The proposed bill, if enacted, would amend current statutes regarding county zoning by explicitly prohibiting any county zoning ordinance from preventing or regulating the use or occupation of land for the construction and operation of small modular reactors (SMRs), provided that specific conditions are met prior to construction. These conditions include the owner or operator obtaining an early site permit from a federal agency, conducting a public notice and comment process, receiving design certification from a relevant federal agency, and submitting evidence of compliance with these requirements to the county's board of supervisors.

Additionally, the bill makes technical and conforming changes to existing language, such as clarifying the conditions under which a nonconforming business use may expand and ensuring that regulations adopted by the county and state mine inspector do not conflict with existing laws. The bill also specifies that counties cannot require property owners to waive rights related to existing nonconforming outdoor advertising uses without just compensation, further protecting property rights in the context of zoning regulations.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 11-812