By State Sen. Daryl Schmitt (R-Jasper)
The Indiana General Assembly has been working to improve access to housing in Indiana in recent years.
One hurdle to housing development throughout the state has been the permitting process. This year, I supported a new law that expedites the permitting process and prioritizes state funding for communities that adopt pro-development land use policies.
House Enrolled Act 1005 streamlines the permitting process for home construction by allowing qualified third-party contractors to conduct plan reviews and inspections if the property owner chooses, and by providing an affidavit process for these contractors to verify compliance with local requirements.
Often, local governments are unable to complete a review in a timely manner. This new law, however, allows inspections to take place by qualified personnel so that new homes can get on the market and be occupied by Hoosier families sooner.
House Enrolled Act 1005 also reprioritizes the state's Residential Housing Infrastructure Assistance Fund for communities that have development-friendly planning and zoning policies.
Reducing government red tape in the home building industry will benefit our homebuyers looking for a place to raise their family. I was glad to support this law as it made its way through the General Assembly this year.
As always, constituents can reach out to me with any questions or concerns by email at s48@iga.in.gov or by phone at 1-800-382-9467.
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State Sen. Daryl Schmitt (R-Jasper) represents Senate District 48,
which includes Crawford, Dubois, Gibson, Perry, Pike and Spencer counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
