How do I complete the Substantial Improvement Affidavit?

Provide the structure-only market value, its source, and the proposed improvement cost. Attach the required appraisal or assessor’s card, detailed work scope, and detailed cost estimate.

Do I need to sign this affidavit in front of a notary?

Yes. Charlestown’s form says the owner’s affidavit must be signed and notarized when submitted with the Building Permit Application.

Can I sign the affidavit with an online notary?

Rhode Island law authorizes remote online notarization for its own notaries under R.I. Gen. Laws §§42-30.1-12.1 and 42-30.1-12.2. Sign during the online notary session and confirm acceptance with the town if unsure.

Where do I submit the completed affidavit?

The form says to submit it with the Building Permit Application. Confirm with the city or town clerk if unsure where to deliver the application.

Charlestown, RI · Washington County

Substantial Improvements in Flood Zones Affidavit

This affidavit documents a property owner’s structure value and proposed improvement cost for a Charlestown building permit application involving work in a flood zone.

Standard form~15 min to notarize

licensed online notary
~15 min average
Notarized PDF emailed

What you’ll need

Government-issued photo ID
Webcam-enabled device (laptop or phone)
This form, ready to upload as a PDF

Form previewView full PDF →

What this form is

Charlestown requires the property owner to submit this notarized affidavit with a Building Permit Application to document that a proposed improvement is not a Substantial Improvement. The form asks for the structure-only market value and improvement cost, and calls for an attached appraisal or assessor’s card, detailed work scope, and detailed cost estimate.

Who needs it

A property owner submitting a Charlestown Building Permit Application for a proposed improvement to an existing structure in a flood zone needs this affidavit.

Why it needs a notary

The form contains a subscribed-and-sworn jurat; the property owner must sign the affidavit before the notary and complete the date and notary details.

How to get this notarized

1
Download the Form
Get the Substantial Improvements in Flood Zones affidavit from the Town of Charlestown.
2
Fill Out the Affidavit
Enter the property and owner information, structure-only market value, and improvement cost; gather the listed supporting documents.
3
Book an Online Notary
Arrange a session with a commissioned online notary before signing.
4
Sign on Video
Sign the affidavit during the online session and complete the notarial jurat.
5
Submit to the Town
Submit the notarized affidavit and required attachments with the Building Permit Application.

Preview the form

The blank PDF straight from Charlestown. Look it over, then upload your filled copy to start the notary session.

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You’ll need ID and a webcam.

A licensed online notary will join you on video, verify your government-issued ID, witness your signature, and apply their seal. You’ll receive the notarized PDF by email when the session ends.

Frequently asked questions

How do I complete the Substantial Improvement Affidavit?: Provide the structure-only market value, its source, and the proposed improvement cost. Attach the required appraisal or assessor’s card, detailed work scope, and detailed cost estimate.
Do I need to sign this affidavit in front of a notary?: Yes. Charlestown’s form says the owner’s affidavit must be signed and notarized when submitted with the Building Permit Application.
Can I sign the affidavit with an online notary?: Rhode Island law authorizes remote online notarization for its own notaries under R.I. Gen. Laws §§42-30.1-12.1 and 42-30.1-12.2. Sign during the online notary session and confirm acceptance with the town if unsure.
Where do I submit the completed affidavit?: The form says to submit it with the Building Permit Application. Confirm with the city or town clerk if unsure where to deliver the application.

Ready to notarize your Substantial Improvements in Flood Zones Affidavit?

Drop your email below — we’ll hand you straight to a licensed notary in the next session.