Bill > HB0002

This bill establishes new timelines for local government entities, such as cities, towns, and counties, to review and act on applications for residential building permits for certain types of dwellings, defined as a "dwelling" and not exceeding three stories or 3,000 square feet per unit, and regulated under the International Residential Code. Specifically, local governments must notify applicants within ten business days whether their application is complete or incomplete, and if incomplete, explain what is missing. Once an application is deemed complete, the local government has thirty calendar days to approve or deny it. This thirty-day deadline can be suspended if the applicant or the government requests clarification or additional information, or if the application requires approval from a state or federal agency, with the suspension ending once the necessary information or approvals are received. The deadline can also be extended if both the applicant and the local government agree in writing. If a local government denies an application, they must provide written reasons for the denial within seven calendar days. Importantly, if a local government fails to meet the thirty-day deadline without a valid suspension or agreed-upon extension, the application is automatically deemed approved on the day after the deadline passes, though the resulting construction must still pass safety inspections. This act will apply to applications filed on or after July 1, 2026.