GA SB447

Local authorities must issue or deny land disturbance and building permits within 45 days of a completed application, with resubmitted applications requiring a decision within 14 days; failure to meet these deadlines results in automatic approval and refund of all application fees.

Permit denials must include a written list of specific deficiencies and supporting documentation, and authorities may only deny permits for reasons authorized under local, state, or federal law.

Counties and municipalities must establish clear, unambiguous criteria for permit approval, and review timelines are tolled when state agency reviews are required.

Local governments issuing more than 250 building permits annually must maintain a publicly accessible website by January 1, 2027, providing real-time permit status information including application number, submission date, current status, and reasons for any denials.

The bill amends both soil erosion/sedimentation control provisions (Title 12, Chapter 7) and general county/municipal permit procedures (Title 36, Chapter 60) to standardize permitting timelines and transparency requirements.