Bill > H3846

This bill aims to streamline the process for installing low-voltage alarm systems by creating a uniform permitting system across local jurisdictions. It defines a "contractor" as someone qualified to do this work and a "low-voltage alarm system project" as the installation, maintenance, inspection, replacement, or service of alarm systems and related equipment like home automation devices, smoke detectors, and cameras, excluding fire alarm systems governed by other laws. Local enforcement agencies will be required to offer uniform basic permit labels for a maximum cost of $55 per project, and contractors will only need to provide identification and proof of their license to purchase these labels, without needing additional permits beyond the low-voltage alarm system permit. These labels will be valid for one year within the issuing jurisdiction and can be purchased in bulk. Contractors must post the label before starting work and submit a uniform notice of project completion within 14 days, which can be done electronically or by fax, and includes details about the owner, contractor, and scope of work. While local agencies can still inspect these projects for code compliance, they cannot enact rules inconsistent with this new statewide section, and the new permitting rules will apply regardless of when a building was constructed. The bill also includes a temporary provision allowing local agencies that previously charged more than $55 for a permit label to continue doing so, with a cap of $175, until January 1, 2016.