Vetoed by Governor Phil Murphy

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that requires the establishment of an automated platform to expedite approval to build residential solar units.

Highlights:

• Requires the Commissioner of Community Affairs to establish and administer the State Smart Solar Permitting Platform within one year of this Act’s enactment (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that the State Smart Solar Permitting Platform will automatically perform review of applications to construct residential solar energy systems, and instantly release permits or permit revisions to do so (Sec. 2).

• Requires the State Smart Solar Permitting Platform to do the following (Sec. 2):

• Perform code compliance checks;

• Produce construction documents to be used for inspection and recordkeeping;

• Instantly release a permit or permit revision to construct a residential solar energy system that complies with code;

• Be designed to process 75% of applications submitted;

• Be available for applicants 24 hours a day;

• Be provided at no-cost or low-cost if provided by a third party; and

• Allow the use of electronic signatures.

• Authorizes local enforcing agencies to provide an alternative platform to the State Smart Solar Permitting Platform within 18 months of this Act’s effective date (Sec. 2).

• Specifies that this Act takes effect immediately upon passage (Sec. 3).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that requires the establishment of an automated platform to expedite approval to build residential solar units.

Highlights:

• Requires the Commissioner of Community Affairs to establish and administer the State Smart Solar Permitting Platform within one year of this Act’s enactment (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that the State Smart Solar Permitting Platform will automatically perform review of applications to construct residential solar energy systems, and instantly release permits or permit revisions to do so (Sec. 2).

• Requires the State Smart Solar Permitting Platform to do the following (Sec. 2):

• Perform code compliance checks;

• Produce construction documents to be used for inspection and recordkeeping;

• Instantly release a permit or permit revision to construct a residential solar energy system that complies with code;

• Be designed to process 75% of applications submitted;

• Be available for applicants 24 hours a day;

• Be provided at no-cost or low-cost if provided by a third party; and

• Allow the use of electronic signatures.

• Authorizes local enforcing agencies to provide an alternative platform to the State Smart Solar Permitting Platform within 18 months of this Act’s effective date (Sec. 2).

• Specifies that this Act takes effect immediately upon passage (Sec. 3).

Full Bill Text