Bill > H876

This bill establishes strict two-business-day timelines for local governments to review development applications and building permit requests in North Carolina. Under the new law, local governments must complete an initial administrative review within two business days of receiving an application, either confirming the application is complete or providing a detailed written list of specific deficiencies. If an application is deemed deficient, the developer can either correct the application, submit a written explanation challenging the deficiencies, or appeal the decision. The bill also introduces an alternative review process where, if local governments cannot meet the two-day review timeline, developers can contract with third-party reviewers like licensed professionals from the Department of Insurance's marketplace pool of code-enforcement officials, professional engineers, or architects to conduct independent plan reviews. If a third-party review is accepted, the local government must issue permits within two business days and refund or waive all review and permit fees. The law aims to streamline and expedite the development and building permit approval process while maintaining compliance with state building codes and regulations, with implementation set to begin on December 1, 2025.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/H876