Accelerated restaurant building plan approval: California Retail Food Code: tenant improvements.

Assembly Members Wicks and Gabriel propose streamlining California's restaurant tenant improvement permit process through a new certification system that allows qualified architects and engineers to verify compliance with building and safety codes. The legislation establishes a 20-business-day timeline for local building departments to approve or deny complete applications, with plans deemed approved if no decision is rendered within that period.

Under the proposed framework, qualified professional certifiers must possess at least five years of commercial building design experience and maintain $2 million in liability insurance. These professionals would submit sworn affidavits confirming that tenant improvement plans meet all applicable building, health and safety requirements. Local building departments must audit at least 20 percent of certified submissions weekly and provide correction notices within 10 business days if deficiencies are found.

The bill preserves local oversight by allowing cities and counties to implement additional requirements for certifiers, including registration, training, and penalties for non-compliance. It also maintains existing construction inspection processes and health department authority under the California Retail Food Code. Professional certifiers remain liable for damages from negligent plan reviews, while permit applicants must indemnify local agencies against property damage or injury claims arising from certified projects.

The legislation adds false certification statements as grounds for disciplinary action by state architectural and engineering boards. It exempts local agencies from liability related to permit decisions while requiring them to process resubmitted plans addressing identified deficiencies within 10 business days. The provisions apply to all California cities, including charter cities, as the Legislature deems restaurant permitting a matter of statewide concern.