R.I. Gen. Laws § 28-27-20: State and municipal inspections and installation permits.

Nothing in this chapter shall prohibit any city, town, or the state from providing for a pipefitter or refrigeration/air conditioning or fire protection sprinkler systems or air distribution systems inspection or from requiring permits for the installation, maintenance, repair, and servicing of pipefitting or refrigeration/air conditioning or fire protection sprinkler systems or air distribution systems and collecting fees thereof. Whenever a permit is required under the provisions of this section, a condition of its issuance shall be that the contractor’s license number and a copy of the contractor’s license first be affixed on the permit which must be signed by the contractor. The permit must be obtained from the state, city, or town prior to the installation. Where equipment and appliance replacements or repairs must be performed in an emergency situation, the permit application shall be submitted within the next business day to the office of mechanical inspection.