- (a) The department shall streamline the application and licensing paperwork necessary for a person to be approved as a foster parent or relative placement to the extent consistent with federal law.
(b) The department shall approve a variance of the applicable building code requirements for licensure of a foster care home to the extent permitted by federal law if an applicant does not meet the requirements at the time of inspection and
- (1) the home design and construction is consistent with homes located in the community; and
- (2) the home is otherwise a safe environment for a child.
- (c) To the extent feasible, the department shall approve or deny a foster care home license, including a request for a variance under this section, not more than 45 days after the date the department receives the application for a foster care home license. If it is not feasible to approve or deny a foster care home license not more than 45 days after receiving the application, a supervisory-level employee may authorize a longer period of time for the decision, but the period must be the shortest period feasible.