R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-27.3-123.1: Notice to owner.

Upon notice from the building official that any work on a building or structure is being prosecuted contrary to the provisions of this code or in an unsafe or dangerous manner, the work shall be immediately stopped. The stop-work order shall be in writing and shall be served on the owner, as defined in Article 2, or on the person responsible as provided in § 23-27.3-122.1.2; and shall state the conditions under which work may be resumed; provided, however, that in instances where immediate action is deemed necessary for public health, safety, and welfare, or in the public interest, the building official may require that work be stopped upon verbal order.