R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-27.3-127.1.2: Granting variance.

The board of standards and appeals may vary the application of any provision of this code to any particular case when in the opinion of the board, the enforcement of this code would do manifest injustice; provided, that the board finds that the decision to grant a variance, or modification will not conflict with the general objectives of this code. The board of standards and appeals may further grant blanket variances from the application of any provision of this code when, in the opinion of the board, these provisions have either been rendered obsolete or impose an unanticipated hardship upon the general public, and the board finds that the decision to grant a blanket variance will not conflict with the general objectives of this code. This blanket variance is effective until the next code adoption process of the committee.