R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-27.3-116.1: Service connections.

Before a building may be demolished, razed, shored, or removed, the owner or the owner’s agent shall notify all utilities or agencies having service connections within the building, including, but not limited to, water, electric, gas, sewer, and other connections. A permit to demolish or remove a building shall not be issued until a written release is obtained from all utilities or agencies, stating that their respective service connections and appurtenant equipment, such as meters and regulators, have been removed or sealed and plugged in a safe manner.