The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 15.99, to establish clearer procedures for the review of building applications by government entities. It introduces new definitions for terms such as "Agency" and "Request," specifying that a "Request" includes written applications for building permits and other governmental approvals related to zoning and environmental reviews. The bill mandates that requests must be submitted in writing on forms provided by the agency, and it allows agencies to reject incomplete requests. Additionally, it clarifies that an applicant can designate a representative to act on their behalf regarding the request.

Furthermore, the bill sets a strict deadline for agencies to respond to building permit applications, requiring them to approve or deny requests within 60 days. If an agency fails to respond within this timeframe, it does not constitute an approval, and the agency must refund all relevant permitting fees if the decision is made after 60 days. The bill also emphasizes that if a request is denied, the agency must provide written reasons for the denial at the time of the decision. Overall, these amendments aim to streamline the application process and ensure timely responses from government entities.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 15.99