California Residential Private Permitting Review Act: residential building permits.
Impact
If enacted, AB 253 would compel local governments to provide an estimated timeframe for permit decisions upon an application being deemed complete. Furthermore, if local agencies fail to process the application within 30 business days, applicants are allowed to engage private professionals for plan check reviews. This shift towards incorporating private expertise could lead to a more streamlined process and is anticipated to reduce the backlog of residential permit applications across California.
Summary
Assembly Bill 253, known as the California Residential Private Permitting Review Act, aims to improve the efficiency of residential building permit processing in California. This legislation addresses significant delays often faced by local agencies in handling residential building permits, which can negatively impact the housing production pipeline and ultimately the state's economy. By allowing private professional providers to conduct plan checks, the bill seeks to augment the existing staffing in local agencies, ensuring that applicants can receive faster responses to their permit applications, especially in times of high demand.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding AB 253 appears to be mixed, with proponents arguing that it presents an effective solution to a pressing housing crisis. They believe increasing permit processing efficiency is critical in addressing California's ongoing shortage of affordable housing. However, opponents voice concerns regarding the potential implications of permitting private entities to perform functions typically held by government employees, fearing that it may prioritize expedite processing over adherence to safety and regulatory standards.
Contention
Key points of contention involve the liability implications of utilizating private professionals, as the bill insulates public entities from certain liabilities resulting from their actions in permitting, potentially raising concerns over accountability in the construction process. Moreover, the urgency status of the bill indicates the legislature's belief in addressing pressing economic crises, which some critics argue overshadows necessary deliberations and caution in regulatory practices.