The proposed bill would update current statutes by allowing municipalities with populations of 30,000 or more to utilize third-party reviews of single-family residential building permit applications if they do not respond within 15 working days. It specifies qualifications for these reviewers, including certified inspectors and registered engineers, while prohibiting individuals with financial interests in the application from serving as reviewers. Additionally, municipalities would be required to consider third-party review timelines when establishing licensing time frames and to meet with applicants to discuss correction requests within 10 working days. Moreover, the bill would eliminate exemptions for certain licensing time frame requirements and mandate that municipalities refund all fees if they fail to issue a decision within the established time frames. It also prohibits municipalities from modifying approved plans during construction unless specific conditions are met. These updates aim to streamline the permit application process, enhance accountability, and ensure timely responses from municipalities, while also clarifying existing language and responsibilities within the permit review process.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 9-470.01, 9-835, 12-820.01, 12-820.02
Senate Engrossed Version: 9-463.01, 9-470.01, 9-835, 32-2101, 45-402, 45-576, 45-108, 45-561, 45-108.02, 45-108.03, 9-463, 12-820.01, 12-820.02
House Engrossed Version: 9-463.01, 9-470.01, 9-835, 32-2101, 45-402, 45-576, 45-108, 45-561, 45-108.02, 45-108.03, 9-463, 12-820.01, 12-820.02