The proposed General Assembly Substitute Bill No. 5036 aims to enhance the permitting process for residential solar photovoltaic systems in Connecticut by establishing a "smart solar permitting platform." This platform, which must be developed or implemented by the Commissioner of Administrative Services by July 1, 2028, will automate the review of building permit applications for residential solar systems, allowing for instant permit issuance if the systems comply with the Connecticut State Building Code. Municipalities, licensed architects, engineers, and contractors will have access to this platform, which will support digital submissions and signatures. Additionally, municipalities are required to adopt this platform or an equivalent automated system by January 1, 2029, and revise their permitting fee schedules to reflect cost reductions from the new system.

The bill also includes provisions that protect individuals using the smart solar permitting platform or alternative automated systems from licensing sanctions for failing to submit information in physical form. It mandates the Commissioner to issue a request for proposals for the platform's development, ensuring bidders have relevant experience. Furthermore, the installation of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and solar photovoltaic facilities on developed land will be exempt from environmental impact evaluations if state funding is involved. The Commissioner is authorized to enter financing agreements for infrastructure related to EV charging and renewable energy. Notably, Section 16-245nn of the general statutes is repealed effective January 1, 2029, and the bill's provisions will take effect on July 1, 2026, except for the repealer section.

Statutes affected:
Governor's Bill: 16-245nn
ET Joint Favorable: 16-245nn
File No. 373: 16-245nn
APP Joint Favorable: 16-245nn