R.I. Gen. Laws § 39-1.2-9
This chapter shall not be construed to authorize, affect, or impair local ordinances, charters of other provisions of law requiring permits to be obtained before excavating or tunneling in a public street or highway, or to construct or demolish buildings or other structures on private property, nor construed to grant any person or public agency any rights not specifically provided by this chapter. A permit issued by a public agency shall not be deemed to relieve a person from the responsibility for complying with the provisions of this chapter. The failure of any person, who or that has been granted a permit, to comply with the provisions of this chapter, shall not be deemed to impose any liability upon the public agency issuing the permit. Any disagreement between a public utility company and a person shall be referred to the administrator whose order shall be binding upon the parties.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 39-1.2-9