HI HB376

Authorizes each county to contract with licensed architects and engineers to conduct third-party review of permit, license, and approval applications to streamline processing and reduce time delays.

Third-party reviewers must meet education and experience standards for preservation professionals as specified by the United States Secretary of the Interior and be qualified to certify compliance with building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, structural codes, and land use ordinances.

Property owners retain and pay all fees for third-party reviewers, who cannot be employed by the same entity that designed the property being reviewed.

Third-party reviewers may only certify compliance with applicable laws and codes within their licensed areas; they have no authority to grant modifications, variances, waivers, exemptions, or discretionary approvals.

Third-party reviewers are granted immunity from liability except for acts involving intentional misconduct, gross negligence, or malfeasance; effective July 1, 3000.