R.I. Gen. Laws § 46-22-9.1: Houseboats — Exclusion from coastal ponds.

(a) No person shall live on a houseboat on any coastal pond in this state.

(b) As used in this section, “houseboat,” means a building constructed on a float, raft, or barge that is used for single or multiple family habitation or is represented as a place of business. If used as a means of transportation, this use is secondary. “Houseboat” includes platforms, and waterborne hotels and restaurants.

(c) A “coastal pond”, as used in this section, shall be as designated or defined in the rules and regulations of the coastal resources management council.