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, mandating that the commissioner of transportation must act within 60 days of receiving a completed application. Specifically, it modifies RSA 236:13, IV-a to include the phrase "or deny" regarding the issuance of permits for residential land use, ensuring timely responses to applicants. Additionally, the bill introduces a new paragraph, IV-b, which outlines an expedited permitting process for major entrances serving residential developments of 20 units or more. This expedited process requires the commissioner to revise departmental policies to facilitate approvals within 60 business days following the approval of a traffic impact study.

Furthermore, the bill establishes a non-refundable permit fee of $120 per unit for applicants opting for the expedited process, with provisions for the commissioner to adjust this fee with the governor and council's approval. It also mandates that applicants pay a retainer for third-party professional engineering reviews during the expedited permitting process, with unused retainages refunded within 120 days of permit issuance. To support this new permitting process, a classified position of business operations specialist will be created 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