Bill > AB2418

This bill, in effect until January 1, 2037, aims to streamline the process for obtaining nonresidential building permits by introducing options for private plan review and setting stricter timelines for local agencies. If a local agency cannot provide an estimated timeframe for reviewing a completed permit application or if there's an "excessive delay" (defined as 30 days or more, a reduction from the previous 50 days) in their review, the applicant can request the local agency to hire a private entity for plan checking. If no qualified private entities are available, the applicant can hire a private professional provider, such as a licensed engineer or architect, at their own expense. This private provider must submit an affidavit confirming compliance with building codes, and the local agency then has 10 business days to either issue the permit or notify the applicant of non-compliance. The bill also requires local agencies to post their nonresidential building permit fee schedules online and mandates inspections of new nonresidential buildings within 10 business days of completion notification. Importantly, this bill grants public entities immunity from liability for decisions made regarding these private plan review permits and requires applicants using private providers to indemnify the local agency for any damages arising from construction based on those plans.

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB2418