Bill > SB222

This bill streamlines and standardizes the local permitting and inspection processes for residential heat pump water heaters and heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems—which are energy-efficient electric alternatives to traditional gas-powered climate control appliances—while invalidating any private property rules, such as those from homeowners associations, that restrict the installation of these eco-friendly upgrades or electric appliances in general. Specifically, the legislation requires cities and counties to implement an online, automated permitting process that issues real-time permits to qualified contractors by July 1, 2028, cap standard permit fees at $150 for water heaters and $200 for HVAC systems (unless higher costs are justified by written findings), allow electronic applications and signatures, and adopt asynchronous inspections (where inspectors and contractors do not need to be physically present at the same time) beginning July 1, 2027. Furthermore, the measure prohibits local governments from requiring permits or inspections for simple, self-contained, 120-volt plug-in window air-conditioner or heat pump units, restricts the types of additional local zoning and workforce standards that can be imposed on these projects, and prevents residential housing associations from banning, fee-gouging, or placing unreasonable hurdles on homeowners seeking to modernize their heating and cooling systems.