New Legislation Accelerates Restaurant Renovation Permits 2/05/26

Assembly Bill 671 is a new piece of state legislation that streamlines the permit process for restaurant tenant improvements by requiring local building departments to approve or deny project plans within 20 business days, or 10 business days for resubmissions. The bill only applies to interior renovations of restaurants and projects that do not require formal review under the California Retail Food Code. AB 671 also introduces the option to hire an experienced architect or engineer to certify that plans meet building, health, and safety requirements, rather than going through a local building department. Click here for more information about AB 671.