CA AB671

Establishes a streamlined permit approval process for restaurant tenant improvements, allowing licensed architects or engineers with 5+ years of commercial experience and $2 million in liability insurance to certify that plans comply with building, health, and safety codes

Requires local building departments to approve or deny permit applications within 20 business days of receiving a complete application; plans are automatically deemed approved if no decision is made within that timeframe

Limits review of resubmitted plans to only the deficiencies identified in the initial denial, with a 10 business day approval deadline for subsequent resubmissions

Mandates local building departments conduct random audits of at least 20% of certified tenant improvements weekly, with correction notices required within 10 business days if material noncompliance is found

Makes qualified professional certifiers liable for damages from negligent plan review, requires applicants to indemnify local agencies, and shields public entities from liability for permit decisions under this process