HB 267 (Esposito) is a comprehensive building permit bill. Of concern to cities, the bill does the following:

•Requires municipalities with a population of 30,000 or more to create a program to expedite the process of issuing building permits for residential subdivisions by August 15, 2024.

•Creates a two-step application process that would include the adoption of a preliminary plat and a final plat in order to expedite the issuance of building permits.

•Allows cities to work with the appropriate local government agencies to issue an address and a temporary parcel identification number for lot lines and lot sizes based on the metes and bounds of the plat contained in the application.

•Requires applicants to have a performance bond for up to 120%.

•Requires applicants to indemnify local governments that issue the permit.

•Specifies that upon an applicant's request, a local government must issue no less than 50% of the permits for dwellings to be built.

•Requires the local jurisdiction to reduce the permit fee by 75% if an owner retains a private provider.

•Reduces the timeframe when municipalities must provide written notice of receipt and any other additional information that is required for a properly completed application to an applicant.

•Reduces the number of times a municipality can ask an applicant for additional information.

•Allows an application to be “deemed” approved if municipalities fail to meet any of the timeframes. (Branch)