Category: Press Releases

The Department of Community Development and the Bristol Historic District Commission are pleased to announce the launch of a fully online process for filing applications to the Historic District Commission.

Using the existing software used for building permits, residents will be able to submit applications, pay fees, and receive permits entirely electronically – without the need for paper applications or checks.

The new online applications are available as part of the Town’s existing permit portal “Viewpoint Cloud” for all permits for work within the Historic District.

Applicants are able to upload all supporting documents to the permit portal and submit payments online which will make it more convenient to file applications.

While we encourage filing on-line through the permit portal, paper applications are still available, and we will still accept walk in or mailed application fees.

In addition to applying for work in the Historic District, applicants now have the option to receive and download their certificates of appropriateness (also known as “Green Sheets”), copies of letters of decision from the commission, and copies of their application from this on-line platform. These documents will also be continuously available on the portal for future reference.

“Our goal is to make sure that applicants are able to easily and efficiently apply for projects in the district – with the new online application process, residents, contractors, and other applicants will be able to submit Historic District applications more conveniently, at any time of day,” said Diane Williamson, Director of Community Development. “This is part of our ongoing goal of streamlining our permitting processes.”

The on-line applications can be found at by clicking the building department portal.

Applicants can direct their questions about this service to Nick Toth, HDC Clerk, at 401-253-7000 ext. 153, or email at [email protected].

The Eastern RI Conservation District is offering Rain Barrels for sale at the Bristol Parks & Recreation Quinta-Gamelin Center.

These ready-to-install rain barrels are designed to collect and store stormwater for use in gardens, flower beds and lawns.

WHEN:   May 13, 2023
TIME:     10 – 11:30 am
WHERE:  Bristol Parks & Recreation
              101 Asylum Road

COST:     $80 per barrel.
              Barrels must be purchased in advance on-line.
              Click here to purchase>
              Please save or print receipt to show as proof of payment
              at pick-up.

You will receive a prepared barrel and installation kit that will connect to your downspout.

Using a rain barrel to collect and store rainwater is a simple but powerful way to make a difference for our watershed and Narragansett Bay.

Please be advised that on Monday, May 22, 2023, the land evidence recording and research systems will be temporarily down for scheduled system upgrades. During this time, the office will not be able to process any land evidence recordings or research requests.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your patience as we work to improve our systems. We encourage you to plan ahead and submit any necessary recordings or research requests prior to May 22, 2023.

Our systems are expected to be fully operational on Tuesday, May 23, 2023.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

Local businesses can take advantage of two grant opportunities to improve their place of business and the experience they provide their staff and patrons.

Workplace Accessibility Grant

The Workplace Accessibility Grant Program promotes employment and economic opportunity for individuals with disabilities through investment in accessible workplaces.

It provides a 100% reimbursement for eligible costs up to $5,000 per calendar year.

All Rhode Island employers with fewer than twenty-five (25) employees and who meet the eligibility requirements outlined in the program guide may apply.

For complete program and application information please click here >

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Rhode Island Commerce announced its RI Rebounds program, the Ventilation Initiative, a grant program that reimburses small businesses up to $10,000 for expenses incurred to improve indoor air quality. Eligible projects include:

• Installing a higher-grade filter within an existing air handling unit
• Central HVAC installation, repair, or balancing
• HVAC UVGI system installation
• Adding a portable fan filter unit (PFFU)
• Adding an indoor air purifier
• Adding a window or windows to a small business
• Adding a ceiling fan, exhaust fan, or box fan to help distribute air
• Receipt of an indoor airflow and quality assessment

For complete details and application information, click here >

Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis.

If you have any questions regarding the Ventilation Initiative, please contact: [email protected]

RI Energy will begin a paving restoration project on Tuesday and Wednesday, March 28 and 29, to include the following scope and limits:

On Tuesday and Wednesday, Lynch Construction will mill and overlay the following streets:

• State Street – between Center and Reservoir
• Center Street – entire Street
• Wood Street – from Burton Street to Shaw’s Lane
• Burton Street – entire Street
• Bay View Avenue-from High Street to Wood Street

All of the above will be milled on Tuesday and Wednesday. The exact date for the paving is not yet certain due to weather and other factors. Any changes will be posted on the Town’s website.

The Town of Bristol will resume residential yard waste pick-up beginning Monday, March 27.

Please place your yard waste bags and/or barrels at curbside by 7:30 am on your regularly scheduled trash pickup day.

Acceptable Items

• Barrel size is limited to 35 gallons
• Brush must be tied in bundles of 4 foot lengths
• Containers must be clearly marked ‘compost’
• Only grass clippings, leaves and brush are to be placed in the paper bags
• Weight limit for bags and barrels is 50 pounds maximum

Yard Waste Containers

• Trash barrels being used for yard waste must be clearly market COMPOST
• Weight limit for bags and barrels is 50lbs MAX
• Barrel size is limited to 35 gallons
• The same weight and size limits apply to store bought reusable yard waste bags/containers
• If using yard waste bags, the limit is 20 bags per week
• If using barrels, the limit is 10 barrels per week

Unacceptable Containers

• Custom-made barrels, overweight barrels, and/or oversized barrels will NOT be emptied
• Barrels that are on wheels or that have been fabricated in any way (rope handles, etc.) will NOT be emptied

Unacceptable Items

• Any material left behind will be tagged and not picked up until the following week, if acceptable
• Containers with foreign matter (dirt, sod, rocks, plastic, trash, etc.)
• Overweight or over-sized containers
• Plastic bags

For more information, please call the Water Pollution Control Department at 401-253-8877.

The Bristol Town Council will review and make recommendations on the Fiscal Year 2024 Municipal Budget.

All meetings are scheduled to take place in Town Hall on:

• Monday, March 20, 6:30 pm
• Tuesday, March 21, 6:30 pm
• Wednesday, March 22, 6:30 pm

To view the FY2024 Recommended Budget, click here >

Bristol’s Parks & Recreation Department is now accepting applications for several seasonal positions at the Town Beach and Sports & Recreation Complex.

Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply for the following positions:

Weekend Manager

Camp Counselor

Gate Attendant

Maintenance Crew

To view all postings, please click here >