Senate Clears Bucco Bill to Expedite Electronic Construction Permit & Inspection Approvals

The New Jersey Senate passed legislation sponsored by Senate Minority Leader Anthony M. Bucco that would simplify the Electronic Permit Process Review System to expedite approvals for construction permits and inspections.

"The electronic permit system modernized the application submission process for construction permits and helped the State government start going digital," said Bucco (R-25). "Unfortunately, construction projects still face unnecessary delays when government agencies are unable to process permits in a timely manner. This legislation would expedite the permit approval process by allowing signatures and relevant documents to be submitted electronically for construction projects."

Current law requires the Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to utilize the Electronic Permit Processing Review System to accept electronic submissions of applications for permits, inspections, and other materials necessary for the review process.

Senator Bucco's bill, S-3551, would:

• Amend existing law to require the DCA's Electronic Permit Processing Review System to also accept electronic signatures on materials submitted for review and approval.
• Mandate that the DCA also accept the reproduction of electronic stamps, seals, certification, and notarizations for submitted documents.

You can view the full version of the bill online.

For further comment or background from Sen. Bucco, please contact Chris Sivel, SRO Deputy Director of Communications.