Governor's Bill No. 5036 seeks to enhance the permitting process for residential solar photovoltaic systems and electric vehicle charging infrastructure in Connecticut. The bill requires the Commissioner of Administrative Services to develop a "smart solar permitting platform" by July 1, 2028, which will automate the review of applications for building permits for residential solar systems with a capacity of twelve kilowatts or less. This platform will facilitate instant permit issuance for compliant systems and will be accessible to municipalities, licensed architects, engineers, and contractors. Municipalities must adopt this platform or an equivalent automated system by January 1, 2029, and adjust their permitting fee schedules accordingly. Compliance reports will be required from municipalities using alternative platforms, ensuring transparency in the permitting process.

Additionally, the bill allows for the waiver of physical signature requirements, enabling the use of digital signatures, and exempts environmental impact evaluations for electric vehicle charging stations and solar facilities on developed land receiving state funding. The Commissioner of Administrative Services is also authorized to enter financing agreements for infrastructure related to electric vehicle charging and renewable energy. Notably, the bill repeals Section 16-245nn of the general statutes, effective January 1, 2029, and the new provisions will take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Governor's Bill: 16-245nn