Does Pawtucket Have an Historic District?
There are 282 properties within the Pawtucket Local Historic District. While some of these properties are part of a cohesive district, Quality Hill, Dryden Avenue Extension, Park Place District, White Street District or Sayles Heights District, many are individual structures which have been recognized for their integrity of location, design, materials and workmanship to make it worthy of preservation or restoration. For more information on the local historic districts, please visit Historic District Commission webpage

How can I get my home listed in the Local Historic District?
The Pawtucket Historic District Commission hears nomination requests once each year, in August. To nominate your home to be part of the Local Historic District, fill out this Application Form and return it, along with color photographs of your home, to the Historic District Commission, 175 Main Street, Pawtucket RI, 02860.

The HDC reviews these requests once each year, in August. Requests are evaluated according to the criteria listed on the application. If your property is accepted into the Local Historic District, then any work that is done to the exterior requires a Certificate of Appropriateness from the HDC. The HDC reviews the applications for work according to the Standards and Guidelines for Historic Properties. Property tax abatements are available to owner-occupied homes within the Historic District. State and Federal tax credits may also be available for work on historic properties. Please contact the Rhode Island Historic Preservation and Heritage Commission for more information on these programs.

Is there financial assistance available for owners of historic homes?
Property tax abatements are available to owner-occupied homes within the Historic District. State and Federal tax credits may also be available for work on historic properties. Please contact the Rhode Island Historic Preservation and Heritage Commission for more information on these programs.

How can I get a plaque for my historic home?
The Preservation Society of Pawtucket has a plaque program to recognize historic homes in Pawtucket. This program is independent of the Pawtucket Local Historic District. Please call the Preservation Society at 401-725-9581 for more information.

Does Pawtucket have financial assistance for artists?
The Pawtucket Arts Panel makes grants to Rhode Island artists and to nonprofit arts groups whose work will benefit to the City of Pawtucket and its residents. These grants help ensure that artists are employed and that performances, exhibitions, workshops, and special events of high quality are available to Pawtucket residents. Projects are evaluated on their artistic merit, potential to establish cultural and community connections, and clarity and achievability. Additional consideration is given to projects that are new and innovative or accessible to Pawtucket residents at no cost.

Applications are generally available starting in September, and are due the first week of December. Please call Susan Mara for more information at 401-724-5200.

I need a building permit. Where do I go?
Building permit applications are available in the Zoning Department on the first floor of City Hall. The Zoning Department webpage includes all of the checklists for the various permits.

How do I find out if I have a buildable lot?
To find out if your lot is buildable, fill out a Property Classification Form and submit it, along with a $25 processing fee, to the Zoning Department on the first floor of City Hall.

I want to subdivide my land. Where do I go?
Subdivision applications and instructions can be found on the Planning Department webpage.