GA HB812

Local governments issuing more than 250 building permits annually must maintain publicly accessible websites with real-time permit application status updates beginning January 1, 2027, including permit number, submission date, property address, current status, and reasons for any denials

Applicants may hire private professional providers (licensed engineers, architects, or qualified inspectors) to conduct plan reviews and inspections at any time, with regulatory fees reduced by 50% when using private providers

Private professional provider inspection reports are automatically deemed approved if the local governing authority does not identify deficiencies within 5 business days of submission

Local issuing authorities must publish objective lists of required materials for permit applications and provide written denial reasons citing specific regulatory requirements; applications are deemed complete if no determination is made within 5 business days

Resubmitted applications addressing cited deficiencies must be reviewed within 14 days for denied applications and 5 days for incomplete applications; the Department of Community Affairs must publish local building code amendments on its website in real time