The "Speeding Development Act" seeks to improve the efficiency of development processes while ensuring adherence to building codes and public safety. The bill introduces new legal language that defines "private provider" and outlines their responsibilities, including compliance with building codes and the use of electronic signatures for documentation. Property owners are permitted to hire independent third-party providers, such as licensed engineers and architects, for building code inspections and plan reviews, as an alternative to local enforcement agencies. Local enforcement agencies are mandated to audit a percentage of these inspections to ensure compliance. Additionally, the act requires independent providers to maintain professional liability insurance and prohibits ownership stakes between the fee owner and the independent provider.

Furthermore, the bill establishes a timeline for the issuance of certificates of occupancy or completion, requiring them to be issued within three to five business days after submission of a certificate of compliance, or deemed granted if not addressed within that timeframe. It also mandates that independent providers submit affidavits certifying compliance with applicable codes and restricts regulatory authorities from imposing more stringent standards than those outlined in the bill. The legislation allows for appeals to the building code review board regarding regulatory decisions and retains the authority of regulatory agencies to issue stop-work orders in cases posing immediate threats to public safety. The act is designed to streamline the permitting and inspection process while maintaining safety standards and will take effect 60 days after passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 155-A:7