For developers throughout New England looking to expand, we want to be a partner in your success. With our customer-friendly approach we will provide you with customized service of the highest quality. The City of Pawtucket is committed to promoting smart, responsible growth within our city that respects our rich history of economic innovation and cultural diversity.

Pawtucket, the birthplace of America’s Industrial Revolution, is home to a vibrant business and arts community. We take an active role in assisting businesses to find space, navigate regulations and secure financing. We have established partnerships with Commerce RI, the Small Business Administration, the Pawtucket Foundation, Polaris MEP and others to connect our businesses with critical resources. These leaders, from hundreds of diversified industries, possess a wealth of knowledge and a keen willingness to help other private sector ventures succeed. 

For business owners and developers, we recognize that time is money.  So, we have worked very hard to streamline the city’s regulatory and permitting process.  

Over three years ago, we merged the Zoning, Code Enforcement and Planning and Redevelopment Departments to foster collaboration and make your experience easier. Our processes are easy to navigate through Pawtucket’s Guide to Permitting.  

In 2016, we spearheaded the statewide effort to implement e-permitting. Developers seeking building and fire code permits for projects in the city can now easily file electronically from their office or home. In 2017, over 2,000 permits were filed electronically.

A Building Code/Fire Task Force meets monthly with developers and property owners to address regulatory issues they are experiencing. These meetings are also available by appointment to discuss preconstruction and fire code and safety issues.   

To prepare for the new commuter rail station coming in 2020, Pawtucket and Central Falls created the state’s first joint planning commission. The communities will jointly review and approve development plans and zoning variances and adopt or amend regulations in the transit oriented development area surrounding the commuter rail station.  

We continue to improve our efforts to ensure that you’re focused where you need to be, on your business, and not wasting time and money wrapped up in red tape. I invite you to learn more about Pawtucket’s economic development packages and loan program. Come join the evolution! 

Please contact commerce director Jeanne Boyle at [email protected].

Donald Grebien is mayor of the City of Pawtucket, R.I.