R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-27.3-113.3: By whom application is made.

Application for a permit shall be made by the owner or lessee of the building or structure, or agent of either, or by the licensed engineer or architect employed in connection with the proposed work. If the application is made by a person other than the owner in fee, it shall be accompanied by a duly verified affidavit by the owner or the qualified person making the application that the proposed work is authorized for the purposes of making the application. The full names and addresses of the owner, lessee, applicant, and of the responsible officers, if the owner or lessee is a corporate body, shall be stated in the application.