SECTION 2. Time period for completion of permit review and issuance of final decision

(a) Issuing authorities shall complete permit reviews and final decisions within 180 days, or 210 days for permit processes requiring a public comment period, subject to an extension under section 5, for projects that are in: (i) priority development sites designated under chapter 43D; (ii) located within a growth district; (iii) provided the applicant has received a certificate indicating the completion of the process under sections 61 to 62H, inclusive, of chapter 30; and (iv) provided neither the project nor any portion of the project shall be in a wetland as defined by section 40 of chapter 131, tidelands as defined by section 1 of chapter 91, priority habitat as delineated by the division of fisheries and wildlife under chapter 131A or an area of critical environmental concern as designated by the secretary of energy and environmental affairs.

(b) The time period to complete reviews and issue permit decisions shall begin the day after the issuing authority issues notice that the application materials necessary for the permit are complete. The issuing authority shall notify the applicant in writing within 20 business days from receipt of the completed form of additional information needed or requirements that it may have. The issuing authority may provide for pre-application conferences to facilitate this process.

(c) The resubmission of the application or the submission of such additional information required by the issuing authority shall commence a new 30–day period for review of the additional information.