HI HB376

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

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

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 are limited to certifying compliance with applicable laws and codes in areas where authorized and licensed; they cannot grant variances, waivers, exemptions, or other discretionary approvals.

Third-party reviewers are immune from liability except for intentional misconduct, gross negligence, or malfeasance.