KY HB530

Permitting authorities must issue decisions on permit applications within 60 days; failure to do so results in automatic permit approval, and denied applicants may appeal to Circuit Court with de novo review and recover attorney's fees if successful.

Third-party challenges to development permits are restricted to adjacent property owners who can demonstrate concrete harm and an immediate threat to health, safety, or welfare by clear and convincing evidence; successful permit applicants recover attorney's fees from challengers.

Housing projects meeting a planning unit's land use code requirements must be approved by-right without discretionary review by planning commissions or regulatory bodies.

Applicants for residential building permits (10 units or fewer) may use licensed third-party inspectors for plan reviews and inspections; regulatory authorities must complete plan reviews within 7 business days and inspections within 5 business days or issue temporary permits and refund fees.

Third-party inspectors must maintain at least $1 million per claim and $2 million aggregate personal liability insurance coverage and submit certified affidavits of compliance within 5 days of completing reviews or inspections.