GA SB437

Allows applicants for residential building permits (single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums three stories or less) to hire private professional providers—licensed engineers, architects, or qualified inspectors—to conduct plan reviews and inspections instead of using local government personnel

Requires local governments to complete plan reviews within 15 business days and inspections within 2 business days; if deadlines are missed, applicants may use private providers and receive a 50% reduction in regulatory fees

Mandates private professional providers carry professional liability insurance of at least $1 million per claim for projects under $5 million and $2 million per claim for projects over $5 million

Prohibits local governments from charging convenience fees when applicants use private providers and bars localities from adopting rules more stringent than those prescribed in the bill

Effective July 1, 2026, and grants local governments immunity from liability for actions or inactions of private professional providers conducting plan reviews or inspections