R.I. Gen. Laws § 44-5-76.1 — Newport — Property tax classification — List of ratable property

(a) Upon adoption of a system of classification of taxable property by the city of Newport,
all ratable property in the city of Newport shall be classified by the assessor as
follows:
(1) Class One: all ratable tangible personal property;
(2) Class Two: residential real estate with less than four (4) units;
(3) Class Three: all commercial and industrial real estate and residential real estate
with four (4) units or more; and
(4) Class Four: motor vehicles and trailers subject to the excise tax created by chapter
34 of this title.
(b) In lieu of the city of Newport adopting a homestead exemption authorized by ordinances
enacted pursuant to § 44-5-78, the city of Newport may divide the residential real estate in Class Two of this
section, into non-owner occupied and owner-occupied properties and adopt separate
tax rates in compliance with the restrictions set forth in § 44-5-76.2. The city of Newport, by ordinance or resolution, shall provide rules and regulations,
including, but not limited to, governing the division and definition of non-owner
and owner-occupied properties.