Relating to the authority of certain persons to obtain third-party review of plats and property development plans, permits, and similar documents, and the inspection of an improvement related to such a document.

HB 2977 creates a process for developers and property owners to obtain third-party review of development plans or inspections if a regulatory authority fails to act within 15 days. It allows applicants to hire licensed engineers (under Occupations Code Chapter 1001) or approved inspectors (like International Code Council-certified professionals) to review plans or inspect improvements, provided the reviewer isn't the applicant or the person whose work is being reviewed. The third party must follow all applicable laws as if they were the regulatory authority and must notify the authority of results within 15 days of completion. This directly affects developers seeking faster approvals, property owners needing inspections, and local government agencies managing development reviews. The bill does not change the 15-day deadline but provides an alternative when agencies miss it.