R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-27.3-107.2
The appropriate local authority shall appoint an alternate building official to act on behalf of the building official during any period of disability caused by, but not limited to, illness, absence, or conflict of interest. The alternate building official shall meet the qualifications of § 23-27.3-107.5. The appropriate local authority shall appoint an alternate local building official within ten (10) calendar days or request the state building office's services as allowed in § 23-27.3-107.3. When the office's services are used due to the lack of a local building official, the salary and operating expenses of the commissioner, or his or her designee, shall be reimbursed to the state as allowed by § 23-27.3-108.2(c).
R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-27.3-107.2