New York State lawmakers could allow architects and engineers to self-certify building permits in Nassau and Suffolk counties, potentially speeding up development projects, according to Newsday.
Lawmakers are considering a bill allowing cities and town to issue permits if a registered architect or engineer certifies that an application meets state and local codes. The measure would expire in late 2024 — ensuring hesitant lawmakers that if it leads to problems, it will die on its own.
Self-certification would bypass a sometimes lengthy municipal approvals process, which critics argue makes development significantly more expensive and throttles housing production.
Towns and cities would need to opt into such a program. While self-certification could speed up projects, it also has the potential to cause trouble. Typically, professionals who abuse their privileges can lose their right to self-certify and even be stripped of their licenses.
Officials in Babylon, Brookhaven, Hempstead, Huntington, and Islip have voiced support for the measure. The state legislative session ends June 10.
[Newsday] — Dennis Lynch