R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-27.3-107.1: Local building official — Appointment.

The appropriate local authority shall appoint an officer to administer the code. The officer shall be known as the building official. Two (2) or more communities may combine in the appointment of a building official for the purpose of enforcing the provisions of this chapter, including officials serving in such capacity on January 1, 1977, shall serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority, except that such incumbent officials shall not be required to meet the official provisions for local building officials set forth in this chapter.