R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-27.3-122.1: Notice of violation.

The building official shall serve a notice of violation or order on the owner or person responsible for the erection, construction, alteration, extension, repair, removal, demolition, use, or occupancy of a building or structure in violation of the provisions of this code, or in violation of a detail statement or a plan approved thereunder, or in violation of a permit or certificate issued under the provisions of this code; and the order shall direct the discontinuance of the illegal action or condition and the abatement of the violation.