R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-128.2-4
A person may apply to the Rhode Island housing resources commission and request that a project be classified as a project of critical housing concern. Said request shall contain a description of how the project is consistent with applicable provisions of state plans pertaining to affordable housing developments. Not more than five (5) days after the receipt of such request, the chairperson, or the executive director acting on behalf of the chairperson, shall refer the request to statewide planning for review of the probable consistency of the project with the applicable provisions of the state guide plan. The associate director shall issue a determination of probable consistency to the chairperson within twenty (20) days. If the associate director has made a determination of probable consistency, the Rhode Island housing resources commission shall render a written decision on the request within sixty (60) days of the filing and receipt of the request. If the project is found to be a housing project of critical concern, the Rhode Island housing resources commission may issue a certificate of critical housing concern. A certificate of critical housing concern shall expire two (2) years from the date of issuance.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-128.2-4