The bill amends the General Laws in Chapter 23-27.3, known as the "State Building Code," to establish and operate an electronic permitting platform for state and local permitting processes in Rhode Island. It mandates that municipalities adopt this electronic system by October 1, 2026, thereby streamlining the application process for building permits, municipal zoning applications, municipal planning applications, and permits from the Department of Environmental Management, the Department of Transportation, and the Coastal Resources Management Council.

The bill outlines the responsibilities of the state building code commissioner, including the development and implementation of a standard statewide process for electronic plan review, permit management, and inspection. It specifies that all necessary acts, requirements, filings, and documents for compliance with the application process must be conducted electronically.

Local towns and cities are required to charge an additional fee of one-tenth percent (.1%) of the total application fee for each application submitted, which will be transmitted monthly to the state building office to support the electronic permitting system. The bill also introduces new sections requiring various departments, including the Department of Transportation and the Department of Environmental Management, to adopt electronic permitting platforms by the same deadline.

Additionally, the Department of Business Regulation is tasked with reimbursing annual fees and costs associated with compliance with this electronic permitting program. The bill aims to modernize the permitting process and enhance efficiency through the use of technology.

Statutes affected:
5803: 45-23-36.1, 45-24-58.1, 45-53-16, 23-27.3-100.1.1
5803  SUB A: 45-23-36.1, 45-24-58.1, 45-53-16, 23-27.3-100.1.1
5803  SUB A as amended: 45-23-36.1, 45-24-58.1, 45-53-16, 23-27.3-100.1.1