(a) (1) A local agency located in a county with a population of 1,100,000 or greater, or a local agency with a population of 75,000 or greater in any county, as determined by the 2020 census, shall comply with subdivision (b) no later than January 1, 2024.

(2) A local agency required to comply with paragraph (1) may extend the time period described in that paragraph by up to two years if the legislative body of the local agency does both of the following by January 1, 2024:

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(A) Makes a written finding that adopting an online permitting system by January 1, 2024, would require substantial increases in permitting fees.

(B) Has initiated a procurement process for the purpose of complying with subdivision (b).

(3) (A) The following local agencies shall comply with subdivision (b) no later than January 1, 2028:

(i) A local agency with a population of fewer than 75,000 located in a county with a total population of less than 1,100,000, as determined by the 2020 census.

(ii) A county with a population in the unincorporated area of fewer than 75,000, as determined by the 2020 census.

(B) A local agency required to comply with subparagraph (A) may extend the time period in subparagraph (A) by up to five years if the legislative body of the local agency makes a written finding that adopting an online permitting system on or before January 1, 2028, would require substantial increases in permitting fees.

(b) (1) Subject to subdivision (a), a local agency shall provide an option for postentitlement phase permits to be applied for, completed, and retrieved by the applicant on its internet website.

(2) Until a local agency has established the process required by paragraph (1) on its internet website, it shall accept applications for postentitlement phase permits and any related documentation by electronic mail.

(3) (A) The internet website shall list the current processing status of the applicant’s permit by the local agency. That status shall note whether it is being reviewed by the agency or action is required from the applicant.

(B) A local agency required to accept applications by electronic mail pursuant to paragraph (2) shall respond to inquiries from an applicant regarding the current processing status of the applicant’s permit via electronic mail.

(c) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), this section shall only apply to large jurisdictions, as defined in § 53559.1 of the Health and Safety Code.

(d) For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:

(1) “Local agency” means any county, city, or city and county, including charter cities.

(2) “Postentitlement phase permit” has the same meaning as in Section 65913.3.

(Added by Stats. 2022, Ch. 651, Sec. 3. (AB 2234) Effective January 1, 2023.)