For the purposes of this zoning code, the city is hereby divided into the following zoning districts:

(Ord. 2000-4 (part), 2000: Ord. 65-94 (part), 1994: prior code § 1260.05)

(Ord. 2021-23, § 1, 9-8-2021)

The boundaries of the zoning districts indicated in Section 17.12.010 are shown on the "Official Zoning Map, City of Newport, Rhode Island," effective July 1, 1977, consisting of forty-six (46) plats. Such map and any and all amendments thereto are hereby made a part of this zoning code and are on file in the office of the city clerk. Copies of such plats and all amendments are available with the zoning officer in the department of planning, zoning, development and inspections. Upon publication of this zoning code and map, and any amendments thereto, the city clerk shall send a copy, without charge, to the associate director of the Division of Planning of the Department of Administration of the State of Rhode Island, and the State Law Library.

(Ord. 2008-45 § 1, 2008; Ord. 2000-4 (part), 2000: Ord. 98-34, 1998; Ord. 65-94 (part), 1994: prior code § 1260.07)

Where uncertainty exists as to boundaries of districts as shown on the official zoning map, the following rules shall apply:

A.

Boundaries indicated as approximately following the centerlines of rights-of-way shall be construed to follow such lines;

B.

Boundaries indicated as approximately following recorded lot lines shall be construed as following such lines;

C.

Boundaries indicated as approximately following the city limits shall be construed to following such lines;

D.

Boundaries indicated as following railroad lines shall be construed to fall midway between the main tracks;

E.

Boundaries indicated as following shorelines shall be construed to follow such shorelines and, in the event of the natural change in the shoreline, be construed as moving with the natural actual movement of the shoreline; boundaries indicated as approximately following centerlines of streams, rivers, canals, lakes or other bodies of water shall be construed to follow such natural centerlines. In the case of tidal waters, the shoreline shall be construed as the mean high water mark;

F.

Boundaries indicated as parallel to, or extensions of, features indicated in subsections A and E hereof shall be so construed. Distances not specifically indicated on the official zoning map shall be determined by the scale of the map;

G.

Where physical or other features existing on the ground are, at variance with those shown on the official zoning map, the actual location shall govern;

H.

Where a district boundary line divides a lot which was in single ownership at the time of April 13, 1977, the zoning board of review may permit the extension of this zoning code for either portion of the lot not to exceed thirty (30) feet beyond the district line into the remaining portion of the lot;

I.

Such lines, limits, etc., mentioned herein above shall be those of record as of April 13, 1977 or thereafter amended.

Where the above rules fail to clarify the status of land in a particular case, the zoning officer shall interpret in such a manner as to carry out the intent and purpose of this zoning code. Appeal from the interpretation of the zoning officer in such cases shall be to the zoning board of review.

(Ord. 2000-4 (part), 2000: Ord. 65-94 (part), 1994: prior code § 1260.08)

The following Dimensional Standards Table displays the dimensional, setback, lot coverage, and building height requirements set forth for each district in Chapters 17.16 through 17.70.

City of Newport - Dimensional Standards Table

* Structures on lots abutting residential zoning district shall maintain a minimum setback of ten feet from abutting res. district
** ;hg;Buildings shall not exceed three stories above the abutting principal streets; Structures on lots abutting a residential zoning district shall not exceed twenty-four (24) feet in height for a distance of thirty (30) feet from the abutting residentially zoned lots with the exception of railroads; The maximum building height for structures located in flood hazard areas shall be thirty (30) feet.
*** ;hg;Accessory Structure Setbacks are described in Section 17.100.080

(Ord. No. 2023-34, § 1, 12-13-2023)