This program authorizes applicants to utilize a qualified professional certifier to attest that their project plans and specifications comply with all applicable building, health, and safety codes. This webpage outlines the project eligibility requirements and the procedural guidelines for utilizing this accelerated administrative pathway.

Projects meeting all of the following criteria may be eligible for an expedited permitting process:

• The scope of the project is restricted to interior tenant improvements within an existing restaurant tenant space or building and does not alter the building’s primary lateral-force-resisting system, nor does it expand the building footprint or height.
• The project is related to a retail food establishment that prepares, serves, and vends food directly to the consumer, including fast-food restaurants.
• The project plans and documents are prepared and certified by a Qualified Professional Certifier (to be linked)

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Exclusions: The project does not involve any of the following:

• Major structural Tenant Improvement (TI) remodels.
• Unreinforced Masonry (URM) buildings.
• A Change of Use.

All permit applications for interior TI to food service establishments are required to be submitted via the e-plan process through ePlanLA. ePlanLA, the Electronic Plan Review system, provides a streamlined and efficient online method for customers to apply for building permits and submit their building plans for review. For additional information and to address any queries about the Electronic Plan Review system, please visit our frequently asked questions page.

Applicants must submit a building permit application identifying the project as an AB 671 accelerated review

Applicants must provide:

• A plan set certified and stamped by the qualified professional certifier, indicating compliance with all building, health, and safety codes
• A Qualified Professional Certifier Affidavit attesting to code compliance, program eligibility, and proof of the certifier's qualifications (can be submitted before permit issuance)
• An Indemnification Agreement

See Information Bulletin DOCUMENT SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS FOR A NEW COMMERCIAL/INDUSTRIAL BUILDING

Once the complete application is submitted, LADBS will complete its review for compliance with building, health, and safety disciplines within 20 business days; otherwise, the application will be deemed approved.

In the event that the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) issues plan check corrections or if necessary approvals from external departments such as Fire, Public Health, or Planning are required, the applicant must resubmit plans addressing all noted deficiencies. Such resubmittals shall be subject to a secondary review within 10 business days, otherwise the application will be deemed to be approved.

Once all review the corrections are signed off and other departmental clearances have signed off, the application will proceed to standard permit issuance.

Even with a qualified professional certifier, all physical inspections will continue to be performed by LADBS after permit issuance.

• The use of a certifier does not exempt the project from required inspections or modifications identified in the field
• Additionally, state law requires local building departments to audit at least 20% of all tenant improvements submitted per week under this program to ensure strict compliance with safety codes

In order to qualify as a professional certifier for this program, an individual must meet all of the following criteria:

• Licensing: The certifier must be a licensed engineer or an architect.

   

• Experience: The certifier must have at least five years of experience in commercial building design or plan review

   

• Liability Insurance: The certifier must maintain professional liability insurance in an amount not less than two million dollars ($2,000,000) per occurrence

Restaurant and Small Business Express Program (RSBEP)

Outdoor dining area applicants may utilize LADBS' complementary Restaurant and Small Business Express Program (RSBEP). The goal of the RSBEP is to make the permitting and inspection process more efficient by enhancing the coordination of permitting, construction, and inspection.