Bill > H7833

This bill establishes a unified development review process, meaning that local planning boards or commissions will now handle both land development and subdivision applications, as well as requests for variances (exceptions to zoning rules) and special-use permits, in a single, consolidated review. This aims to streamline the approval process for projects by allowing applicants to address zoning issues and project plans simultaneously, rather than navigating separate applications and hearings with different local bodies. The bill outlines specific procedures for how these combined reviews will be conducted, including requirements for public hearings and notification, and clarifies that the planning board or commission will make the final decisions on these combined applications, with established timelines for their responses.