Bill > AB671

This bill aims to streamline the restaurant tenant improvement permit approval process by establishing a faster, more efficient method for reviewing and approving building plans. The bill allows local building departments to permit licensed architects or engineers (called "qualified professional certifiers") to certify that restaurant renovation plans comply with all applicable building, health, and safety codes, at the applicant's expense. Under this new process, local building departments must approve or deny permit applications within 20 business days, and if they do not respond within that timeframe, the plan is automatically deemed approved. If a plan is initially denied, the applicant can resubmit corrected plans addressing specific deficiencies, and the department must review and respond within 10 business days. The bill requires local building departments to conduct random audits of at least 20% of submitted plans and provides provisions for disciplinary action against certifiers who make false statements. The legislation is designed to support small, independent restaurants by reducing bureaucratic delays, recognizing restaurants' important role in California's cultural, economic, and agricultural landscape. The bill also includes provisions to maintain public safety by requiring professional liability insurance for certifiers and maintaining mandatory construction inspections.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry, Government Affairs

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB671