HB 2686 Summary

• Prohibits municipalities and counties from denying building permit applications based on the proposed utility provider, establishing utility regulation as a matter of statewide concern.

• Requires municipalities and counties to ensure building permit requirements and fees do not exceed those for other utility providers and do not restrict applicants' ability to use capable and authorized utility providers.

• Prohibits municipalities and counties from imposing codes, ordinances, or regulations that restrict a person's or entity's ability to use utility services (water, wastewater, natural gas, propane, or electric) at their property.

• Clarifies that municipalities cannot require transaction privilege tax or business licenses as conditions for issuing building permits, though they may require application within 30 days after issuance.

• Preserves municipal and county authority to manage municipally/county-owned utilities, enforce public highway regulations, and recover reasonable permit review and issuance costs.