R.I. Gen. Laws § 44-5-78 — Newport — Homestead exemption

(a) The city council of the city of Newport is authorized to annually fix the amount,
if any, of a homestead exemption with respect to assessed value from local taxation
on taxable real property used for residential purposes in the city of Newport and
to grant homestead exemptions to the owner(s) of the residential real estate in amounts
not to exceed the following percentages:
(1) Single family and condominiums:
thirty-five percent (35%) exemption;
(2) Two (2) family:
twenty percent (20%) exemption;
(3) Three (3) family:
five percent (5%) exemption.
(b) Any exemption shall only apply to residential property improved with a dwelling house.
There shall be no homestead exemption granted for vacant land or for the residential
portion of mixed-use property in the city of Newport, regardless of the number of
units used for residential purposes. In order to determine compliance with the homestead
exemption as outlined in this section, the city council shall provide, by resolution
or ordinance, rules and regulations governing eligibility for the exemption established
by this section.
(c) The city council of the city of Newport may provide for a proration of the homestead
exemption in cases where title to the property passes from those not entitled to the
exemption to those who are entitled to claim the exemption.