utilities; restrictions; prohibitions; preemption; repeal

HB 2242 limits municipal authority over utility provider choices for new construction. It prohibits cities and counties from denying building permits based on the proposed utility provider (water, wastewater, gas, or electric) or charging higher fees for specific providers. The bill requires equal treatment of all authorized utility providers and bans municipalities from requiring business licenses as a permit condition. It also prevents municipalities from forcing subsequent owners to obtain permits for prior unpermitted construction, except for health/safety violations. The law repeals conflicting prior statutes (ARS 9-810 and 11-867) to clarify statewide standards for building permits.