the construction of principal and accessory structures?

See Title 18 - Zoning Section 18.20 of the Town of Richmond Zoning Ordinance.