Bill > AB1915

This bill aims to streamline the permitting process for restaurants and update various food safety regulations. A key provision establishes an accelerated approval process for "like-for-like equipment installation," meaning replacing existing restaurant equipment with similar new units. Under this process, a qualified licensed contractor certifier, who meets specific experience and insurance requirements, can submit a certification of compliance with applicable codes, and the local building department must approve or deny the permit within 10 business days, otherwise, it's deemed approved if fees are paid. This expedited process is intended to be exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), which typically requires environmental reviews for projects. The bill also introduces changes to food safety standards, including updating the definition of "limited food preparation" to exclude milk products, adjusting the required temperature for "warm water" for handwashing, modifying rules for refrigeration unit temperature displays, grease traps, and passthrough window service openings, and establishing specific procedures for "noncontinuous cooking" (par-cooking) of raw animal foods. Additionally, it allows for certain exemptions from restroom requirements for takeout-only businesses and adjusts rules for bar area walls and ceilings, as well as overhead protection for temporary food facilities. False certifications by contractor certifiers can lead to disciplinary action by the Contractors State License Board and potential perjury charges. The bill also mandates the California Building Standards Commission to adopt standards allowing takeout-only businesses to operate without customer restrooms and permits other restroom flexibility.