Expertise in the
Most Challenging Properties
Coastal and historic properties come with unique challenges: complex permitting, strict regulations, and the delicate balance of preserving character while meeting modern needs. At Hill & Harbor Design + Build, we have built our expertise around these exact complexities, handling every regulatory hurdle so you can focus on the excitement of creating your dream home.
Understanding Rhode Island CRMC, DEM & Zoning Regulations.
Building or renovating a coastal home in Rhode Island requires navigating CRMC, DEM and local zoning approvals, a process that can add months or years if not planned correctly. We manage design and the regulatory process from the outset.
The design-build advantage
Waterfront homes require aligned planning from the start.
Coastal construction demands more than standard planning. Material selection, structural design and permitting strategy must all be coordinated from the beginning. As a unified design-build firm, Hill & Harbor forecasts coastal-grade costs early and incorporates permitting requirements into design decisions.
CRMC permitting
- Preliminary Determination requests
- Abbreviated Assent and Category A applications
- Coastal setback and buffer analysis
- Public hearing preparation and representation
DEM & environmental
- Freshwater wetlands and stormwater compliance
- DEM Wetlands Permit coordination
- OWTS and septic design for waterfront lots
- Simultaneous multi-agency permitting
Coastal construction
- Floodplain and FEMA elevation compliance
- Marine-grade material specifications
- Engineered structural systems for wind loads
- Foundation design for coastal soil conditions
Proven coastal expertise
Regulatory fluency that keeps complex projects moving.
Project ONE ZERO EIGHT, Narragansett
A third-level addition and full renovation within a highly regulated coastal area. Our team managed local zoning requirements alongside necessary coastal approvals to deliver a seamless result.
Project THIRTY FOUR, Tiverton
A full coastal modern new build overlooking the Sakonnet River, requiring careful coordination of site conditions, materials and approvals, delivered on schedule.
Early regulatory analysis
We conduct thorough site and setback analysis before design begins so you know exactly what can be built before investing in design, avoiding costly redesigns and delays.
Coastal timelines built in from day one.
CRMC permitting can range from weeks to eighteen months depending on site sensitivity. We build realistic regulatory timelines into every project schedule.
Questions
Common questions
The Coastal Resources Management Council regulates waterfront construction in Rhode Island. Setbacks, elevations and buffer rules shape what can be built. Hill & Harbor manages Preliminary Determinations, assent applications, and public hearing preparation from the start of design.
Yes. The studio coordinates DEM wetlands and stormwater compliance, OWTS and septic design for waterfront lots, and floodplain and FEMA elevation design as part of the same coastal construction plan.
Site and setback analysis happens before design begins, so you know what can be built before investing in drawings. Permitting requirements are written into design decisions instead of discovered after the fact.
The coastal permitting process felt overwhelming until Hill & Harbor took ownership of it. They coordinated CRMC, local zoning and construction as one team, and our home came together exactly as envisioned.
Narragansett Client
Coastal renovation