Authorizes the appeal of a permit, for certain transportation corridor projects, to a local hearing officer or other local appeal process if the department of transportation consents, but if the department does not consent, permits must be appealed directly to superior court.

Clarifies existing law such that, when exercising its authority, the department of transportation is not required to obtain certain permits for staging areas related to the construction of state highways.

Prohibits the appeal of certain building permits, issued by a city, town, county, or code city, by any party other than the permittee or the department of transportation.

Requires a permit to be issued to the greatest extent practicable, by a city, town, county, or code city, to the department of transportation for a transportation corridor project within ninety days of the department completing the permit application.

Exempts normal maintenance, repairs, safety upgrades, and signage improvements within the right-of-way of state highway facilities from all local permits and reviews conducted to implement the shoreline management act.

Exempts from the state environmental policy act, department of transportation projects that are categorically excluded under the national environmental policy act.