NY S07217

Allows cities, towns, or villages in counties with populations of 1.2 million+ (not wholly within a city) or cities with populations between 209,000-210,000 in counties with populations between 990,000-1 million to create "independent certification programs" for building permits

Permits building permits to be issued based on certification by a New York-licensed architect or professional engineer that proposed work meets the Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code, excluding fire service features and fire protection/life safety systems

Requires automatic approval of certified applications within 45 days unless denied, with denials requiring specific written reasons citing applicable laws or regulations

Mandates random audits of permit applications for compliance and prohibits municipalities from reducing or eliminating building permit staff positions while the program is in effect

Wrongful or negligent certification by licensed professionals may constitute professional misconduct and result in referral to the State Education Department Office of Professions; the law expires 3 years after enactment