R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-32.1-3: Public hearing.

(a) Prior to the approval of a development plan by the legislative body pursuant to § 45-32.1-2, the legislative body of the community or its committee, to which the plan has been referred, shall hold a public hearing on the development plan. The public hearing shall be held not more than sixty (60) days after receipt by the legislative body of the development plan.

(b) Notice of the time, place, and purpose of the hearing shall be given by publication not less than once a week for three (3) successive weeks prior to the hearing in a newspaper of general circulation published in the community, or if no newspaper is published in the community, then in a newspaper of general circulation in the community.