R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-24.4-12

Nothing in this chapter prevents or is to be construed to prevent ordinary maintenance or repair of any structure within the special development district; nor shall anything in this chapter prevent or be construed to prevent the continuance of the use of any building or improvement for any purpose to which the building or improvement was lawfully devoted at the time of the adoption of a plan of development, or to prevent or be construed to prevent the erection, construction, alteration, repair, or demolition of any structure under a permit issued by the inspector of buildings prior to the adoption of a plan of development pursuant to this chapter.