Accelerated restaurant building plan approval.

Assembly Members Wicks and Gabriel propose a new certification process for restaurant tenant improvements that would allow licensed architects and engineers to verify building code compliance, establishing mandatory timelines for local permit approvals. The legislation creates a framework where qualified professional certifiers - architects or engineers with at least five years of commercial experience and $2 million in liability insurance - can review and certify restaurant renovation plans.

Under the proposed system, local building departments must approve or deny certified applications within 20 business days, after which plans are automatically deemed approved if no action is taken. The bill requires departments to audit at least 20% of certified submissions weekly, initiating reviews within five days of permit issuance. Departments must issue correction notices within 10 days for any material violations found during audits. Professional certifiers remain liable for damages from negligent reviews, and false statements can trigger disciplinary action by state licensing boards.

The legislation maintains existing construction inspection requirements while creating a supplemental review pathway. Local health departments retain full authority over food facility inspections under the California Retail Food Code. While departments can continue charging permit fees, the bill exempts qualifying projects from California Environmental Quality Act review when classified as ministerial approvals. The provisions would apply uniformly across all California municipalities, including charter cities, based on legislative findings that restaurant permitting affects statewide tourism and agricultural interests.