(a)  Except as provided in Section 17011, the rules and regulations adopted, amended, or repealed from time to time pursuant to this part shall be consistent with accepted standards and practices reasonably applicable to permanent and temporary employee housing and the utilization of housing or camping facilities. In promulgating rules and regulations, the department shall consider, among other things, geographic, topographic, and climatic conditions. The department may establish a schedule of fees for the construction and operation of employee housing wherever the department is the enforcing agency.

(b)  The department may provide for the waiver or reduction of fees during construction or substantial rehabilitation that is not the result of a notice by an enforcement agency where funding is received from a public entity. The department shall provide for a waiver of the fees for an operating permit during the first three years of operation after new construction or substantial rehabilitation of employee housing that is not the result of a notice by an enforcement agency.

(Amended by Stats. 1992, Ch. 1298, Sec. 34. Effective January 1, 1993.)