The Department of Community Development manages all functions of town government related to Planning, Zoning, Code Compliance, Building Inspection, Redevelopment and all other functions related to land use, housing, air pollution, and the protection of the natural environment within the town.
Building
Learn more about the permitting and inspection process in Bristol for residential and commercial projects.
Historic
Bristol’s Historic District is a zoning area that preserves and safeguards areas of local historical & architectural value.
Planning
Learn more about the Town of Bristol’s Planning Board, including their Comprehensive Plan and other projects .
Zoning
Learn more about the Town of Bristol’s Zoning Board, including zoning ordinances and updates.
Flood Zone Information
As a public service, the Town of Bristol provides constituents with applicable Special Flood Hazard Information, FEMA elevation, and Flood Insurance information.
Soil Erosion and Stormwater Management
Learn more about Bristol’s soil erosion and stormwater management efforts including the permitting process for developments.
Hazard Mitigation Updates
This is a Work in Progress
Community Plans
The Department of Community Development is pleased to provide constituents with an online repository of community plans, feasibility studies, and reports.

The Town of Bristol, in partnership with the Mount Hope Trust in Bristol, have worked and will continue to work to provide public access to this historic farm property and the shoreline of Mount Hope Bay while preserving its natural and historic beauty.
Conservation Commission
The mission of the Conservation Commission is to promote and develop the natural resources and protect and preserve natural areas within the Town of Bristol.
Code Compliance
Learn more about the Town of Bristol’s efforts to enforce the Town Code to protect the public’s health, mitigate safety concerns, and guarantee welfare for all residents.
Bristol Bike Connector Study
Learn more about Bristol’s efforts to design a bike route from the southern terminus of the East Bay Bike Path to the Mt. Hope Bridge.
Bristol Home Repair Program
The Town of Bristol’s Home Repair Program helps individuals, who may not have the necessary means, make improvements to their local residences.
Shoreline Access Points
Developed by CRMC, NOAA, Sea Grant RI, and the Coastal Resource Center of the University of Rhode Island, this guide represents a selection of sites that are both legally available and suitable for use by the public. This guide is intended to help the public find existing access sites to the coast.
Contact Us
Physical Address: 235 High Street, 1st Floor, Bristol, RI 02809
Mailing Address: 10 Court Street, Bristol, RI 02809
Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday | 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Diane m. Williamson, aicp, cfm
Director of Community Development
Phone: (401) 253-7000 ext. 126