Rhode Island § 11-11-7 - Disorderly Conduct

§ 11-11-7. Overcrowded assembly.

(a) The occupant load permitted in any assembly building structure, or portion of it, shall be determined by dividing the net floor area or space assigned to that use by the square feet per occupant as follows:

(1) An assembly area of concentrated use without fixed seats such as an auditorium, gymnasium, church, chapel, dance floor, and lodge room, seven square feet (7 sq. ft.) per person.

(2) An assembly area of less concentrated use such as conference rooms, dining room, drinking establishments, exhibit room, or lounge, fifteen square feet (15 sq. ft.) per person.

(3) Standing room or waiting space, five square feet (5 sq. ft.) per person; provided, that aisle area, except rear cross aisles, shall not be considered in determining the number of standing patrons allowed.

(b) Any residential structure, or portion of it, that is used by persons to assemble for consumption of food or drink shall not exceed the occupant load as determined by dividing the net floor area or space assigned to that use by the square feet per occupant as follows:

(1) Any individual single family dwelling or any unit in a multi-family dwelling or apartment house, fifteen (15) net square feet per person;

(2) A public space associated with a single family dwelling or any multi-family dwelling or apartment house, fifteen (15) net square feet per person.

(c) Penalty. If any person in control or possession of a building or structure, or portion of it, fails to comply with the provisions of this section, the assembly shall be reduced to the limit set forth by this section and the person in control or possession of a building or structure shall be guilty of a petty misdemeanor and fined an amount not more than five hundred dollars ($500) for the first offense with notice of the offense sent by certified mail to the owner of the building or structure. The fine shall double for the second offense and triple for the third offense with all notices of the offenses sent to the owner of the building by certified mail. In the event there are more than three (3) offenses at a building or structure, the owner shall also be guilty of a petty misdemeanor and fined an amount not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500).