1. (1) The division shall have exclusive authority to issue permits for public school construction projects.

2. (2) In accordance with Sections 10-9a-305 and 17-27a-305, counties and municipalities may not require separate permits for public school construction but may:

   1. (a) receive notification of projects from the State Board of Education or the division;
   2. (b) through a process the division facilitates, provide input during the division's review process; and
   3. (c) in accordance with this part, coordinate on infrastructure connections and traffic impacts.
3. (3) The division's permit supersedes any local permitting requirement for public school construction.
4. (4) Notwithstanding the division's exclusive permitting authority, the division may not override local zoning ordinances or land use regulations except as specifically authorized by statute.
5. (5) An LEA may appeal permitting decisions under this section to the appeals panel established under Section 63A-5b-1221.

Enacted by Chapter 225, 2026 General Session