Rhode Island General Laws 45-24.2-8. Court proceedings
(a) The district court has, upon proceedings instituted in the name of any of the several cities or towns, power to proceed according to equity to:
(1) Restrain, prevent, enjoin, abate, or correct a violation; or
(2) Order the repair, vacation, or demolition of any dwelling existing in violation of the provisions of any ordinance passed or to otherwise compel compliance with all of the provisions of any ordinance adopted pursuant to the authority of this chapter or any special act governing minimum housing standards.
Terms Used In Rhode Island General Laws 45-24.2-8
- Dwelling: means any building or structure or part thereof, including hotels and rooming houses, that is used, occupied, or intended to be used or occupied for human habitation, and includes dwelling premises, appurtenances, and facilities belonging to the dwelling or usually enjoyed with it. See Rhode Island General Laws 45-24.2-2
- Enforcing officer: means the head, or his or her duly authorized representative, of the division, bureau, office, department, or agency responsible for enforcing and administering any ordinance, rule, or regulation adopted pursuant to the provisions of this chapter. See Rhode Island General Laws 45-24.2-2
- person: may be construed to extend to and include co-partnerships and bodies corporate and politic. See Rhode Island General Laws 43-3-6
- town: may be construed to include city; the words "town council" include city council; the words "town clerk" include city clerk; the words "ward clerk" include clerk of election district; the words "town treasurer" include city treasurer; and the words "town sergeant" include city sergeant. See Rhode Island General Laws 43-3-9
(b) When, under the provisions of any ordinance passed pursuant to the authority of this chapter or any special act, any work is done or material furnished by any enforcing officer or by the officer’s order at the expense of the owner or other persons interested, the value of that work and material may be recovered in an action brought against the owner or other interested person or persons, and if any work or materials has been done or furnished at the cost of the city or town, the enforcing officer shall cause the action to be brought in the name of the city or town. Upon the entry of any case or proceeding brought under the provisions of any ordinance passed pursuant to the authority of this chapter or any special act, the court shall, at the request of either party, advance the case so that it may be heard and determined with as little delay as possible. All proceedings instituted in the names of the several cities or towns are exempt from the payment of the district court filing fees. A party aggrieved by any judgment of the district court may seek review by the supreme court in accordance with § 8-8-3.2(b).
History of Section.
P.L. 1962, ch. 87, § 1; P.L. 1977, ch. 277, § 5; P.L. 1978, ch. 182, § 2.