The proposed bill would amend current statutes regarding county zoning by prohibiting any county ordinance from restricting the use of land for the construction and operation of small modular reactors (SMRs) if certain conditions are met prior to construction. Specifically, the owner or operator of the SMR must have obtained an early site permit from a federal agency, received design certification, and submitted evidence of compliance with public notice and comment requirements to the county board of supervisors. This change aims to streamline the approval process for SMRs and ensure that local zoning regulations do not hinder their development.

Additionally, the bill makes technical changes to existing language, clarifying that counties may not impose restrictions on SMR construction if the outlined federal permits and certifications are in place. It also modifies existing provisions related to nonconforming business uses and administrative regulations adopted by county boards, ensuring that such regulations do not conflict with federal, state, or local laws. Overall, the bill seeks to facilitate the development of SMRs while maintaining necessary safety and regulatory standards.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 11-812
House Engrossed Version: 11-812