This bill amends existing law to establish a clear timeline for the approval or denial of permit applications for driveways or public access to ways, specifically requiring the commissioner of transportation to make a decision within 60 days of receiving a completed application. Additionally, it introduces a new expedited permitting process for major entrances associated with residential developments of 20 units or more. Under this expedited process, the commissioner is tasked with revising the department's policy to allow for permits to be issued within 60 business days following the approval of a traffic impact study.

The bill also outlines the financial aspects of the expedited permitting process, including a non-refundable permit fee of $120 per unit, which may be adjusted by the commissioner with the governor and council's approval. Furthermore, applicants are required to pay a retainer for third-party professional engineering reviews, with provisions for tracking these expenses and refunding any unused retainages within 120 days of permit issuance. To facilitate this new process, a classified position of business operations specialist will be established within the department of transportation. The act is set to take effect 90 days after its passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 236:13
As Amended by the Senate: 236:13
As Amended by the House: 236:13
Version adopted by both bodies: 236:13
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 236:13