This bill aims to streamline the permitting process and enhance third-party building inspections for residential and minor home improvements. It introduces a definition for "minor home improvement," which encompasses construction activities valued at $100,000 or less. The bill also sets new insurance requirements for approved agencies, mandating a minimum of $500,000 per occurrence and $1 million in the aggregate for minor home improvements, while higher limits apply to larger projects. Additionally, it allows approved agencies to utilize automated software for expedited reviews of construction documents related to minor projects.
Furthermore, the bill modifies the timeline for building officials to issue permits and certificates of occupancy. For minor home improvements, building officials must act within two business days, significantly reducing the previous timeframe. If no action is taken within this period, the permit or certificate is automatically granted. The bill also includes provisions for municipalities to issue written notices of deficiencies, ensuring compliance with applicable codes. Overall, the legislation is designed to facilitate quicker approvals and inspections, thereby promoting efficiency in the construction process while maintaining necessary regulatory oversight.