R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-27.3-106.4: Improvements or damages under twenty-five percent of value.

If the cost of alterations or repairs described in this chapter is twenty-five percent (25%) or less of the physical value of the building, the building official shall permit, consistent with the requirements of the rehabilitation building and fire code for existing buildings and structures, the restoration of the building to its condition previous to damage or deterioration with materials of equal quality as those of which the building was originally constructed; provided, however, that the construction does not endanger the general health, safety, and welfare.