This bill establishes an expedited construction plan review program under the State Uniform Construction Code Act, allowing applicants for construction permits to opt for a faster review process by paying a premium fee of $500 for each required plan review subcode area. The expedited review must be completed within ten calendar days of submission. Municipalities can choose to conduct these expedited reviews through their local enforcing agencies, or if they do not, applicants may select a licensed private plan review agency to perform the expedited reviews. The local enforcing agency retains supervisory control over the project and is responsible for issuing the certificate of occupancy.

Additionally, the bill mandates the Department of Community Affairs to create rules and regulations for the program, including a licensure process for private plan review agencies. The bill also includes amendments to existing legal language, such as replacing the term "subpena" with "subpoena" and changing references from "private agency" to "business entity" in the context of plan review agencies. The overall aim is to streamline the construction permitting process while ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 52:27D-124