Local Permitting Reform Legislation

House Bill 812: Authored by Rep. Mike Cheokas (R-Americus), revises the process for how local governments can propose amendments to state minimum standards codes.

The primary purpose of the bill is to create a "shot clock" on local government plan reviews, reinforcing the 45-day turnaround requirement for permit reviews. 

It also requires local governments to provide written comments with specific reasons for denying or rejecting the application, with a citation of applicable laws that have not been met. It then sets a 14-day deadline for action by the local government on revised applications.

The bill also seeks to strengthen the Department of Community Affairs' role in reviewing local code amendments by giving DCA 60 days to review local ordinances to determine the justification of the need for enhanced building codes (e.g. climate, topography, public safety). DCA would be given the authority to recommend against adoption, which the local government could not overrule.

As expected, local governments have expressed their concern to legislators regarding the bill. This bill, specifically the regulation of review times, is important to the building industry to ensure excessive delays do not negatively affect developers and builders.  GAR  is monitoring the issue.